Youthful TA football players shine
Te Awamutu AFC Team Townsend Tall Poppy Real Estate premiership team hosted West Hamilton at the Stadium in a game where, with the league changes next year, nothing but three points was going to be acceptable.
After a period of illness and sickness it was clear as they warmed up that West Ham were back to full strength. Te Awamutu, however, found themselves yet again with a different formation — something that has been both a benefit and downfall to the club.
The benefits being that they haven’t had to rely on any 15 players, the downfall being that the reserves have often missed out on games this year or play with minimal players, something that is hoped will at least build resilience.
A fairly good crowd have been blessing the boys with their presence this year and it’s noted a number of the junior members have been actively showing an interest in the premiership team who are the flagship for the club.
The game started with intensity, captain Michael Roberts leading the troops with the “if we go in we go in hard attitude”, it’s amazing what leadership can do for a squad.
That’s not to say West Ham weren’t equally intense in their play. One message that was clear was the first, second and if required third ball was to be won by Te Awamutu.
Tawhiri Ball and Joel Roil up the top were able to get moments on the ball but this was a game where the midfield and wings were going to be where this game was won.
Te Awamutu have been somewhat slack at corners this season. Not in this game.
John Stapleford, earning himself a man of the match performance, was able to get his head to most things in the game, even in the attacking half he was unfortunate not to knock a few in.
The scoring was opened by Haydn Roil after a 10-minute period of oneway traffic where the pressure had to go the way of the reds.
Entering the sheds at halftime, coach Ian Stringfellow commended the boys for their efforts, yet wanted to see more possession and the ball to be switched at times.
The halftime changes saw two Ball brothers on the field with Waikato able to find some relief from the duties on the farm to come and have 45 minutes on the field.
He has a habit of creating something out of nothing and often the link up play with his brother Tawhiri is something only the Roil brothers are able to replicate, usually on the other side of the pitch.
Alas, the game was decided with the one goal, finishing up 1-0 to Te Awamutu — which at the end of the day is all you need for the three points.
Stringfellow was extremely happy with the squad and noted at times in the season they hadn’t been able to hold on to games like this, which is a testament to the boys’ growth this season.
The boys now move to their last week hosting Pa¯pa¯moa in Te Awamutu, a game where three points will secure them fifth place and a place in the Southern League next year.
The Storyteller Eatery and Bar Over 35s headed to Claudelands, in a much-anticipated game where Te Awamutu were looking to cement themselves in third place with three points, a 3-0 win should do that.
The old boys then returning to the clubrooms in Te Awamutu to exaggerate everything about the game like true storytellers.
There was talk of shots from 40 yards and crosses that resembled the premier league.
It doesn’t help that eight of the squad are due to visit the opticians this week. The boys have had a great start to their season and it’s an area the club has discussed could only grow as interest in this league has spiked. Watch this space.
The J&J Construction and Fencing side narrowly lost 2-1 away to Matamata.
Midway through the first half captain Jamie Bell scored a spectacular goal from long range to give his team the lead.
Matamata then stormed back to score two goals in quick succession to take the lead into the halftime break.
In the second half, both teams pushed hard but despite their efforts could not score any further goals.
Flynn Prutton in midfield, and Cody Jones, kept the Matamata defence on edge all game.
Player of the day was Bell. This weekend the team are away to Puta¯ruru.
The Edmonds Judd Ladies, backed by CACI clinic, headed to Mangakino.
The trip down was scenic and the arrival at Mangakino was majestic, there was a light fog that lifted just prior to the game starting.
The ladies had a skeleton crew travelling down with the bare 11 available, something that actually can be a benefit at times as you know you’re in for the long haul.
The intention was to keep possession and play the ball around.
It started off like that and it wasn’t long before Te Awamutu were able to score.
Arahia Roberts was able to lock in four, with her two striking counterparts able to also secure a goal.
Helena Gail Rika-Mackenzie was able to add to her tally and Emma Cox was able to get what was a team goal with players passing around.
This is another game in the season where the score didn’t reflect the actual game — the Mangakino ladies were strong on the ball, played to feet and were also able to create some opportunities.
They also put on a fantastic aftermatch.
Dani Walter took out player of the day for her intensity at right back.
The 34-year-old has been a key member of the squad this year and putting in a good shift.
It’s noted the ladies’ coach constantly advises they are building each week, but that’s exactly what is happening.
They have built a women’s squad the club and team should be extremely proud of, but it is hoped the foundations of the building are the secure bit as they look to take on Thames at home this week — after giving them a good game at their place it would be great to get three points back.
Although Te Awamutu AFC are extremely proud of all the football they see their juniors involved in, Toby Blake and Jacob Carr are showing what leadership figures they can be in the future, attending their training, goalkeeper practice, assisting at first kicks, playing their game and attending seniors football.
It’s noted by the players and committee.
The Under-10 Te Awamutu Junior Girls headed to Waipuna on Sunday and walked away with the title after three round-robin games and a win in the finals.