3rd August 2019

Awakeri's football teams enjoyed plenty of good results on Saturday and three teams currently lead the standings in their age groups.
Awakeri Ninjas had another close game in the 13th grade top division. Ohope had most of the ball in the first half and were 2 - 1 up at the break. The Ninjas came out fired up in the second half with Cody Parsons scoring two goals within five minutes. Ohope didn't give up and got back on attack, securing a penalty off a hand ball. The penalty was well taken and the score was level with five minutes to play. Brad Yuill made a good run and pushed a ball through for Cody Parsons to run on to. He powered a shot into the top left corner, securing the win and his hat trick. There were some great goals but it was the defence that had kept Ninjas in the game. Sophie Growden had another great game but the player of the day was Isak Tootell who was solid in left defence. He worked really hard and stopped many attacking opportunities. Ninjas 4, Ohope 3 meant the Awakeri team kept their unbeaten run in this division.
Cascade Charters Awakeri Raptors played Whakatane Sharks in the 11th grade. At half time Raptors led 2 – 0, but then the Sharks scored twice to set up an exciting finish. Raptors scored the winning goal with ten minutes to play. Great defence meant the Raptors won the top of the table clash 3 - 2. Player of the day was Kalani Robinson. He scored a great goal and showed excellent passing and powerful kicking. All the players played very well and team work got the win, to keep Raptors at the top of the table.
Also in the 11th grade, Awakeri Magic played Plains Wanderers at home. Nate Parsons put himself in the right spot on an attacking corner and opening the scoring. More goals came in the half. Team mates were passing and working together well. In the second half Ryan Lambert moved out of goal to striker and Christian Smith went into goal for the first time, making a few good saves. Aramia Hanlen found herself with the ball twenty metres out from goal. She shot off a rocket put it in top corner and making herself player of day. The final score was Magic 6 Wanderers 0.
Awakeri Mustangs kept their noses in front of the 9th grade with a 3 – 0 win against Saints Strikers. It was a close first half but Mustangs got there in the end. Player of the day was Hayden Grant.
Also in the 9th grade, Awakeri Athletic won a thrilling close game 2 - 1 against Opotiki. Athletic played well as a team. Lucy Overdevest received player of the day for her constant energy.
Awakeri Phoenix played Whakatane Town Phoenix in the 8th grade. Town Phoenix won 6 - 2. Awakeri's goal scorers were Addison Whiteman and Innes Tootell. The player of the day went to the team for awesome all round play.
It was a great morning in the 7th grade. Awakeri Rascals played the Awakeri Rangers and won 3 - 2. Rascals' goals were scored by Braxton Semmens, Harry Davidson and Max Mead. Rascals lost their second game against Whakatane, but there was some great team work and play by Braxton Yardley and Olivia Hathaway. The player of the day went to Braxton Semmens. He returned to the pitch after an injury and scored a great goal.
Awakeri United had two tight games in the 7th grade. The first was a nail biting tough game against Kawerau with a final score of 0 – 0. The second was against Allandale Panthers - another tough game with a score of 2 – 2. Josh Jennings and Tanner Willetts scored the goals. Tanner's was particularly impressive, from quite a way out. Great work on attack and defence earned Tanner player of the day.
First up the Awakeri Rangers 7th grade team played an exciting game against Awakeri Rascals. They lost 3 - 2 with the Rangers' goals scored by Anais Spalding and Asher Spalding. Their second game was against Ohope Bluefins. They lost 3 - 1. One of Ohope's players, Archie, scored the goal. Ohope had kindly let Rangers have a couple of players to even things up. The player of the day was Anais Spalding.
Awakeri Aces had another fine day in the 6th grade. They beat Saints 3 – 0 in the first game, with goals from Jude Sweeney (2) and Temaioha Hillman. The second game was a 2 – 1 win against Whakatane Town Strikers. Jude Sweeney and Saoirse Kerrigan were the scorers. Saoirse also impressed by pulling off the first header of the season. Player of the day was four year old Neve Sweeney who filled in for sick players. She ran her heart out and didn't stop trying.
Awakeri Eagles had another great week in the 6th grade too, winning both their games 1-0. The goals were scored by Mylee Mathews in both games.


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