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27th July 2019
Awakeri's football teams were happy to be back playing after the holiday break and featured in several thrilling encounters.
The 13th grade has been split into top four and bottom four divisions. There was an exciting game between two unbeaten teams in the top division when Awakeri Ninjas travelled to play Whakatane Intermediate Foxy Feet. The first half was evenly balanced with both teams having some useful attacks that were kept out by good defence. Ninjas' goalie Leon Mahy was very safe with his handling in some tricky moments in the dewy conditions. Foxy Feet kept Ninjas pinned back in their half for quite a bit of the second half and took the lead with a good strike from 20 metres. Ninjas threw caution to the wind after that and had success in the final minutes. Ben Peat beat his maker and sent a superb ball through the heart of the Foxy Feet defence. Brad Yuill, running through from the midfield, kept his nerve to round the keeper and score the equaliser. The result, a 1 – 1 draw.
Brad and Leon were named players of the day, with Joseph Spalding, Sophie Growden and Max Thompson also impressing.
There was a brilliant matchup between the two Awakeri teams in the 11th grade. Cascade Charters Awakeri Raptors and Awakeri Magic fought out a good tough game. It was nil all at half time with Raptors eventually taking the win 1-0. Raptors' player of the day was Tejay Robinson for his efforts on attack. Magic's defenders did a great job covering each other and working together, with keeper Ryan Lambert playing out of his skin, making many saves. The whole Magic team shared player of the day.
Awakeri Athletic played an absolute thriller against Kawerau in the 9th grade. They fought back from two goals down to get it back to two all, with goals from Addison Neill and Joshua Spalding. Kawerau snatched the win 3 – 2 with the last play of the ball. All the Awakeri players put in their best effort and got plenty of support from the sideline. Ash Kelly was player of the day for his ninja-like reflexes as goalkeeper.
Awakeri Mustangs played Plains Panthers in the 9th grade and had a 2 – 0 win. Their player of day was Quinn Hawkes.
Awakeri Rascals had a great morning of soccer in the 7th grade. They won their first game against St Jo's 2-1 with fine goals by Braxton Semmens and Harry Davidson. The team played really well and it made for an exciting game. Their second opposition was a no-show so the kids played the parents, which was very entertaining. Player of the day went to McKenzie Nurkka for her great attitude and awesome defence.
Also in the 7th grade, Awakeri United didn't have a first game unfortunately as their opposition didn't turn up. They did have an awesome game though against Whakatane Town Snappers. It was a 1 - 1 draw with Tanner Willetts the scorer. Everyone played well and player of the day went to Josh Jennings for his excellent ball skills and all round game.
Awakeri Aces had two close games in the 6th grade. They beat Poroporo 2 – 1, with Jude Sweeney and Jimmy Brownlee the scorers. They lost the second game to Ohope Stingrays 2 – 0. The player of the day was Jimmy Brownlee. He showed great support play and a never say die attitude across both fixtures, typified by his match winning knuckle ball as the hooter sounded against Poroporo. Gareth Bale would be proud!
Awakeri Rovers did well in their two games back in the 6th grade, winning both matches. They had a hat trick from Corbin James. There were four goals each from Scarlett Mead, Logan Owen and Ben Overdevest. Maddie Paling had a great game in defence whilst Tobi Tootell received player of the day for his excellent sportsmanship by stepping up and playing for the opposition as they were short of some players.
Awakeri Eagles had a good start back to soccer, especially since they were two players down. They drew the first game against Whakatane Town Strikers 0 - 0. Then the team really came together with a 5 - 0 win against Allandale All Stars. The goals were scored by Arlo Williams, Braden Thomas and Jasper Wilson, with some great support play by Harvey Ferguson.