The Ōtaki Chargers (one of our U12 football teams) are totally charging through their division at the moment with a massive 56 goals scored in just 8 matches and only 5 goals let in against them.
Hard to see any team in Kāpiti — senior or junior — beating that scoreline!
On Saturday, the team had one of its closest games of the season — a 3-0 win against Kāpiti Coast United Spurs, with the Chargers dominating possession and shots on goal, and showing good skill and heart in all areas of the field.
Stanley Butler, Rangiwaiata Tahuparae and Makaia Strawbridge scored the goals and caused trouble for the Spurs defence all game.
Back row (L-R) : Waka Huia Porter (coach), Rick Campbell (manager), Jeremy Brookman (coach). Middle row (L-R): Makaia Strawbridge, Davy Leason, Jon Rutten, Ira Graham, Rangiwaiata Tahuparae, Angus Moffat, Kimihia Cook-Porter. Front row (L-R): Stanley Butler, Hamish Campbell, Bill Brookman. Absent: Elsie O’Sullivan.
Stanley, Rangiwaiata and Hamish Campbell are the team’s top scorers so far this year. Stanley and Hamish also share goal- keeping duties.
Co-coach Jeremy Brookman says it’s not just goals that win games, “our indomitable defence deserves as much credit for our clear run of victories. Davy Leason is our rock solid centre half, flanked by Bill Brookman on the right and Ira Graham on the left”.
Every player is contributing to the team’s success. Elsie O’Sullivan, who has been with the team for a number of years, is solid on the right wing and is a persistent tackler who just doesn’t stop running; and Makaia Strawbridge’s determination on the ball was clear yesterday as she fought for possession, and with her ball control often left her older opponents behind her.
With another 11 games left in the Chargers’ season I reckon you should get down to Haruātai Park on a Saturday morning some time, and — if the good form continues — enjoy the entertainment!
The U12 grade plays 9-a-side and 25 minute halves.
Here’s some shots from the team’s 3-0 win on Saturday. (Click images to enlarge.)
