FUN IN PARENTS V CHILDREN SOCCER

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 3, Issue 19, 1 October 1985, Page 20

FUN IN PARENTS V CHILDREN SOCCER

Raetihi Primary School soccer teams ended their season with two games against their parents on Thursday. Almost a full team of mothers turned out to play the junior team, and a full team of fathers played the seniors. In the first half of the juniors versus mothers game, the children gave the mums some extra support so that by half time the score was 2-1 to the mothers. However in the second half the mothers proved they did not need any help so the juniors went back to their own side and before the end of the game, managed to bring the score to 2-2. Two of the organisers of the game, Lyn Drinkwater and Enid Windle, scored the goals for the parents. Glenys Langdon, the goal keeper, was prominent as defender. Several younger girls helped their mothers out during the game, including Sarah Bennett and Janine Maru. Ruapehu College girl, Vicky Donghi helped the mothers by playing well.

Sharon Rodgers showed real promise in mid-field with a very good right foot kick and Jildene Walls did excellent work on the left wing. Although injured, Stevan Dowman was determined to play against the mothers. Sean McDonough played a good game against the mothers too. Peter Wikohika had a penalty awarded by the mothers. He kicked and missed, causing the mothers to cheer and go into attack. Considerable unofficial playing took place in the seniors versus fathers game, with the dads lifting the boys off the ground so they couldn't kick the ball! The seniors kept their dads running around the

field and all fathers were exhausted after the game. Many commented afterwards that they had not realised how fit their boys were, or how unfit they were. D'Arcy Newson showed real promise as a striker with son Brent trying hard to stop his dad scoring as much as he could. Captain of the seniors, Nathan Donghi, played his usual good game, keeping the team together and keeping an eye on his father, Tony, who was always ready to get into the attack. Jim Bennett, goal keeper for the fathers, managed to save the day with his bulk. Mr Drinkwater, in defending goal, showed real promise also.

Other prominent players on the senior boys side were Sean Drinkwater and Rodney Donghi. The final score for the fathers versus the seniors was 2-2. After the games a gift of appreciation was given to D'Arcy Newson for his long service to the Raetihi Junior Soccer team. Mr Newson reminded the boys to be loyal to the sport, turn up to practices and practise hard. He hoped that junior soccer would go from strength to strength in Raetihi. He said he had enjoyed being part of helping the team and thanked the parents for their support.