NUAFC 1968-2018

1983
1983 11th Grade B, Division 4
Standing: Joe Wright (Coach), Gabriel Schimanski, (#3?), (#4?), (#5?), (#6?), Phillip Wong.
Kneeling: (#8?), Keith Mackrell, (#10?), (#11?), Wayne Matthews.
Absent: Terry Goodall (Manager).
A successful season for this happy, hard-working team of
young enthusiasts who fully deserve their honours as winners of
Division 4 in this Grade.
From the first match of the season when they ran onto the
field full of confidence and hope, only to trudge off an hour later beaten
(but not bowed) to the tune of 3-8 by a slick Te Awamutu "A" outfit,
to the last triumphant goal of the competition (slotted fittingly enough
by Captain Wayne Matthews, who also scored the first) these kids
have played and trained with purpose and dedication.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Wayne Matthews.
Most goals this season, clearing off our goal-line one minute, receiving a
cross and scoring the next, Wayne was the worthy recipient of this award.
Good skills and the ability to travel vast distances in the course of a game
made him an effective Captain as well.
SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Kevin Derecourt (Goalkeeper).
Grabbed at the start of the season, thrust into a red jersey and placed
between the sticks with a prayer, Kevin developed into a brave and
effective keeper quite rapidly. He has stuck to this task manfully - not
complaining when touches of the ball were too rare or too numerous, in the
wet and cold - a well earned award.
MOST IMPROVED
Jason McBride (midfield).
At the start of the season it sometimes seemed that Jason's genius for
air-shots was unlimited, but he gave the lie to this to the point where
attackers approaching our goal usually ran into Jason's area of
authority and the ball would be gently removed from their possession
and sent back down the field where he considered it rightly belonged.
Keep it up, Jason.
ANAEUS McBURNEY
Second highest score as a striker, Anaeus is another talented and speedy
forward who combined well to generate some of the best goals of
the season, some from quite unlikely positions, but always with flair.
PHILIP WONG (Midfield)
Mr Perpetual Motion! Philip just never stops running - except when
he falls over and that is when he tries to upset the laws of physics by
changing direction 90 degrees at full speed (which he can actually
do sometimes - I swear it!). Superb opportunist, Philip's oppon­ents
cannot afford to give him half a chance when he is within cooey of the
goal.
SEAMUS GOODALL (winger)
Seamus had his first season as a forward after a season in defense, and
proved a success. Able to receive a long ball and beat defenders before
getting in a good cross and able to score with either foot (when he
gets his feet figured out!). Never stops running and never gives up
either.
NIGEL EVERLEIGH (utility)
Nigel is a strong runner and striker of the ball, always gives total effort
and is very keen. He has developed into a true team player with total
commitment to the cause, and on his day is a smashing player with
a powerful boot.
MARK GURNELL (Midfield)
Mark has really advanced this season, winning a lot of the ball and distributing it in
a most productive manner, taking most of the corner kicks for the year and
bending over "banana balls" with ease. Mark played a large partt in many of our
goals, although his name does not appear on most of them - he deserves praise
for his skill in "assists”.
PAULETTE JACKSON (Defender)
Another much-improved player, Paulette has been one of our stalwarts, moving
around the field much quicker than last year and clearing upfield as well. Paulette is
our only female player, now, but able to deal with the boys and put them in their
place. A respected and accepted team member.
GABRIEL SCHIMANSKI (Defender)
Effective and reliable, he has played well all season and has shut down many
opposition forays.
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