5th May 2012


Awakeri's football teams were pleased to be on the field for the first round of games on Saturday.
In the 13th grade Get Fresh Awakeri Sharks played Whakatane Rovers. Both teams were evenly matched, but lapses in defence allowed Rovers to score two goals, resulting in a 2 - 0 victory to the Rovers. Sharks' player of the day was Daniel Perkinson, who had a very good all round game. Jamie Findlay and Katy White also played very well.
HTL Spreading Awakeri Dragons were 3 - 0 down in their 11th grade premier division game against Whakatane Yellowfins, but the Dragons fought their way back in to the game. Player of the day Jacob Davis led the way with some excellent work as sweeper. Goals to Finn Spod and Korben Wilson brought the final score to 5 - 2.
Barringtons Motor Lodge Awakeri Wild Cats had a good game with James Street Green Hornets in the 11th grade 1st division. Taryn Forbes scored a great goal, going past a defender then powering the ball into the goal. The score was locked at 1 - 1, and the Awakeri supporters were very excited on the side as the all girls team Wild Cats attacked constantly in the closing stages, however a draw was the final result. Georgia Leonard and Keely Forbes were very good in defence. Player of the day was Ella Strachan who played very well up front.
The season started very well for Da Silva Autos Awakeri Comets in their game at Awakeri against Ohope Strikers in the 9th grade premier division. Campbell Forsyth scored the first goal of the season after a good run through. Ohope responded well and showed some excellent teamwork to score two goals to be leading at half time. It could have been more but for some good saves by both goalies and a goal-line clearance from Awakeri's Ben White. In the second half, Comets equalised with a goal from Kevin Paulsen that was deflected past the keeper, then took the lead when Forsyth finished some good team play by Tiaki Hori and Paulsen. Paulsen scored again with a good shot on the turn to complete the Comets 4 - 2 victory. Tiaki Hori was named player of the day in his first game, for his tackling and hard work throughout the game.
In the 9th grade 1st division the all girls team Awakeri Small Blues lost 4 - 0 to Whakatane Warriors. However, the Small Blues played very well. Tessa was goalie in the first half and Ella Jones the second. The player of the day was Tayla Jones for her determined defence.
In the 8th grade, Mags & Tyres Awakeri Rangers had to help out opposition Whakatane Gunners with some players. Keaton Turvey, Tyson Yates and Cambell Julian kindly obliged. Rangers had a comfortable win, with Hayden Baxter earning player of the day for his passing and bringing others into the game.
In the 7th grade, R. Mahy Contracting Awakeri Warriors played newcomers The Awakeri Rockers. Awakeri Warriors won in the end. Jamie Julian, Blake Hermansen, Elijah Wetting and Katie Mahy were the goal scorers. Jamie Julian was awarded player of the day for fantastic passing and all round great effort for Warriors, while Rockers player of the day was Kaia Skipps for fantastic defence. Keighly McNeil also showed awesome drive and a never give up attitude.
This Saturday the youngest age group, 6th grade will look forward to their football starting too.

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