14th May 2016

Awakeri's junior footballers were very pleased to get their regular season under way on Saturday, with the fine weather continuing from Bay Day the week before.
In the 11th grade SLH Contracting Awakeri Warriors had a comfortable win against Saint Joseph's Tigers. Warriors combined multiple passing moves and defended well. Goals were scored by Elijah Wetting-Davidson, Samuel East, Rhys Robertson, Kaia Skipps, Lucian Bain, Frank Butler, Bradley Burr and Ollie Fort. The player of the day was Elijah Wetting-Davidson.
The EBOP Plant Services Awakeri Mud Dawgs were very energetic in their 11th grade game against Ohope Seahawks. The game was close until the final minutes when the Seahawks scored late goals to blow the score out to 6 – 2. It was a good team effort for the Mud Dawgs, with lots of encouragement from the sideline. Mia Sutton had a big influence on attack and defence and was named player of the day. She and Ella Forbes scored the goals for Awakeri.
Also in the 11th grade, the R.D. 1 Awakeri Thunder had a hard fought game against the highly classed Whakatane Titans, who had a comfortable win. It was a great effort from the Thunder who never gave up and showed some promise. The player of the day was Izak Tootell who was brilliant in attack and then in goal directing his field. Special mention also goes to Daniel Rowlings who played his first game of football and showed some real natural talent.
Awakeri Aces had a very high scoring game with Whakatane Phoenix in the 9th grade, resulting in a 6 – 4 to the Aces. Aces began a player short and Town kindly lent them a useful defensive player, Chelsea. Michael Griffiths went into the game carrying an injury so played in goal and made some great saves. Michael Seales grew in his defensive skills. Lily Muggeridge played admirably on the right wing despite feeling sick; she made herself a great option. Kaleb Grindrod dominated on the left wing, making some fantastic runs and creating opportunities. Jon Tiwha-Smith was class with some searing shots on goal, netting four! Player of the day Kobi Wetting-Davidson was everywhere on the field, up front scoring two goals, dropping back and working hard on defence. It was great to see these kids stepping up and playing quality football.
Also in the 9th grade, Eastern Bay Curtains 4U Awakeri Ninjas played well and won 6 – 2 against Whakatane Town Hawks. Mason Nurkka was player of the day. He played really well as goalie for the first half then played with lots of energy in the mid field in the second half.
Awakeri Avengers won against Saints Swords in the 8th grade. The score was 9 - 3. Patch Jones was the Avengers' player of the day. He played extremely well on attack and defence and scored five of the goals.
Also in the 8th grade, the all-girls Awakeri Panthers had a tough day against Whakatane Town Sharks, who had a comfortable win. Panthers played hard, especially on defence, with their player of the day Rhianna Rowe.
The 7th and 6th grades began their weekly Junior Framework sessions at Warren Park.
7th grade Awakeri Phoenix played Whakatane Town Makos, who won 1 - 0. There was good attacking play from Tyler Wardlaw, with a near miss at goal. Their second game was against Saints Stars, who won 2 - 0. There were some superb kicks forward from Arran Dominick. The third game was against Kawerau Sports with Awakeri winning 2 - 1. Alex Whiteman and Tyler Wardlaw played well up front. The player of the day went to Elias Tootell for great passing and playing well on attack and defence.
Awakeri Magic only had four players available but they played hard and won two of their three 7th grade games.
6th grade Awakeri Athletic looked to continue their Bay Day success from the week previous. Their results were 4-1 win, 2-1 loss and a 7-0 win to finish. All players showed great determination, growing confidence as a team and most importantly...they are still having fun. There were fantastic team contributions on the day from Jackson Heal (8 goals) and Josh Spalding (4 goals). Jackson and Josh were awarded players of the day for their significant attacking and defensive work.
Awakeri Rangers did well in their three 6th grade games. Lucy Overdevest and Liv Brownlee were the goal scorers. They all played well together and were very energetic.
6th grade Awakeri Mustangs won all 3 games: 4 - 0 against Allandale Minis, 3- 0 against Whakatane Town Dolphins, 5 - 2

Back to other reports