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10th June 2017
There were plenty of willing contests involving Awakeri's junior football teams on Saturday, with some very entertaining action.
SLH Contracting Awakeri Warriors scored first in their away game at Opotiki in the 13th grade, with a Bradley Burr strike. Opotiki played some good football and came back with three unanswered goals. The Warriors were then awarded a penalty when an Opotiki defender took down a Warriors' attacker in the goal area. Isaac Clements slotted it in off the goalie. The Warriors threw wave after wave of attacking moves forward in the final minutes, but Opotiki held on with the one goal advantage to win 3 – 2.
In the 11th grade grading rounds, both Awakeri teams were at home. Primogrow Limited Awakeri Ninjas played Opotiki Magpies. Ninjas started brilliantly, with a training ground set move coming off in the first minute. Brad Yuill passed a short corner to Ben Peat, who laid it back. The cross went to the far post where Ollie Fort scored with a great header. It set the scene for an excellent game played in good spirit. With five minutes to go, the score was locked at 4 – 4. An Awakeri shot was blocked by the visiting keeper, it rebounded to them to race away and score. In the end the score was Awakeri Ninjas 4, Opotiki Magpies 6. Joseph Spalding was player of the day after doing a good job in an unaccustomed position in defence.
Awakeri United had a tough game in their 11th grade fixture, going down to Ohope Pirates 6 – 0. Isak Tootell was United's player of the day after having great half games in goal and out on the field.
In the 9th grade Awakeri Panthers played very well against Saints Swords. The game was level at 0 – 0 with only ten minutes to go before Saints scored, gaining a 2 – 0 win. Cullen Brown's excellent defence earned him player of the day.
Also in the 9th grade, Awakeri Avengers had a 2 all draw at home with Allandale Ninjas. Kaleb Grindrod was their player of the day, for great all round work especially on attack. He scored the two goals for the Avengers.
Awakeri Magic had already played Whakatane Town Makos in the 8th grade, and curiously was drawn to play them again. The result was identical to their first meeting, a 4 – 1 win to Awakeri Magic. Their player of the day was Ryan Lambert, for his efforts in defending and sticking to the game plan. But overall, the Magic all played well and had a good morning.
Awakeri's four 7th grade teams were all in action in the sunshine at Warren Park.
Awakeri Phoenix first played Awakeri Mustangs, losing 2 - 1 with Jacson Heal the scorer. Phoenix next played Allandale Foxy Feet. It was a 1 - 1 draw with Jacson again scoring. Phoenix's third game was against Awakeri Rangers. A 4 - 0 win, with Jade Mahy scoring all four goals. The player of the day went to Jade for her great attacking play.
Awakeri Athletic won two games and lost one. Wilson J Carter received player of the day for great attack and defending skills. Josh Jennings got one goal and Lucy Overdevest scored two goals.
Awakeri Rangers had three great games but unfortunately no wins. Their player of the day was Max Mead.