5th July 2014


Awakeri's football teams were engaged in some good contests in their last weekend before the holiday break.
In the 13th grade, Barringtons Motorlodge Awakeri Wildcats put in a gutsy performance against the table topping Whakatane Force. Wildcats went down 4 – 0, but every player held their ground and showed a lot of determination. There was great work in defence by Rylie Cavey Bruce and the centre midfield combination of Linette Lengkeek and Gemma Baldy worked hard all game, never giving up. Linette was awarded player of the day for her strong tackling and great distribution skills.
Once again it was a case of so near and yet so far for the Private Asset Management Awakeri Comets in their 11th grade premier division game against Ohope Strikers. Ohope started well but were kept to a single goal lead at half-time. In the second half Awakeri were rewarded for their continuous pressure with a goal from player of the day Kevin Paulsen, who had an outstanding game covering the whole pitch. The lack of a substitute made it very tough for Comets in a fast paced game. Ohope scored another two goals, but Awakeri kept going and Ethan Patterson scored with an excellent left foot shot, but they couldn't find another and the game ended with Ohope winning 3 - 2.
HTL Spreading Awakeri Crushers Travelled to play Opotiki Magpies also in the premier division. The newly promoted all girls Crushers team were doing well, the score 1 – 1 at half time. However some powerful long shots from the home team sailed in after the break for a 4 – 1 final score. Sadie van Beekhuizen was the scorer for Crushers and defender Nicole Webb was player of the day.
In the 11th grade 1st division, Awakeri Store Ultimate Strikers had an evenly matched game against Ohope Seahawks, but came away with a 3 - 2 loss. Maci Bateson, who was player of the day, and Rhylee Mahy were the goal scorers. Keegan Jones and Kaedyn Portsmouth did an excellent job defending the goal.
Awakeri's 9th grade teams met each other on Saturday with the strong R. Mahy Contracting Warriors team winning out 5 – 0 over SLH Contracting Dragons. It was a good contest and the dragons played well but the Warriors converted their chances to be deserved winners. Player of the day Jamie Julian's hat trick helped Warriors to their win. Oliver Forsyth and Katie Mahy also scored in the fast paced game. Dragons' player of the day went to Oscar Mahy for great tackling and playing hard to the end.
In the 8th grade, Mainstream Engineering Awakeri Lightning had an intense game with Opotiki, Lightning winning 3 – 1 in the end. The team showed great determination and drive throughout the game, with Marshall Foxx, Miles Ashton and Jon Tiwha Smith managing to score a goal each against Opotiki's excellent defence. The player of the day was Jon Tiwha-Smith, who showed excellent skills and initiative and put in a huge effort all game. It was a full-on game with all of the team getting stuck in and contributing to an excellent result.
Although Awakeri Pumas were low on numbers for their 7th grade games, they continued to do well and enjoy their games. Caleb Hanlen impressed, running with the ball well. Judah Bailey was named player of the day for getting fully involved in the play.
7th grade Awakeri Rascals' parents and supporters were treated to four amazing games of football on Saturday. Rascals came away with two from four with losses to James Street and Ohope Snappers. The team talk before the game reminded the Rascals to stay spread out, run into space, call for the ball, listen for the call and pass, which they all did 110%. Michael Griffiths was everywhere on the field, Max Thompson was as always thinking on his feet, reading the play and feeding the ball through to Jessie Jones who was always in space and received some great passes. Sophie Growden put a lot of effort in and had a few shots on goal and Kobi Wetting-Davidson was defending, attacking and even threw in a header, if unintentional. Kobi was awarded player of the day in recognition of his fantastic corner kicks and for scoring a goal in all four games.
In the 6th grade, Awakeri Eagles had another great day of football, with three wins out of four. The team is still improving with every game and it's fantastic to see the kids' confidence with the ball increasing. Barclay Fort's defensive skills were really put on display, earning him player of the day.
Awakeri Sharks had some great 6th grade games, the team worked really well together and are getting better and better each week. Esther Ferguson got player of the day – it was great to see her chasing the ball and getting some kicks in.


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