Awakeri Soccer Club... the Greatest Junior Soccer Club in New Zealand


August 4th 2001


Awakeri’s soccer teams tried hard to match the brilliant weather on Saturday and there were a number of
exciting games.
In the 13th grade, Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots hosted an Ohope team, who were down on
numbers. Hotshots dominated much of the possession, but good Ohope defence made a game of it.
Eventually Hotshots scored, when Jono Dawson fed Ian Sisam down the right wing. His cross found
Croydon Little in front of goal and he duly scored. When Ohope won the ball they were dangerous, with
some long skilful runs at the Awakeri defence. One of these paid off after half time and the scores were
evened up. Ricky Rowlands almost returned the favour, when he ran through the Ohope defence, but the
keeper made an outstanding block. Lance Robison then looked to have grabbed a goal, but his shot was
superbly tipped over the bar by the keeper. With time running out, Awakeri’s player of the match Jeremy
Hawkes went on a trademark run from the backs, fed the ball to Sisam, who again crossed to Little to
convert the winner. Awakeri Hotshots 2, Ohope 1.
A tremendous game by David Wakelin set up Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic for their 7 - 0
win against Whakatane in the 11th grade A division. Wakelin earned player of the match, scoring two goals
and intelligently setting up several others with his incisive passing. Sytse Tacoma had his best game of the
season, with lots of hard running and some good passing. Darren Groom showed his eye for the goal,
putting away four, while Ben McPherson also slotted one home. Other to stand out were Shane Campney
and Jordan Macdonald.
Private Asset Management 9th grade Aces and Whakatane Two treated their spectators to an exciting game.
Awakeri eventually managed to come out the victors, 3 goals to 2, thanks to goals from Devon Swart(2)
and Matthew Reeves. Chelsie Pettinger covered much ground and made some great tackles, as did Jordan
Panasewych. Player of the day was Vincent Sheather who made some great passes and was very strong on
defence. Overall an excellent team performance, with players working together and looking to pass to one
another.
9th Grade Total Power Rangers played Edgecumbe and had an unlucky loss of 1 - nil. Awakeri totally
dominated the first half but were unable to score a goal. Edgecumbe were fortunate to take their chances
during the second half. Ben Hancox was again strong in defence. Chris Stanton returned to better form and
had a confident game. Emma Barr had her first turn in goal and did very well. Player of the day went to
Joseph Newdick with his strong tackling techniques and growing confidence as goalie.
Awakeri Chiefs had heaps of fun in their 8th grade game with Whakatane One. Chiefs helped even the team
numbers up by lending their opponents some players. Maddison Constantine was named player of the match,
in what was a whole team effort. Whakatane won the game 3 - 0.
In the 7th grade, Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers played James Street One. Player of the match Riki Roia came
close top scoring a number of times, but without luck. Rhys Cram had a huge game in defence, and Ryan
McIntyre also turned in a top effort. James Street won the game 3 - 0.
There were lots of goals in the other 7th grade encounter. Awakeri Blue Stingers played two four aside
games with Otakiri. There was lots of good running, calling and passing, as one game was drawn 4 - 4 and
the other went 3 - 2 to Otakiri. Keanu Carter’s hat-trick saw him named player of the day. Guy Kamphorst
also impressed with good control and some nice passes, and Jemma Shaw was a strong defender.
Awakeri Rockets showed good sportsmanship, happily having turns to play for the below strength Paroa
team in the 6th grade. They also all played up to their best form. Mark Morrison played his best game of the
season, scoring a goal for both teams! He was awarded player of the match. Jordan Steers was in
commanding form, scoring five times, and Robert Law also grabbed a goal, in the 7 - 4 win for Rockets.
The 6th Grade games between the Alfresco Court Motel Tigers and James Street, were close and exciting
with James Street just edging out the home team in both games. Ricky Hollis was named player of the day,
for his efforts on the wing. He made good space and passed and tackled well. Others to stand out were Te
Naawe Tupe for his tackling and Leah Sheather for the ground she covered in defence and attack. Special
thanks to Alex Christensen's dad for refereeing, even though he was sick.
The Awakeri Soccer Club is proud to have a number of its players representing the EBOP this season.
Congratulations to Devon Swart, Vincent Sheather, Matthew Reeves and Waylon Skipps who are in the
new 8th grade reps; Ben McPherson and Jordan Macdonald in the 11th grade; Lance Robison 12th grade
and Matthew Ward and Jeremy Hawkes in the 13th grade.

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