6 September 2014

For many grades the final football games of the season were played on Saturday.
In their final 13th grade game, the Barringtons Motor Lodge Awakeri Wildcats were cheered on by a large number of family and friends as they have been all season. The supporters were rewarded with a good battle to watch and a number of goals. Whakatane Town Kahunas scored three times in each half and the Wildcats slotted one away early in the second half. While the Kahunas deserved their win, the 6 - 1 score did not clearly reflect the game, both teams worked hard and created a lot of scoring chances. Wildcats were missing a number of players, so youngsters Cambell and Jamie Julian filled in and they both stepped up to the challenge. The Wildcats' goal showed great teamwork: beginning with nice play by Jenae Brownless and Emily Julian, Emily Robbie played a superb cross from the right; Sophie Lawrence had a good solid shot which the goalkeeper parried away. This was followed up by Taryn Forbes who finished the goal well. It was a good team effort with the Wildcats showing the tackling and passing game they are capable of. Credit to the Kahunas, who capitalised on defensive lapses. Players of the day went to wingers Taryn Forbes and Jenae Brownless who both had outstanding games.
In the 11th grade premier division, Ohope's game with Awakeri Comets was washed out. However, HTL Spreading Awakeri Crushers did play, losing 3 – 0 to Opotiki Magpies. The all-girls Crushers team has done well, despite being promoted probably a level too far. Their enthusiasm has continued despite a series of tough challenges.
In the 9th grade, HTL Spreading Awakeri Warriors wrapped up an unbeaten season, winning by default against Whakatane G Force.
SLH Contracting Awakeri Dragons won 2 - 0 against Kawerau in the 9th grade, to gain their fifth win on the trot. The goals were scored by Keighly McNeil and Kohen Laurent, who scored his first ever goal. The team enjoyed their last game for the season and the player of the day went to Keighly McNeil.
Mainstream Engineering Awakeri Lightning had a fantastic last game in the 8th grade, winning 6 - 2 against Saints Tigers. It was action-packed with strong attack and defence on both sides. Marshall Foxx scored two of Lightning's goals, with Myles Ashton, John Tiwha-Smith, Summer Jones and Phoebe Carter also scoring. The player of the day was Summer Jones, she showed awesome attacking skills.
The 6th and 7th grades have one more playing day left.
Awakeri Sharks played three great games in the 6th grade. The player of the day went to Sonny Tiwha-Smith who had a great attacking and defending game, contributing well to his team.
7th grade Rascals first game of the day was against James Street and was a fantastic game to watch. The Rascals played an excellent passing game and Kobi Wetting-Davidson came away with some lovely long shot goals. Sophie Spod was right in amongst the action and did some great kicks. The second game of the day was against the other Awakeri 7th Grade Pumas and the Pumas came away with a win this time. The third game was against Saints and was feeling a bit one sided until Jessie Jones put on a bib and played for the Saints and put up a good fight. Mickey Griffiths came away with a great goal and celebrated in style and again Kobi Wetting-Davidson was on form shooting 4 goals. Sophie Growden was the Rascals player of the day, she had great attacking play all day and took some good shots on goal.


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