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

August 5th 2000

In many of the Awakeri Soccer Club’s games on Saturday, the girls stood out in their mixed teams.

Awakeri Store Strikers had an evenly matched soccer game with Saints in the 13th grade on Saturday. Awakeri dominated the first half without scoring, but both teams lifted their games in the second half. Awakeri’s passing kept a good supply of possession, but Saints used their speedy strikers to good effect. Liam Fitzgerald scored for Awakeri with ten minutes to go after he collected a ball played forward from Jeremy Hawkes. Pressure from Saints in the final minutes gave them an equaliser when a strongly hit cross rebounded off a defender into the goal. Jamie Stanton was named player-of-the-match for her good passing and strength in the midfield. Goalkeeper Cody Hancox had an excellent game too, as did the tireless Nicholas Law, who covered well and won a lot of ball.

In the 11th grade A division Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots played the very strong Opotiki Hurricanes team. Despite having a number of players absent, Hotshots battled away to the end. Goalkeeper Daniel Goodhew impressed, making a number of well judged saves. Rink Tacoma earned player-of-the-match, as she competed with determination throughout the game. Mark Ernest filled in for Hotshots, before playing again in the following game, and acquitted himself well. Melanie Hancox was another to perform well. Opotiki ran out the winners 11 - 0.

Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic played better this week than last in the 11th grade B division, even though they recorded a 3 - 0 loss. They took on Opotiki and their girls in particular stood out. Player-of-the-match Katie Collins had her best game. She was well involved in the play, making some good tackles and sprinting back to retrieve the ball when it had gone past. Christine Scott and Kelly Stanton did a lot of running in the midfield and combined well together. Sarah Macdonald also put in a big effort, showing plenty of determination.

Cold conditions at Allandale didn’t stop 9th grade David da Silva Awakeri Autos playing well. It was a fast moving game, with Leonard Sonntag in particular covering the field well and supporting the play in defence and on attack. Sonntag was named player-of-the-match. Russell Sisam scored a good goal for Autos, getting past the defence and keeping his head to go round the keeper to score. Allandale won the game 2 - 1.

Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers also braved the cold at Allandale in the 8th grade. Their game went from end to end, but no goals were scored. Rangers made a number of good chances in the second half, but Allandale’s keeper fended them off well. In a good team effort, James Attewell was player-of-the-match. Goalkeepers Bretsche Tacoma and Joshua McCormick also did well to keep the opposition scoreless.

In the 7th grade, Awakeri Blues had their game cancelled, but Peter Clarke Ltd Awakeri did get to meet Allandale. In an all-round brilliant effort, Awakeri secured a 1 - 1 draw. Player-of-the-match Brent Gurran made some excellent saves in goal in the first half and produced very good skills on the field in the second half. Harry Cotter did the job for his hard working team-mates, scoring the goal. Joshua Mower played his best game of the season, while Kelly Hughes also put in a top effort. The team were buoyed by their vocal sideline supporters.

In the 6th grade, both Awakeri teams met in a competitive, entertaining encounter. Kate McConway was player-of-the-match for Awakeri Hurricanes. She made some good saves in goal and also kicked the ball out well. Hannah Hudson had another good game and was rewarded with a well taken goal. Other to do well were Jayden Haddock, Jemma Shaw and Rhys Cram. Victoria Newdick was player-of-the-match for Awakeri Draintech Diggers. She had her best game so far. Diggers all put in a top effort, inspired by playing their mates. Guy Kamphorst, Riki Roia and Logan Munro scored for Diggers.