11th June 2016

Awakeri's football teams were pleased to be back playing in fine conditions on Saturday.
13th grade Private Asset Management Awakeri Comets had a very tight game away to Opotiki Orcas. Ben Olifiers took a corner which was deflected in by the goalie to give Comets the lead but Opotiki scored a well-deserved equalizer before half time. In the second half, two goals from Ben Davey-Emms restored Awakeri's lead twice, only for Opotiki to equalize both times. The game appeared to be heading for a draw until Cambell Julian scored from the edge of the penalty area to give Comets a 4-3 win. Players of the day were Keegan Jones for some great defensive play and Ben Olifiers for his hard work in midfield.
In the final week of 11th grade grading rounds, Awakeri's team had mixed fortunes.
SLH Contracting Awakeri Warriors played an entertaining game of football away against St Joseph Saints Dragons. A goalkeeping mistake led to the Saints goal early in the first half. The Warriors came back and Samuel East hit a screamer from out wide to even the score at 1-1. In the second half the Warriors had many chances to go ahead but the shots either just went wide or were saved by the Saints keeper. The many spectators applauded the teams at the end of the match with the final score a 1-1 draw. Warriors Player of the Day was Bonnie-Maree Wetting-Davison whose solid play all game stood out.
The EBOP Plant Services Awakeri Mud Dawgs had a great game with Saints Tigers in the 11th grade, with Saints edging it 2 – 1.
Sadly R.D.1 Awakeri Thunder didn't get to play because Whakatane Town G Force couldn't field a team.
Awakeri's two 8th grade teams played each other. The all-boys Awakeri Avengers were too strong for the all-girls Awakeri Panthers, winning 6 – 0. Avengers played well, with a lot of team work. Barclay Fort's good ball control and footwork saw him named player of the day for the Avengers. The Panthers' player of the day was Paige Short for her awesome defensive work.
In the 7th grade, Awakeri Magic had three games: against Ohope Piranha (1- 1), Allandale Midgets (0 – 0) and Plains Pukekos (1-0 win). Their players of the day were Jade Mahy and Aaron Best.
The Awakeri Phoenix played Whakatane Town Makos in our first 7th grade game. The final score was a 3-0 win. The goal scorers were Eli Tootell, Nate Parsons and Alex Whiteman. Then they played Ohope Orcas, losing 3-0. Player of the day went to Nate for a great all round effort.
Awakeri Athletic 6th grade returned to action with a full squad this week and energy was high. Game one ended with a 5-0 win, with Jacson Heal bagging a hat-trick, Addison Whiteman slotted her first competition goal and Joshua Spalding added one more just to make sure. With a bye in the second round Awakeri were fresh for game three. It was a tough game and every Awakeri player battled well. With no goals at either end the game ended 0-0. The player of the day was Addison Whiteman after displaying great ball control, concentration and getting on the score sheet too.
Awakeri Rangers lost all their three 6th grade games, scoring no goals. Maybe adjusting to playing 4v4 for the first time was the problem. Blake Murray was player of the day.
Also in the 6th grade, Awakeri Mustangs lost their first game of the season, to Allandale 1-0.They won their next two games though, against Awakeri Rangers and Plains Strikers. Fergus Rowe scored all six of the team's goals and was player of the day.

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