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May 7th 2005
Awakeri’s soccer teams enjoyed their first games of the new season on Saturday,
with
quite a few players doing well on debut.
A new look Awakeri 15th grade side played well against an organised James Street
team in their opening game of the season. James Street capitalised on slow
communication with a top goal after five minutes from an acute angle. Good ball
forward from the midfield saw Awakeri striker Ben McPherson level with a
powerhouse shot past the keeper. The rest of the half saw both sides step up
their
game with accurate passing and good teamwork.
In the second half James Street put together some excellent passages of play
but
Awakeri keeper Jono Whitaker, with backs Caleb Simpson, Kelly Stanton and Sam
Dowden held firm. Kate Dowden sent a good ball through to McPherson midway
through and he slotted the ball into the net. James Street came back strongly
with a
well-deserved individual effort from Cameron Wills. A draw was not in both teams’
game plans, with numerous attacks on goal from both sides. Awakeri took the
game
three minutes from full time when David Wakefield scored with a well-flighted
shot.
Playing in his first game for Awakeri, Caleb Simpson was named player of the
day for
his solid defence and strong busting running. The final score was Awakeri 3,
James
Street 2.
In the 13th grade, the Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces fought out an
entertaining 1 - 1 draw with Ohope. Aces had an opportunity to steal the match
in the
final minute, when they were awarded a penalty. However the penalty attempt
missed
and the final whistle blew. Player of the day for Aces was Indiana Brown who
improves with every match. Others to stand out were Vikki Lowndes in defence
and
James Holani who battled hard in midfield. Robert Sonntag was Aces scorer. This
was a very positive start for Aces.
Also in the 13th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers met a strong
Whakatane Celtic team. Celtic had a very comfortable win, but the Rangers players
were not downhearted and will find plenty of things to improve on throughout
the
season. David Ernest was named player of the day for his hard work in the midfield.
Hailey Green and Oliver Butler were others to impress.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos had a hard first game in the 11th grade A division, against
Whakatane Orcas. However, a good team effort saw them go on to win 5 - 1. Jayden
Haddock scored a hat-trick for Autos, Stephen Glassbrook and an own goal
completed the scoring. Guy Kamphorst earned player of the match for his excellent
positional play. Others to stand out were keeper Matt McKeown and defender Joshua
McIntyre.
In the 11th grade B division, C.J. McIndoe Awakeri Dragons opening match saw
much to make a coach proud. Most of the team have been together since they were
tiny, and the teamwork and camaraderie is starting to bear fruit. Dragons won
their
first game 8 - 0 against Whakatane Strikers. Mark Morrison (4), Ben Fretwell
(2),
Leah Sheather and Caleb Sheather scored the goals. Jarrod Butler is new to the
game
of soccer, but this was not obvious as he went on to win the player of the day
for his
fine efforts in defence.
Awakeri Diggers borrowed two Ohope players in their 11th grade B division game,
and so suffered a default. However, they then went on to win the game 7 - 0!
Taylah
Bateson scored a hat-trick and deserved player of the match for his hard running.
Sam
Schuler grabbed four goals, and Aimee Jones did well in her first soccer match.
The 9th grade Da Silva Kingz played Opotiki at home. Matthew Eveleens played
a
great game for Opotiki and was awarded player of the day for his efforts. The
Kingz
ran hard all game but were very tired by the end, with no subs and moving up
to a 40
minute game. Zac Fretwell and Daniel Reeves scored a goal each to beat the visitors
2
- 1.
Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights were at home to Kawerau, also in the 9th grade.
Although there are things to improve on over the season, Knights put in a good
effort
to win 3 - 2. Jordan Sutton earned player of the match. Also on top form were
Kurt
Turpie, Samuel Burgess and David Klein-Ovink.
The Awakeri Jets started their 8th grade season off playing excellent soccer.
They
held their positions well against Whakatane Incredibles and earned an entertaining
1 -
1 draw. Jade Hollis stood out with his efforts as defender and keeper. Player
of the
match Hollis made lots of good saves when the Incredibles peppered his goal
in the
second half.
The 7th grade Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets played like a bunch of seasoned
professionals. First timers like Jordan Van der Gulik certainly put their best
foot forward and gave it their best. Nikoli Christensen was unlucky with
multiple shots at goal. The excellent goal keeping by Daniel Perkinson was a
huge boost in keeping the final score of 1-0 to Opotiki. This was helped by
good defence from Shane Hope at the back. Player of the match went to Thomas
Holani for his dogged determination and commitment.
In the youngest age group, the 6th grade, Awakeri Tigers played well and held
the
lead for quite a while against Paroa Totara. Player of the match Cameron Shakes
scored twice, with Daniel Perkinson adding a third. Mekaela Learmond was within
a
whisker of scoring too, as Paroa won the game 5 - 3.