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14th May 2011
Those Awakeri soccer teams, that were able to play yesterday, enjoyed getting
their seasons under way. The Awakeri grounds were closed, but six teams had
away games.
In the 11th grade 1st division Murphy Brothers Awakeri Mud Dawgs played Otakiri.
The Mud Dawgs were too strong and had an 8 - 2 win. Good passing set up player
of the day Taylor Harte for a five goal haul.
Get Fresh Awakeri Dragons had a first up heavy defeat to the Whakatane Magpies.
Whakatane put a lot of pressure on restarts and their defence was also solid.
Jamie Findlay and Jaspreet Dharmet had some nice touches for the Dragons. Isaiah
Davidson, playing in goal, made some good saves amongst all the action. The
Dragons' coach asked for a more spirited second half and certainly got it from
player of the day Lauren Baxter, who simply wouldn't give up tackling and fighting
for the ball even after a heavy knock early on.
Awakeri Wild Cats had a very pleasing result winning 2 - 0 against Whakatane
Panthers in the 9th grade 1st division. Emily Julian got the two goals. Jenae
Brownless was player of the day for her continuous work around the field, making
tackles and carrying the ball forward down the wings. Linette Lengeek was solid
in goal in the second half, snuffing out a few potential second half attempts
at goal.
In the 8th grade premier division, despite not having many training runs due
to the recent weather, the Awakeri Store Comets team played very well together
in their opening game against James St Gunners. Kevin Paulsen scored the opening
goal of the season for Awakeri to lead 1 - 0 at half-time. Corisa Johnstone
thought that she had extended the lead in the second half but her effort was
disallowed for offside. James Street kept applying pressure and player of the
day Ben White made several good saves in goal (As he had done in the first half)
but was eventually beaten near the end of the game. A very good opening game
of the season with honours shared in an entertaining 1-1 draw.
Also in the 8th grade premier, Da Silva Autos Awakeri Aces were a bit rusty
in their first half against Saints. However, they got their act together in
the second half and were close to scoring a number of times. Player of the day
Tessa Dodson attacked well and was denied by the Saints goalkeeper. Saints won
4- 0.
In the 7th grade, Awakeri All Stars lost 1 - 2 against Edgecumbe. The All stars
showed great team work and enthusiasm. Player of the day went to Jack Elliot
for scoring the first goal of the season.