All is good with Pukekohe’s promising youth….
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SCox posted on September 09, 2008 09:28
The 11th Grade blue have had a wonderful season which saw them go a season undefeated and clinch their league by goal difference. Ian Davidson (a true ambassador for junior and youth football in Pukekohe) has patiently developed a group of rising maroon stars. The most notable element of this 11th grade side is their team ethic and their attitude to work for each other. All of the players - Mathew Bright, Logan Buchanan, Reife Cox, Scott van Lieshout, Phillip Paul, Cameron Rigby, Blake Smith, David Sayers, Lachlan Woods-Davidson and Christian White - have stood up and answered the call.
By no means have the 11th grade Blue had an easy season; they have had to come back from goals down on at least 3 occasions. This demonstrates commitment, resilience and belief, something shown in many of our young players and something we all must nurture.
In addition the 11th Grade Blue had the opportunity to mix with Auckland’s finest on Father’s day. Glorious sunshine and fine playing surfaces greeted the top 11th grade teams at Madill’s Farm. Placed in a pool with 2 of the top four in Auckland was a daunting prospect. But cometh the hour cometh the team and stand up you young maroons. With one draw (Eastern Subs prem), one win (East Coast Bays prem) and one loss (1.0 to Onehunga Sports Prem league winners) the maroons progressed to a semi final and second place in their pool. The semi final provided a fine battle with the top Eastern Subs side and the maroons taking them to extra time only to lose to on a ‘golden goal’.
A huge thank you to Ian and those involved with coaching the 11th grade blue and our youth. In addition a huge thank you to the parents, and indeed, all parents involved with our rising stars – your support and commitment to the club is what is going to take us forward.
Based on this evidence and combined with the other stars in the 11th grade, Pukekohe can look forward to a fine young crop of players for first team action in 4 or 5 years time. Onwards and upwards the Spartans!