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13th July 2013
On Saturday Awakeri's youngest teams had their games called off,
but the older teams played their last games before the holiday break.
In the 13th grade Insitu Heritage Awakeri Sharks played Otakiri Titaniums at
Edgecumbe. Otakiri got off to a good start, but the Sharks came back, creating
chances and scoring twice to go down 3 - 2 in the end. The second half of the
game was dominated by 'girl power' as the team played well. Player of the day
Elana Spod stepped things up a notch and fed some good ball into striker
Lara Wills, who kept her cool despite some close attention. Sam Cook, Keely
Forbes and Lochie Brooking were very dependable defenders and the goals were
scored by Lucille Smits and Lara Wills.
Private Asset Management Awakeri Comets were at home to 11th grade premier division
leaders Whakatane Town Force. Due to some players missing from both teams, the
game was reduced to 8-a-side. This produced a skilful game with some great passing
by both sides. Whakatane took the lead and despite some good Awakeri pressure,
led 4-0 by half time. Force scored two quick goals at the start of the second
half, so that the contest was over by the time Kevin Paulsen scored a consolation
goal. Further hard work saw more chances for Comets, with Campbell Forsyth hitting
the post and Ethan Patterson coming close. The Whakatane team showed why they
are unbeaten this year and they won comfortably, despite a battling effort from
Comets throughout. Awakeri's player of the day Ben White had a great
game in defence, tackling, chasing and passing well.
Barringtons Motor Lodge Awakeri Wild Cats had a midweek hurry-up from HTL Spreading
Awakeri Lightning in the 11th grade 1st division. Unbeaten Wild Cats faced their
younger club mates in miserable conditions on Thursday and it turned out to
be a terrific contest. Despite missing a few players, Wild Cats, as expected,
had most of the pressure on the Lightning team in the first half. Determined
defence and sound goalkeeping from Sarah Sheaff kept the Wild Cats out. Both
teams huddled out of the cold rain at half time. Wild Cats opened the scoring
just after the break, and when Emily Julian scored her second it looked like
the result would be predictable. However, Lightning's fighting spirit had them
getting first to the ball, and they pulled a goal back through Olivia Sheaff
and then a second through Katie Growden and the game ended in a 2 - 2 draw.
It was a credit to both teams and their umbrella sheltering supporters.
On Saturday, Wild Cats had a tough game with fellow top of the table James Street
Legends. Wild Cats had to work hard and be at their best to put this game away.
Emily Julian and Taryn Forbes scored two goals each. Sam Marks was player
of the day. He plays goalie well every week. Jamie Julian, Luella Howe and Shayna
Penberth had high work rates up front. Sophie Lawrence, Linette Lengkeek and
Caroline Paulson defended well all game. Emily Robbie occupied the midfield
perfectly, which led to Awakeri eventually gaining dominance. Wild Cats won
4 - 2 to secure their top of the table position.
In the 9th grade, Da Silva Autos Awakeri Strikers had a 3 - 1 win over Saints
Shooters. Thomas Wessells was outstanding and opened the scoring for Strikers.
Kyzarck Cornwall also filled in for Strikers and made a solid difference. Inderpreet
Aujla and Matthew Reihana played well in defence, while Kaleb Muggeridge made
some great solo runs and a couple of good crosses. Secret weapon Cambell Julian
came firing out of goal in the second half, played vibrantly and scored twice
to cement the win. An improved performance from Alex Robbie, and good
forward positional play saw her named player of the day.
Awakeri Dragons played the skilful Whakatane G-Force team
in the 8th grade. Kaylia Best tackled well and was fully involved, earning
her player of the day. Kaia Skipps scored the Dragons goal in a 5 - 1 win to
G-Force.
Also in the 8th grade, R. Mahy Contracting Awakeri Warriors continued their
good form, securing a win over Saints Swordfish. Blake Hermansen, Oliver Forsyth,
Jamie Julian and Elijah Wetting all scored for the Warriors. Frank Butler
was awarded player of the day.