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June 7th 2003
Tough games were the order of the day for many of Awakeri’s soccer teams
on
Saturday.
In the 15th grade, Awakeri Mysterios got off to a quick start against Ohope.
Matthew
Ward curled an excellent shot past the keeper in the first minute. Ohope’s
good short
passing game got them a number of opportunities. They equalised with a strong
shot
over the keeper’s hands. Awakeri pulled away again when player of the match
Croydon Little, coming back from a lay-off through injury, scored from a corner.
Ohope came back again to even the scores up.
In the second half, Awakeri thought they had secured the win after taking a
two goal
lead, firstly through a Nicholas Law lob and then Sean Wright scoring from close
range. However Ohope pushed men forward and scored twice in the closing minutes
to force a 4 - 4 draw.
In the Junior High School Girls league, Awakeri had their first win. Awakeri
and
Whakatane both fought hard and the game see-sawed through until Awakeri got
ahead 3 - 2. They then had to defend hard to preserve their lead. Danniella
Palmer
scored twice for Awakeri and Sarah Macdonald converted a direct free kick. Philippa
Haslam’s excellent work on the wing saw her named player of the match.
Others to
stand out were the hardworking Hannah Searle and keeper Ashlee Cunningham.
Awakeri Adamson’s Pharmacy 13th Grade team played away to James Street
Cowboys in a close match. After a top game last week Awakeri was missing the
finishing and positional play in the first half with James Street putting together
good
ball to their forwards and strong defence. They created big gaps in the Awakeri
defence and scored two nice goals going to the break.
Awakeri came back in the second half with Russell Sisam slotting one past the
keeper
from a nice cross from Sam Hall ten minutes in. Max Farmer and Mark Ernest were
tight in defence. James Street scored again from a penalty near the end.
Sisam was named player of the day with Daniel Goodhew and Sam Hall also having
very good games. The final score was 3 - 1 to James Street.
Goals to James Attewell and Vincent Sheather led to a 2 - 0 win for Total Power
Awakeri Rangers in their 11th grade game with Edgecumbe. This was an improved
performance for Rangers with much better passing and movement by all players.
Vikki Lowndes had an excellent game in defence along with Kimberley Byres and
Paul Haslam. Chris Stanton had his best game of the year, passing the ball well
to link
in with his forwards. Attewell was named player of the match for his good backing
up
and support play.
A very determined 11th grade Awakeri Aces team took to the field Saturday to
continue their winning run. They started strongly by scoring five quick goals
in the
first half. The Whakatane Ramblers came back well in the second half to hold
the
Aces to a final score of 6 - 1. The player of the match went to Chris Johnston
for his
outstanding play and tireless effort.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos had a good tough battle with Paroa School in the 9th
grade.
The first half of the game was really evenly matched, with both teams taking
turns to
attack, from one end of the field to the other. At half time the score was even
at 2 all.
In the second half Autos started to string some good team moves together and
to
dominate. Autos took out the match 5 goals to 2. All Autos’ goals were
scored by
Jayden Haddock. It was an excellent game by all players. However, Stephen
Glassbrook deserved player of the day, for his good solid game both as goalie
in the
first half and excellent skills on attack.
Also in the 9th grade, Draintech Awakeri Diggers really turned it on against
Thornton. Mark Burnett (3), Gareth Rowlands (4), Riki Roia (2), Sam Schuler,
Rhys
Cram and Cameron Rio-Kumeroa all scored goals. Rhys Cram’s good efforts
in
defence had him named player of the match.
In the 8th grade, Private Asset Management 8th Grade Tigers came up against
a well
drilled Ohope Blazers team. Tigers never gave up and in the end, were unlucky
not to
score themselves. Clive McIndoe was outstanding in defence and was named player
of the match. Others to stand out were Ricky Hollis, who keeps on improving
with
every game, and Vinnie Luca who made some great runs down the wings. The final
result was 5 - 0 to Ohope Blazers.
A great start by Awakeri Steelers in their 8th grade game against Ohope had
them up
3 - 0 at half time. Ohope came back in the second half but Steelers hung on
to win 3 -
2. This was a big improvement over when the two sides met last season, and a
tribute
to good running and passing by the whole Steelers team. Mikaela Hancox put in
an
excellent all round game and was named player of the match. Mark Morrison (2)
and
Tyler Mansell scored the goals.
In the 7th grade, player of the match Matthew Eveleens had a brilliant attacking
game
for Awakeri Rockets against Saints. Despite going down 4 - 1, Rockets never
gave up.
Rory MacGregor also played well, chasing hard.
Awakeri Kingz had an exciting, even tussle with James Street Grasshoppers in
the 7th
grade. All the Kingz performed well. Player of the match Dean Frost, who put
in a
mighty effort up front, and Tautari Merito scored the goals to gain a 2 - 0
win for
Kingz.
In the 6th grade, Awakeri showed lots of improvement, and played well against
Ohope. Sam Holani was named player of the match. His good clearing kicks from
goal helped his team get out of defence. Konar Jarrett continues to improve
each
week. Another to do well was Cameron Morrison