|
|
July 29th 2006
A lot of close games featured in the Awakeri Soccer Club's play on Saturday,
with 3 - 2 a popular scoreline.
In the 8th grade premier division, Galatea Vets Awakeri Jets and Whakatane Giants
had an even battle, with Giants prevailing 3 - 2. Shane Hope earned Jets player
of the match with some strong defence. Alec Hunt continues to show good improvement,
and Caleb Carter and the in-form Nikoli Christensen were the scorers.
A forgettable first half had Agritech Trailers Awakeri Knights down 2 - 0 to
Opotiki Raiders in the 9th grade. However Knights got it together in the second
half, with Daniel Reeves and Bradley Bateson creating havoc down the wings.
Knights took the game 3 - 2, with Sam McPherson player of the match after good
work on the field and in goal.
In a very exciting game, that went right down to the wire, Private Asset Management
Awakeri Aces went down 2 - 1 to Allandale Aces in the 11th grade premier division.
Players of the day for Aces were Kurt Turpie and Samuel Burgess, who defended
well and looked for opportunities to attack. Aces played some great football,
and probably deserved a draw. Their passing and teamwork has shown great improvement
over the last weeks and they hope to finish the last few league games strongly.
Mark Morrison scored Aces' goal.
In the 11th grade 1st division, CJ McIndoe Awakeri Dragons narrowly lost to
Allandale 3 - 2. Jesse Ingle was Dragons player of the match, as he stuck to
the team plan and held his position well. Matthew Eveleens also shone, having
a good half in goal and then scoring. Jarrod Butler was the other scorer for
Dragons.
A slow start to Awakeri Da Silva Autos 13th grade premier game against Whakatane
Celtic saw them concede two early goals. From there it was an uphill battle
for Autos to keep in the game. The player of the match for Autos was Matthew
Reeves, who was busy in the midfield. The final score was 6 nil to Celtic.
In the 13th grade 1st division, Proactive Chairs Awakeri had a good attacking
game with Opotiki. Cameron Rio-Kumeroa did some excellent work in goal in the
first half, and a Lindsey Cotter goal had Awakeri up at half time. In the second
half Opotiki came back and it was player of the match Oliver Butler's turn to
shine as he worked hard in defence. Sydney Jones also impressed in his man marking
role, however Opotiki scored late in the game and grabbed a 2 - 1 win.
In the youngest age group, the 6th grade, Agritech Trailers Awakeri played Whakatane
Grasshoppers. This action packed game kept spectators on edge. The final score
was 3 - 0 to Awakeri. Sean Young received player of the match for scoring two
goals and for his fantastic defence. Jamie Findlay and Brayden Phillips also
played great games.
Also in the 6th grade, Performance Zone Awakeri Blues played well, but couldn't
break their 'losing streak', with Otakiri winning 3 - 1. Jacob Hannan got player
of the match for the Blues who enjoyed the game and the drink bottles they received
afterwards.
Awakeri Tigers had a challenging 7th grade game with Otakiri Pukekos. Tigers
won 3 - 2. Tom Holani scored two goals and James Thompson the other. Holani
got player of the match with all round good play. He was also an awesome goalkeeper
in the second half.
Also in the 7th grade, the game between Total Power Services Awakeri Sharks
and Otakiri Pirates was keenly contested. The game ranged from end to end with
Pirates eventually winning it 2 - 1. Sharks player of the match was Joey Flanagan,
who was solid in defence and also scored the goal.