6th July 2019

Awakeri's football teams had some very good results in their last round before the holiday break. Perhaps the 13th grade Ninjas claimed the highlight, but a quite a number of players scored hat tricks in the various grades too.
Awakeri Ninjas had a well fought win against Opotiki in the first round of the 13th grade top four split league. The Ninjas took their opportunities well in the first half. They were up 3 – 0 at half time, thanks to goals from Brad Yuill and Ben Peat (2). Opotiki fought back well early in the second half with most of the possession and they scored two well deserved goals. However the Ninjas found another gear late in the half and Cody Parsons bagged a hat trick. It was their best team performance this season. Player of the day was shared between Leon Mahy, for a great aggressive effort in goal; Summer Jones, for her energy in the midfield and finally Cody Persons for taking his opportunities in front of goal. It was a good start to the round.
In the 11th grade, Awakeri Magic played Whakatane Town Makos at home. The game was played fast and open. Arran Dominick scored first for Magic, and then the Makos scored. At half time it was 1 – 1. In the second half Magic took the game to Makos, scoring five quick goals. Things slowed with player changes and the final score was a 6 – 1 win to the Magic. Their goals were scored by Arran Dominick (4), Alex Whiteman and Callum Hathaway. Their player of day was Nate Parsons.
Awakeri Mustangs had their first loss of the season in the 9th grade. They went down 2 – 0 to Allandale Strikers. The player of day was Flynn Dominick.
Awakeri Phoenix played Allandale Hawks in the 8th grade. Phoenix took the win 6 - 1. Their goal scorers were Addison Whiteman (3) and Joe Ferguson (3). The player of the day went to Kalani Henman, for fancy footwork, and Addison Whiteman for great attacking play.
In the 7th grade, Awakeri United's first game was against Allandale Falcons, a 3 - 1 win. JJ Keepa scored one goal and Kolton Kerrigan the other two. Their second game was against the Whakatane Town Snappers and the score was 1 - 1, with Josh Jennings scoring that goal. Two excellent games played by the whole team, player of the day went to a very deserving Kolton Kerrigan.
Also in the 7th grade, Awakeri Rascals had a great day of soccer. They won both games with their team of four: Harry Davidson, Braxton Yardley, Braxton Semmens and Max Mead. All the boys scored goals, with Braxton Yardley earning player of the day for his hat-trick in the second game.
Awakeri Rovers had a lot of fun in the 6th grade, playing in the mud at Warren Park. The team was slip sliding everywhere. In their first game they splashed all over the field, winning 4 - 0 against the Ohope Snappers. Tobias Hoffman scored his first hat trick with the help of his team mates' excellent passing skills. Corbin James managed a crowd-silencing goal from the far right hand side. The Rovers team has improved immensely with their field positioning and ball passing. In their second game Tobias again scored a hat trick, weaving his way around the field each time. Tobi Tootell kicked two cracking goals from the back and Scarlett Mead took advantage of an opening and used her killer kick to get a goal too. Maddie Paling was their number one defence player in both games. She showed some great tackling skills and wasn't afraid to get dirty. The team shared player of the day.
Also in the 6th grade, Awakeri Aces drew 3 – 3 with Kawerau Comets, with Jude Sweeney scoring three times. In the second game, Awakeri Aces beat Plains Pukekos 6 – 2. The goals were scored by Jude Sweeney (5) and Saoirse Kerrigan. Saoirse was named player of the day for her masterclass in attacking flair. A never give up attitude that resulted in a candidate for goal of the season, reminiscent of Maradona against England at the '86 World Cup!

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