May 8th 2004

Awakeri’s soccer teams got off to a flying start on Saturday, producing some very
good results.
The Edge Swim School Awakeri Bullets might be Under 6s and first time players, but
they started the season like real pros. There was no stopping them against Paroa
today. Nikoli Christensen had endless energy and scored all four goals for the Bullets.
There were some close misses by other keen team members. It proved a quiet day in
goal for Tyrin Penberth and Tiaan Brownless. Daniel Perkinson took home player of
the match for some superb play and a good attitude.
Also in the 6th grade, Awakeri Tigers played Dallisons Kawerau. They enjoyed their
game, despite losing 2 - 0. Shane Hope showed some very good skills and Alec Hunt
made some very good saves in goal. Rebekah Bloxholm was named player of the
match for her good work.
A good first game was played by Awakeri 7th grade Jets against Thornton
Thoroughbreds who proved to be tough opposition. Despite excellent defence by
goalies Oliver Richmond and Samuel Holani,Thornton went on to win 3 - 0. All the
Jets played well and there was a great runaway attempt by first time player Taylah
Wakefield. Player of the match went to Sam McPherson.
In the 8th grade, the Awakeri Kingz opened their season well against the Whakatane
Panthers. Good teamwork led to goals from Christopher Walker and Matthew
Eveleens. The Kingz worked the ball well up the wings and then crossed the ball in,
to set up both goals. Young Daniel Reeves had an excellent game, keeping possession
very well. He was named player of the match.
The Awakeri 9th grade team tried hard throughout their game against Otakiri Pythons.
The score at half time was 1 - 1, but Pythons went on to win 3 - 1. Caleb Sheather
earned player of the match. He supported the attacks well, and got back to do a fair
share of defending as well. Mark Morrison scored the goal, and Tyler Mansell was
another to impress with his hard working attitude.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos started their season in brilliant fashion. They met
Edgecumbe in the 10th grade and ended up winning 5 - 2. Jayden Haddock (2),
Stephen Glassbrook (2) and Guy Kamphorst scored the goals. Jemma Shaw won the
player of the match award, holding her position very well and putting up some stern
defence with Matthew Orr-McKeown. Joel Ingle also impressed with his work as
goalkeeper.
Also in the 10th grade, Drain Tech Awakeri Diggers had a sound start to their season,
beating Otakiri 3 - 2. Gareth Rowlands (2) and Riki Roia scored the goals, while Sam
Schuler was named player of the match.
Awakeri Steelers had an extremely good 11th grade game with the James Street
Dragons. The team showed lots of potential, with some teamwork already showing
through. First time player Danielle Smith earned player of the match. She listened
well to instructions and tried hard. Glenn Askey stepped up to the mark well too.
James Holani scored a cracking goal after good lead-up work by Kane Wakefield
down the left wing. The Dragons took the game 2 - 1.
It was a slow start to the Private Asset Management Awakeri Aces first game of the
season in the 13th grade. Allandale were leading 1 - nil at half time. Both teams were
showing a lack of fitness in their first outing on a full sized pitch. But two goals in the
second half by a more focused Awakeri side saw them come away with a 2-1 win.
Hawea Mansell and Vincent Sheather put the ball in the net. Player of the day went to
Ryan Church, a new player to the squad, who showed sound attacking ability.
Also in the 13th grade, Total Power Services Awakeri Rangers played Opotiki
in a very close game. Player of the day James Wilson scored the first goal, after a
several minutes of good attacking. Opotiki‘s forwards went to work to have the game
at 2-all at the break and then 4 - 2 ahead with 10 minutes left. Rangers then got some
good passes through Opotiki’s solid defence to find Hayden Reeves. Reeves was able
to score twice to level the game at 4-all. Matthew Reeves scored the other goal for
Rangers.
Awakeri NewCom 15th grade side played at home to a well-drilled and
organised Kawerau team. Kawerau dominated play from the start of the first half,
with accurate ball to their forwards and breaking runs by their midfield. Top defence
by Awakeri centre back Daniel Goodhew and Neil Sax kept the half time score to 3-0.
The second half saw this new and injury depleted Awakeri side begin to put together
a good passing game. Good skills were shown by Ezra Allerby, Paddy Deegan and
Tyler Hunt in the midfield, as they got some good ball forward. This led to a penalty
which Hayden Te Moana slotted home. Awakeri keeper, Jonathan Whitaker, stopped
some good shots on goal and a direct free kick mid way through the half but Kawerau
managed to score again before full time.
A deserving Daniel Goodhew was named player of the match for his tireless effort in
defence. The final score was 4-1 to Kawerau

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