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

Report on games played May 6th 1999.

Plenty of goals was the order of the day in Awakeri Store Strikers 13th grade clash with Saints. Awakeri played very good football in the first half. Jamie Stanton opened the scoring, her strongly hit shot sailed over the keeper into the goal. The hardworking Matthew Gwynne, who was to earn player-of-the-match, beat the Saints defence and slotted in a nice goal. Carrington Brown had the bad luck to hit the post with a good shot. Saints hit in a reply before half time. In the second half, Saints attacked well, and the Awakeri defence had difficulty keeping them out. They took the lead, then Brown smacked in a strong shot from a corner to even things up. However, late goals to Saints saw them take the match 5 - 3. For Strikers, Mitchell James and Simon Turner had strong games.

It was a tired performance from the Gould Contracting Awakeri Hotshots in the 11th grade A division, as they played Whakatane. Darren Groom was named player-of-the-match, for his efforts in getting back to support the defence. Melanie Hancox did well in her turn in goal and out on the field, while others to impress were Jonathon Whitham, Troy Jansen and Neil Sax. Whakatane won 3 - 0.

In the 11th grade B division, Adamson’s Amcal Pharmacy Awakeri Athletic had a very even game against Whakatane. Both teams worked very hard on the full sized pitch. Awakeri had some good early chances, while Whakatane came back into the game later. Player-of-the-match Christine Scott played excellently in defence in the first half and held her position well. Adam Rutland made some good saves in goal, including stopping a run-away in the last second to secure a 0 - 0 draw. Sarah and Jordan Macdonald and Max Butler all turned in top games for Athletic.

David Da Silva Awakeri Autos had an exciting 4 - 4 draw with Saints in the 9th grade. They were leading 2 - 0 at half time but Saints fought their way back well. Autos passing and team work was a feature, Glenn Collins earned the player-of-the-match award for his tackling and reliable work in defence. Hayden Reeves was very pleased to score his first ever goal, while Bradley Turner and the skilful Nicholas Knight also put away goals.

Opotiki’s very good team work was too strong for Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers in the 8th grade. Ben Hancox stopped many attacks in defence and was named Rangers’ player-of-the-match. Goalkeepers Chris Stanton and Indiana Brown did well in their turns, as did out-fielders Nicholas Schuler and Vikki Lowndes. Opotiki won the game 5 - 0.

Also in the 8th grade, Awakeri Magic had an exciting 1 - 1 draw with Kawerau One. The two teams were evenly matched. Steven Law earned the player-of-the-match for his efforts, Chelsie Pettinger was another to have a fine game. Jade Cossey scored Magic’s goal, by following the ball up well.

Goalkeeper Kane Wakefield saved two sure goals and saw his team Awakeri Blues through to a 4 - 1 win against Opotiki Mustangs in the 7th grade. Wakefield was named player-of-the-match for Blues. Their goal scorers were Carlene Steer, Devon Swart (2) and Robert Sonntag.

Peter Clarke Ltd Awakeri had a tough match against their 7th grade opponents Kawerau. Matthew Richmond scored both the Awakeri goals, while Maddison Constantine and Brent Gurran made some timely tackles that prevented goals. Oliver Butler tried really hard in goal and bravely came out to stop some attacks. He was awarded player-of-the-match. Kawerau won the match 8 - 2.

In the 6th grade, Awakeri Hurricanes put together some great soccer in front of their vocal band of supporters. They drew 1 - 1 with Saints and are showing good development in their play. Jayden Haddock scored Awakeri’s goal, while Ryan McIntyre, Rhys Cram and player-of-the-match Sam Schuler all got stuck in to the game.

Awakeri Draintech Diggers had an even game in the 6th grade against Ohope. Sydney Jones worked hard for his team and earned player-of-the-match. Liam Richards, Gareth Rowlands and Logan Munro all scored goals as Diggers won the game 3 - 1. Ohope were unlucky with some of their efforts, and impressed with their sportsmanship.