22nd June 2019

Awakeri's football teams had some excellent results on Saturday.
Awakeri Ninjas played Whakatane Phoenix in the 13th grade. An unlucky own goal gave the Ninjas an early lead. Ben Peat pounced on a stray goal kick soon after to put Ninjas two nil up. Whakatane fought back well and got a well-deserved goal late in the first half. The second half was well contested, with Joseph Spalding pushing forward well for Ninjas and earning himself a good double. The final score was 4 - 1 but Whakatane were in it for the whole game. The Ninjas were really solid in defence. The players of the day were Mason Nurkka, who was everywhere on defence, and Ashlee Jennings who was sound at right back.
Cascade Charters Awakeri Raptors continued their merry way in the 11th grade. They had another good win, 6 – 0 against Saints Sharks. Their player of the day was Rhiane Byers. She put in a gutsy determined effort on attack and scored a nice goal.
Also in the 11th grade, Awakeri Magic played Kawerau Red Stags on Saturday. Kawerau Stags are a very well drilled side and put pressure on Awakeri from the start. It was nil all at half time. The second half started like the first, but Stags found a player in space in front of goal and scored. Five minutes later Awakeri made a defensive mistake and the Stags scored again. Magic dug down deep. Alex Whiteman found himself with ball and scored. From the restart Magic went up a gear,putting the pressure on, but ran out of time. Kawerau took the win 2 - 1. Arran Dominick was player of day for his forward play for Magic.
Awakeri Athletics played Plains Panthers in the 9th grade. The game was well fought and Athletic deservedly secured a 1 - 1 draw. Their player of the day went to Liv Brownlee for a great defensive performance. Ash Kelly had a strong second half as goal keeper.
Also in the 9th grade, Awakeri Mustangs went to Opotiki with only a handful of players. In a wonderful team effort they came away with a 6 - 0 win. The player of the day was Jamee-Lee Nuku. Goal scorers were Fergus Rowe, Jade Mahy, Flynn Dominick and Ava MacDonald.
Awakeri Phoenix played Allandale Terminators in the 8th grade. It was a high scoring game with Phoenix winning 6 - 4. Their goal scorers were Joe Ferguson (4), Addison Whiteman and Joe combined and Paige Horner. Players of the day were Addison (for great all round play) and Joe (fantastic goal scoring!).
Awakeri Rascals had a fantastic morning of soccer in the 7th grade. They finally had all their players back from illness. Their first game was won 5 – 0, goals scored by Harry Davidson (2), Braxton Semmens and Olivia Hathaway. The second game was won 4 – 0. Goals were scored by Harry, Max Mead and Braxton Semmens (2). Great team work and defence by Braxton Yardley and McKenzie Nurkka. Player of the day was awarded to Olivia for her fantastic first goal of the season.
Awakeri Eagles did very well in the 6th grade. They had a game among themselves when their Allandale opponents were too sick to play. Their second game was against Whakatane Town Strikers, which Eagles won 4 – 1. Mylee Mathews and Harvey Ferguson scored two goals each. Player of the day went to Braden Thomas.
Awakeri Aces had two good games in the 6th grade. They beat Whakatane Town Strikers 4 – 0, with goals from Jude Sweeney (3) and Kyan Krause. Then they had a 0 – 0 draw with Ohope Kingfishers. Aces' player of the day was jimmy Brownlee, whose cool head on defence and good linking with the forwards reminded his coach of a young Patrick Vieira!
Also in the 6th grade, it was a fun morning of soccer for the Awakeri Rovers. They had a tough first game against the Ohope Marlins, going down 3 - 0. Player of the day Tobi Tootell played a great game in defence. His eye was always on the ball and he moved around, blocking balls from all directions. Scarlett Mead was also kept busy making some fine tackles and saves. Their second game was against the Saint Shooters. Although Rovers dominated this game, the final score was 3 – 3. Ben Overdevest scored two great goals in this game and Maddie Paling came away with her first goal of the season. Corbin James played a good game on defence and had a few shots at goal too.


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