Hard battles for Te Awamutu teams
The Te Awamutu AFC Waipa Aluminium team, backed by Diana Manutai Real Estate, alongside the Premier and Under 23 squads, travelled down to Crown Park to take on Taupō AFC in Saturday football.
Under 23:
The Under 23 side kicked off the morning on a gloomy note, hoping to put the previous fixture behind them.
They frustrated the home team for the majority of the first half, with the front three working hard to create a breakthrough in the home defence.
The teams went into halftime with a score of 3-0 in favour of the home side, but Te Awamutu were still in the game.
Unfortunately, an injury to Aaron Cole left Te Awamutu fielding 10 players for most of the second half and the home side took advantage, scoring nine more goals.
The final score was 12-0. Burgerfuel MVP Man of the Match: Oudom Oun.
Premier:
After a disappointing home loss the previous week, the Te Awamutu AFC premier team knew they had to turn their fortunes around.
Youngster Giulio Bernasconi earned his first start after impressing the coaching staff in two previous bench appearances.
His pace and strength troubled the home side.
Although Taupō took the lead in the 13th minute, it didn’t diminish the fight or spirit Te Awamutu have shown throughout the season.
Just before halftime, Bernasconi rounded the rushing goalkeeper and picked his spot, but the ball was somehow cleared off the line.
Both teams returned from halftime knowing the next goal would be crucial.
Taupō’s shot from a distance caused young Ryan Cole some trouble, leading to a goal.
The third goal sealed a 3-0 victory for the home side.
Despite the loss Te Awamutu executed their game plan well, causing Taupō issues, as mentioned in the post-match proceedings.
This week they will host tabletopping Cambridge at home.
Burgerfuel MVP Man of the Match: Sam Reidy
Division Two:
On a wet Saturday, the Te Awamutu AFC J&J Construction and Fencing Division Two team didn’t let the weather deter them from playing against Thames, their third game of the season.
Te Awamutu had high hopes for this game, and although it swung in favour of one team, both sides fought hard until the end.
They started with a swift attack into Thames’ half, but Thames quickly regained possession and moved down the field.
The Te Awamutu defenders cleared the ball for a corner, which was saved by the keeper, putting Te Awamutu back on the offensive.
A penalty just outside Thames’ box was awarded to Te Awamutu, and Joe Conner took the kick towards the keeper.
The keeper dropped the ball in front of him, allowing Troy Winter to score, giving Te Awamutu the lead.
However, Thames swiftly retaliated, breaking through Te Awamutu’s defensive line to equalise.
Despite Te Awamutu’s efforts, Thames maintained pressure to score three more goals in the first half and lead 1-4.
In the second half Thames continued their dominance, adding three goals to end with a final score of 1-7.
Over 35:
The Te Awamutu AFC Storyteller Bar & Eatery Over 35s, supported by Summit Scaffolding, travelled to Claudelands for their third game of the season.
Despite a scrappy performance, the Storyteller Over 35s continued their unbeaten start with a 7-2 away win.
The greasy conditions and Te Awamutu’s early attacking style resulted in errors, leading to a goal for Claudelands.
This sparked Te Awamutu into action, with two quick goals by Mike Rose giving them the lead.
Midfielders Euan McLeod and Blerim Buddla also scored, leading to a strong halftime lead.
A more controlled second half ensured a healthy win for Te
Awamutu, with goals from John Connor and Jono O’Sullivan.
The final score was 7-2, with O’Sullivan named Burgerfuel MVP.
Women Division One:
The Te Awamutu Women’s Division One team, backed by CACI and supported by Bone and Body Div1, travelled to Matamata for a challenging game.
Matamata capitalised on their opportunities in the first half, leading 6-0 at halftime.
Despite a halftime talk focusing on playing their style and improving in the second half, Te Awamutu couldn’t find the net, conceding one more goal.
Amanda Carleton’s tenacious work earned her the BurgerFuel MVP. Women Division Three:
The Edmonds Judd Division Three team, supported by Vigor Physio and Brandit.kiwi, hosted Mangakino and showed improvement from their training efforts.
Bianca Karam-Whalley led as captain and Breanna Adams scored a hattrick, with Sam Corbett adding two goals and Kristal Roe scoring her first of the season. Adams earned MVP for her performance.
Holiday Programme:
Last week, Te Awamutu hosted its second holiday programme of the year, focusing on eliminating attendance barriers and featuring various activities.
The programme received outstanding feedback, with participants enjoying activities like Expleo barbecue, Hungerball, Mr Whippy, and insights from F45 Te Awamutu.
The programme’s success and community engagement bode well for future events.