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19th May 2012
Awakeri's football teams experienced the full range of results
on Saturday.
Da Silva Autos Awakeri Comets had a fantastic game against previously unbeaten
Whakatane Town Phoenix in the 9th grade premier division. Whakatane took the
early lead but Comets replied with an equalizer from Campbell Forsyth in a very
even half that ended level at 1-1. In the second half Awakeri made the perfect
start when Kevin Paulsen scored with the first attack after the break, only
for Phoenix to equalize themselves. It was a very evenly contested game but
further goals from Paulsen and two more from Forsyth gave Awakeri a comfortable
lead. Whakatane kept pressing but the defence held strong. When Ethan Patterson
raced back to stop another Phoenix attack he turned the ball into his own goal,
which made the final score Awakeri 5 Whakatane 3. This was an outstanding team
performance, with Daniel Brown's tackling earning him the player of the day.
Ben Olifiers had a great game in goal, with goal kicks that quickly took Awakeri
from defence to attack, Ethan Patterson stood out for his constant running and
battling for the ball and Ben White shone with superb saving tackles in defence.
In the 9th grade 1st division Awakeri Small Blues shot out to a three goal lead
in the first half, but Thornton Reds came back in the second half for an exciting
3 - 3 draw. Lilly du Toit's determination saw her named player of the day. Sadie
van Beekhuizen (2) and Olivia Sheaff were Awakeri's scorers. Another to shine
was Ella Jones in her turn in goal.
Mags & Tyres Awakeri Rangers had a good 8th grade game with Opotiki Prentice
and Brown in front of a vocal crowd at Awakeri. Hayden Baxter opened the scoring
for Rangers after a good passing move. Kaleb Muggeridge followed up with two
goals; Cambell Julian capped off a good defensive showing with goal and earned
himself the player of the day. It was a good team performance from Rangers.
The game ended 4 - 0.
Awakeri Atoms came up against a strong Opotiki Kerry Nott Pharmacy team in their
8th grade game. Ben Davey-Emms was Atoms player of the day.
R. Mahy Contracting Awakeri Warriors played James Street in the 7th grade, winning
4 - 2. Warriors' goals were scored by Oliver Forsyth (2) and Elijah Wetting.
Katie Mahy was named player of the day for her excellent defensive work.
In the 6th grade, Mainstream Engineering Awakeri Tigers thoroughly enjoyed their
football. Jon Tiwha-Smith was named their player of the day.
It was another good day for 6th grade Awakeri Grasshoppers. Player of the day
was Nathan John, who gave 100 percent the whole day and showed he was developing
some good skills. Ozaiyah Cornwall did some good defensive work during the game
too.
Awakeri's older age teams were less successful. In the 13th grade, maybe it
was the effects of school camp, but Get Fresh Awakeri Sharks had a poor first
half against Saints. They got it together a bit in the second half, ending up
losing 12 - 1. Daniel Perkinson put in another committed performance, and was
named player of the day. Fletcher Forsyth scored a good consolation goal.
In the 11th grade premier division, HTL Spreading Awakeri Dragons were no match
for league leaders Whakatane Thistle, who inflicted a heavy defeat. Player of
the day Tara van Beekhuizen defended tenaciously and Jake Rowling made some
good saves in his turn in goal. Sarah Sheaff scored a late consolation goal
for the Dragons.
Barringtons Motor Lodge Awakeri Wild Cats had a hard fought loss, going down
4 - 1 to Otakiri Thunderbolts. The score doesn't reflect the closeness of the
game. Wild Cats played a lot of good soccer with shape and passing, putting
into practice the things they work on in trainings. Emily Robbie and Emily Julian
showed a lot of skill in gaining control of the ball and making great passes
into space to their wingers Jenae Brownless and Taryn Forbes who are playing
great positional games. Keely Forbes and player of the day Linette Lengkeek
worked hard in defence. Emily Julian scored her first goal of the season.