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June 28th 2008
Two draws and a win by default were the best Awakeri's
soccer teams could produce in Saturday's games, with the wintry weather taking
quite a hand in proceedings.
In the 15th grade, Awakeri waited for their Rotorua opposition to turn up, but
they never materialised. All Rotorua junior football was called off, so the
visitors assumed the game was also cancelled.
The Wrangler Awakeri Aces had a good first half, despite having to leave the
field due to hail in their 13th grade game against KTFC Kawerau. Player of the
day Dean Frost cleared the ball well out of defence. Kawerau had a strong second
half, taking the game 4 - 0.
Also in the 13th grade, CJ McIndoe Awakeri Dragons got off to a poor start against
Whakatane FC, conceding early goals. Dragons fought hard, with player of the
day Matthew Archer, making some good tackles. However, the effects of some players
having to play when sick eventually told and Whakatane scored more goals late,
to win the game 9 - 0.
In the 11th grade premier division, AB Contracting Awakeri Jets struggled against
Ohope Stealth. Despite Caleb Carter's good work in defence, and a player of
the day performance from goalkeeper Josh Klein Ovink, Stealth won the game 6
- 1. Sam McPherson scored the Jets' goal.
Awakeri Knights were unlucky to lose 1 - 0 to Kawerau Strikers in the 11th grade
1st division. Knights produced some good teamwork, but couldn't turn it into
goals. Alec Hunt's all round play saw him named player of the day.
Veronica Hall's Wildhogs put up a good fight against 9th grade league leaders
Whakatane Iti Ma. Iti Ma were sharp and got out to a good lead, but Wildhogs
restricted them well in the second half. Tio Geerlings was named player of the
day for his work on attack.
Scoring the first goals of the season gave Columbus Cafe Awakeri Bulldogs a
real lift in their 9th grade game against Matata Xtreme Team. Excellent passing
led to a Lucas Schlepers cross which was well finished off by player of the
day Christian Mattock-Prince. Tom Holani also scored, with Matata winning 4
- 2.
In the 8th grade, Awakeri Mosquitoes had a hard game against a very good Allandale
Rockets team. Strong defence was the highlight from both teams in a low scoring
game. The result was a 1 - 1 draw. Jamie Findlay was the Mosquitoes goal scorer
and player of the day went to Justin Perkins.
Another Quest Tipping goal didn't make much difference for Performance Zone
Awakeri Rangers on Saturday. Whakatane Tricky Chicks proved too strong in the
8th grade game, winning 9 - 1. Danielle Hammond was Rangers' player of the day.
Eastern Bay Property Maintenance Awakeri Rovers and Matata All Stars played
some good end-to-end soccer in their 7th grade game, despite gloomy conditions.
Matata led 2 - 0 at half time. Player of the day Mathew Webb began to make his
mark on the game in the second half, and Jacob Hannan and Jacob Davis linked
well together in mid-field. Against the run of play, a 'sharp-shooter' from
Matata scored an excellent goal mid-way through the second half. The end-to-end
battle continued and Rovers keeper Lachlan Butler brought off three excellent
saves to deny the opposition further goals.
Matata won 3 - 0.
Da Silva Awakeri Autos won their 7th grade game against K-Town Chiefs by default.
Awakeri T-Rexes couldn't turn their possession into goals in their 6th grade
game against James Street Stars, whose goalkeeper had an excellent game. Jenae
Brownless kicked the ball strongly to earn player of the day and Cambell Julian
did well in his first game of soccer. The game was a 0 - 0 draw.
Awakeri Rascals and Kawerau Crusaders abandoned their 6th grade game after a
few minutes as miserable weather intruded.
Hi-Way Tyres Awakeri Young Guns all played well against a talented Matata Dynamos
6th grade team. Logan Calder is showing good improvement and he defended well
to be named player of the day. Dynamos won the game 5 - 0.