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18th August 2012
The season has not many games left in it and Awakeri's football
teams were enjoying their time on Saturday.
In the 9th grade 1st division Awakeri Small Blues and Whakatane Town Flames
were locked at nil all until three minutes to go, when defender Lilly du Toit
came up to score the winning goal for the Small Blues. All the parents said
it was one of the best games they had seen. The Small Blues goalkeeping was
shared between Corisa Johnston and Nicole Webb. The player of the day was Luella
Howe, who put her body on the line and had to come off injured late in the game.
Da Silva Autos Awakeri Comets played their last home game of the 9th grade premier
division season against Opotiki on a very muddy pitch. Comets handled the conditions
better and were 2 - 0 up at half time with goals from Kevin Paulsen. Some great
passing play by Campbell Forsyth earned him player of the day and helped towards
a 5 - 0 win with two more goals from Paulsen and one from Ethan Patterson completing
the scoring. Comets have now cemented second place in the league and play leaders
Tarawera Strikers this Saturday in their final game.
On Sunday Comets played the 9th Grade John Horsburgh tournament. They played
very well, winning two games and losing two to just miss out on making the semi-finals.
Cody Cook played very well in a great team effort that due to player sickness
left the Comets without any subs.
In their last game of season, Barringtons Motor Lodge Awakeri Wildcats played
their usual well structured game against Ohope in the 11th grade 1st division.
Chrystal Marriner gained player of the day by pushing hard on attack all game.
Wild Cats opened the scoring with Jenae Brownless putting in a through ball
for Emily Julian to pick up and score. Ngaio Wilson had some great reflex saves
as goalie and the whole team played with determination right to the final whistle.
Linette Lengkeek was outstanding in defence, but Ohope eventually took out the
game 4 - 1. An all girls team, the Wild Cats have had a great season, with all
players getting better and better as the season progressed.
In the 11th grade premier division, HTL Spreading Awakeri Dragons had a very
good game with the Whakatane Town Force. Dragons were all switched on for the
whole game. Player of the day Sarah Sheaff chased and fought hard for the ball
in the midfield. Tara van Beekhuizen worked hard up front. The left side was
well served by defender Monique Ruiter and Caleb Marshall in the halves. Whakatane
eventually won 7 - 0.
In the youngest age group, the 6th grade, Awakeri Grass Hoppers fought through
the cold and had a fun day. Player of the day was Nathan John, who showed some
great positional play and made himself open for some awesome runs up the side
line. Mitchell du Toit showed he's developing good leadership skills and controlled
the team from the back of the field. Kylah Lawrence, Ella Forbes and Emma Thompson
contributed with some hard work in the midfield. The Grass Hoppers went down
2 - 1 to Thornton after letting in two early goals.
In the 7th grade, The Awakeri Rockers played James Street Panthers. Rhys Robertson
was their player of the day and Keighly McNeil scored the goal.
Awakeri Warriors showed excellent teamwork winning their 7th grade game against
Ohope Speedy Seals. Oliver Forsyth, Elijah Wetting and Blake Hermansen all scored
for the Warriors. Elijah was awarded player of the day.
Awakeri's 8th grade teams were involved in a tournament. A bleeding nose, a
few limps, and there were four wins and a draw for Mags & Tyres Awakeri
Rangers in the tournament. The players had a fun day and Tyson Yates got player
of the day for a much improved showing in all the games. Seven goals for Hayden
Baxter, a couple for Keaton Turvey and Campbell Julian along with some good
defensive work from Kaleb Muggeridge and Cody Hall made sure the team went unbeaten
for the day. The players are looking forward to doing it all again this week
in the final tournament.