24th August 2019

Exciting contests was a common theme for quite a few Awakeri football teams on Saturday, with several age groups having their last games of the season.
Awakeri Ninjas had a well contested 2 - 2 draw against Ohope in the 13th grade. Brad Yuill did a first time strike from well wide and well outside the box to open the scoring. Ohope grabbed an equaliser in the dying minutes of the first half. Kobi Wetting did the cross of the season from the left side which Brad controlled to the right of goal then struck hard into top left corner. The game raced from end to end, testing everyone's fitness. Ohope grabbed the equaliser with 10 minutes left. The intensity then lifted another notch. Both teams had chances to win it, however everyone played so well on both sides it was fair to not have a loser. Player of the day could have gone to anyone however Max Thompson was so solid in defence, showing goods skills, especially in the air with some brilliant headers. Leon Mahy also deserves a mention for his effort in goal. It was an excellent season for the Ninjas, ending second behind Foxy Feet.
At the top of the 11th grade, Awakeri Raptors had a fantastic tussle against Whakatane Sharks with some great football played by both sides. Raptors were 1-0 up at half time and then the Sharks came back after half time, converting more of their chances, to win the game 3 - 1. Raptors' players of the day were Kieran Robinson for an all-round great game and Nathan Reihana-Asquith for his skills on attack.
Also in the 11th grade, Awakeri Magic won 2 – 1 against Ohope Orcas. Their player of the day was Callum Cameron.
In the 9th grade, Awakeri Athletic had a good win 5 - 2 against Edgecumbe in their second last game of the season. They played well as a team and passed the ball around well. Josh Spalding (3), Mason Merriman and Addison Neill scored the goals. The player of the day went to Lila McDonnell for really getting involved.
Awakeri Mustangs continued their strong season in the 9th grade with a 4 – 0 win against Opotiki Magpies. The game was 0 - 0 at half time. Mustangs were determined and they all come out hard at the start of the second half. Jade Mahy was first to score then Fergus Rowe got a hat trick. Player of day was Jaimee-Lee Nuku.
Awakeri Phoenix played Ohope Stingrays in the 8th grade. Phoenix lost 5 - 2 with Innes Tootell scoring both of their goals. Innes shared player of the day for his goal scoring with Coby Rutledge, who put in a fine defensive play.
7th grade Awakeri Rangers had fun in the mud and puddles on Saturday. Their first game was against the Whakatane Town Snappers. They lost 4 - 0 to a strong Whakatane team. In their second game they were up against Allandale. Awakeri won the game 3 - 2. Two of Awakeri's goals were scored by Isabella Mitton and Reece Brown kicked the other goal. All the members of the team shared the player of the day award for playing with energy and enthusiasm in such cold and wet conditions.
Awakeri Rascals had a fantastic and muddy end to their 7th grade season with two close games. Their first game against the Awakeri United was a 2 - 2 draw, goals scored by Braxton Yardley and Braxton Semmens. Their second game against the Allandale Falcons was a 1-1 draw, goal scored by Max Mead. Both were very exciting games and a great way to end the season. The player of the day went to the whole team.
Awakeri Rovers had a good time in their last 6th grade game of the season. Their first game was forfeited by the other team, but they still had fun and played each other. Their second game was against the Allandale All Stars. Rovers were too strong, winning 6 - 1. The goals were scored by Logan Owen, Maddie Paling, Tobias Hoffman and Corbin James. All the players received player of the day certificates for having such a great season. They went home wet and muddy, with huge smiles on their faces.
Awakeri Aces rounded off their 6th grade season with a 4 - 2 loss to Whakatane Town Strikers, goals scored by Jude Sweeney and Kyan Krause; and then a 2 - 2 draw with St Joseph's. Jude and Kyan again scored the goals. MVP- everyone in the squad for a great season. Liverpool 2018/19 like... will challenge for the premiership in 2020.

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