WA Over 45's - 2013 Match Reports

WA vs NT - Saturday, September 28, 2013

Finally, it was the WA 45's chance to take the field. After having a first round bye, we were more than eager to get out onto the field. All the training, all the planning, could now be put into practice. Coach Rabbit and Manager Dolly were organised, and this team of women that bonded from the word go, were ready for action. First up game for us was NT, a side not to be taken lightly. An 8:30am start had us out and about early and warming up for what we hoped would be a great game. 

A strong start saw us gain a short corner within 16 seconds, with a repeat corner straight away, but no goals scored. I may have been mistaken for thinking that we were going to dominate this game with such an early attack, however, within a few minutes NT had gained possession, worked the ball down and earned their own short corner...note to self....do not take any team lightly!! Good defence kept the ball out, and the game was on. 

A short corner in the 16th minute of the game saw a dummy from us at the top of the D, which flowed through to Jean-Marie Rudd who took it to her right, into the D, and cracked the ball into the back board for our first goal. Awesome to watch!! 

In the 63rd minute, Super Sub Claire Wright, who had just run on, grabbed the ball, ran down the left of the field, leaving confused NT players in her wake as she worked her way around them, down to the base line and in towards goal. A nice jink over a defenders stick and a pass to the spot where Nicole Doorman was in the perfect position to slot it in for our second goal! 

The end result was a 2 - 0 win to us, with the 45's newly created 'swan' dance having immediate effect, however, well done to the NT side. They had numerous short corners, and some good skills and speed, and it was a hard fought game from both sides despite them not scoring. Determination, working together, and communication saw us through our first challenge. A great team effort, with special mention to Jean-Marie Rudd, for her staunch defence and ability to turn to attack and also Vicki Berry, who played strong through out the game.....well done! 


Result: WA 2 - NT 0 

WA vs ACT - Sunday, September 29, 2013

A sunny day and a 10 am start with a temp predicted for 32 degrees! We felt lucky to have an early game considering the heat, and were rearing to go against the ACT Women. We started strongly against them and had a lot of forward play, with a field goal coming in the 12th minute from Kellie Grant. ACT had some skills and speed, but to be honest, our well oiled unit were just too strong for them. One save from the defense for the first half when we let our guard down, showed us that we should not take them lightly, despite our obvious strengths. 

The 24th minute mark saw first year player Sally Barrett, score an exciting field goal, always a great moment for a new member, and one that was celebrated by all with her! Back to work though, as good teams should never be complacent, and should always strive to be better....so despite the heat we kept working, and a field goal from Helen Guinness at the 32nd minute mark saw us 3 - 0 at half time. 

The 5 minute break was most welcomed....the day was heating up, and we all knew we still had 35 minutes of hard work ahead of us. Encouragement and focus points from Coach Rabbit and Manager Dolly saw us back on the field and ready to get the game back on. A quick turn over by us saw us caught short, and ACT bought the ball into the D from their right with a shot from about 5 metres out from the goal. It was a cracking shot that skimmed past a defender and the goalie and hit the back board for ACT's first goal. Determined to get that goal back, we worked the ball down the field and into our attacking D for a short corner. A great hit in from Jill van Duuren to Claire Wright saw Claire put it away for our 4th goal, and we were back on track. The 47th minute saw our captain of the day Jean-Marie Rudd, green carded for a 2 minute rest for a bad tackle.... a bit dubious we thought, but JM took it in her stride, and probably welcomed the chance for a drink. 

The 51st minute saw us score our 5th goal from Claire Wright via a penalty corner and continued focus saw us score a 6th goal via a field goal from Kellie Grant. 

The final score of 6 - 1 to us was as result of good team work, the field was quiet wet, and heavy, and it was a hard running game. A short passing game, and good leads and hunting in packs gave us an edge that ACT were never able to recover from. Good performances by all, especially Kelli Reilly and Keller Robinson. 

Result: WA 6 - ACT 1

WA vs QLD - Monday, September 30, 2013

A scheduled noon game, on an overcast day with a storm predicted for later in the afternoon, saw our side a little bit more relaxed with the later start. Contemplative, focused and aware that Queensland were the reigning premiers in our grade, we knew we would be in for a tough game.  

A great team talk from our Coach and Manager and some activities designed to keep us team oriented saw us off to a good start with our warm ups, and once on the turf, we were keen to get going. From the first whistle, we knew we would be in for a hard game. QLD were not going to give an inch, and if we were to beat them it was going to be from skill, hard running, and lots of team work. All of which we knew we were capable of. The game see-sawed often, with both teams having to work hard in defense and attack, with potential goals being saved at both ends. The 16 minute mark saw the first goal to us, from a penalty corner. A great cross by Jill Van Duuren from the left across to the right hand post side where Kelley Robinson popped it in. This was the start we wanted, to be the first to score, to put pressure onto our obviously talented opposition, and to force them onto the back foot. The remaining half was hard fought with the ball being played from end to end, lots of running and hard work by both sides and half time saw us at 1 - 0 

The second half started much the same way, and this was just going to be one of those even games where the winners would be the side that didn't give up! Players on both sides were working furiously to get the ball into their attacking zones, only for it to be turned over and heading back the other way. A lot of mid field direction changing kept everyone on their toes and neither side could afford to relax. The 57 minute mark of the game saw a break on the left by QLD and a tomma shot on goal that could have gone anywhere, but went smartly into the left hand corner for QLD's first goal, and putting the score at 1 all. 

The remaining minutes were run out as per the rest of the game.... lots of running, attacking and defending by both sides, with no further addition to the score. The end result a draw and two very tired teams that played a great game, and gave everyone watching an entertaining and exciting game of hockey to watch. Strong performances by Jill Van Duuren who was resilient in defense, and Leonie Squire who ran what I'm sure was many km's on the right, helped keep us in a good position throughout the entire game. Again, another great team game, with us all looking forward to a rest day on Tuesday, to rest, regroup, and come back focused on the remaining games we need to play 

Result: WA 1 - QLD 1

WA vs VIC - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

A 5:15 pm game against VIC on an overcast and rainy day, was something we were looking forward to. Coach Rabbit and Manager Dolly ensured that we would be focused with a 2 and half hour meeting in the morning. Whilst the meeting obviously involved game plan and tactics, it was a good way to start the day to ensure that we remained team oriented.  

It was a fairly contemplative ride out in the buses....we all had roles to play, and we were determined to play our parts well. Our pre game meeting was focused, and team energy was running high. A good warm up, on a late cold afternoon, saw us ready and waiting to take on the Vics. 

We knew the Vics, like QLD, would be a tough opposition, but we also had faith in our own skills, and in each other. The game started fast, and no one could afford to relax for a minute. Whilst we had the majority of the play early, we were unfortunate not to gain an early advantage, and the game saw both sides attacking and defending at various stages. A short break in play when the umpire was hit from a stray ball, and an ensuing bully gave us a couple of minutes rest to regroup. A goal from Vicki Berry in the 23rd minute of the game from a short corner saw us gain the upper hand. We ran back to the centre line, and were keen to push this advantage home with more goals. This wasn't to be as easy as we thought and the next 7 minutes saw us again attacking and defending, before a field goal was scored by the Vics in the 30th minute of the game. Half time saw us at 1 all.....Game on! 

A quick huddle, the obligatory lolly and instructions for improvement from Coach Rabbit saw us eager to get back on the field and obtain our desired outcome! The first 15 minutes of the second half saw us mostly attacking although the Vics managed to get to their attacking area on occassion. Around this stage, time was called as the umpire that had previoulsy been hit, needed to sub himself off....so time again to gather and regroup. We knew if we just kept working together, we could score, and score we did, with Vicki Berry popping in a field goal in the 50th minute to see us go 2 - 1 up. We knew the flood gates had opened, and we continued to attack relentlessly, with another field goal coming in the 61st minute from Helen Guinness. By now the Vics knew they had to score, to either win or lengthen their goal average if they were to have any chance for finals. They made a bold move by subbing their keeper for an extra field player, and despite a couple of shots on goal, that we defended well, they could not score. It wasn't the end for us though, and another field goal from Helen Guinness in the 70th minute saw us run out 4 - 1 winners, and absolutely ecstatic!! 

Again, good team play, and an absolute desire to work together well and follow our own game plan, saw us victorious. We are looking good, and continue to strive to be better. we have 2 more games remaining against NSW and SA, before final positions are decided. We are taking 1 game at a time, and working together. It is exciting to see just how far we can go when we work together, and we are enjoying the competition immensley. 

Result: WA 4 - VIC 1

WA vs NSW - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Thursdays much awaited game against a so far undefeated NSW was met with eagerness and anticipation. We were keen to see how we measured up against them, and we knew that we were still yet to achieve our full potential. Our pre game team oriented exercises and warm up stood us in good stead for what we hoped would be a strong game. Key word of the day was compusure....the plan was to keep calm, maintain our game plan and see where it took us!  

We started strongly and attacked early, having much of the play in the first 10 minutes. Its a fair comment to say that NSW did not know how to shut down our attack. We worked the ball short between players, savouring the long ball for the right occassion, and I believe anyone in the stands watching, would have been impressed. It was only a matter of time before we scored, and the 12th minute saw that happen with a sharp goal from Claire Wright after a perfect overhead from Jill van Duuren from deep midfield. We couldn't have asked for a more perfect start! We kept attacking, riding that crest of energy and excitement after having scored the first goal, and the next 8 - 10 minutes were mostly dominated by us. Thats not to say that NSW did not attack. They were a skilled side with some quick runners and they moved the ball skillfully and quickly, we could not afford to take them lightly or relax for even a minute. A couple of short corners mid way through the first half from NSW saw them score from a deflection to level the score, and half time found us at 1 all. 

A quick huddle, drinks and lollies, and all ears and eyes were on Coach.....he encourgared us to retain our composure, and stick to our game plan. He showed us some moves to counter attack a few things NSW were doing, and how we could win the ball in those situations. A team huddle and cheer with Coach Ian and Manager Dolly, and we were ready to get this second half of the game under way, and working for us. 

Re focusing, refreshed, and eager to play the second half of the game 'our' way, saw a dominating start and a field goal 3 minutes into the second half from Kelley Robinson. Such an early goal in the half, gave us the confirmation and confidence that we could and would carry this game home for a win. Despite the fact that NSW continued to attack, we had their mark, were strong in defense and midfield and able to work the ball for our forwards to be damaging. Another field goal in the 54th minute of the game by Claire Wright gave us a 3 - 1 advantage that NSW would never be able to recover from as long as we maintained composure and intensity, which we did. We ran the game out to obtain that winning margine, even subbing our keeper off the field with 3 minutes to go.....a move we thought might encourage NSW to attack fervently, however, it only succeeded to make them more defensive, as we continued to attack with an extra forward! 

Again, an excellent team game....composed, focused and dominant in our game plan. This win put us into an unasailable 1st position, with one game to go before Saturdays grand final. Outstanding performances by Jocelyn Henly and a great running/marking game by Kelli Reilly on the half line. A strong team performance all round. Well done Team! 

To one of our avid readers, Coach Ians Dad, we say a special hello to, and thank you so much for your continued support. The support and encouragement of all our families and fiends is what is helping this wondrous team work so brilliantly together. Tomorrow we take on South Australia, with the Grand Final on Saturday, although who we play may not be decided until the end of the last round. Whoever it is, we will be focused on continuing to grow as a team and to do the very best that we can, for ourselves, for each other, and for all who have stood along side us. 

Result: WA 3 - NSW 1

WA vs SA - Friday, October 4, 2013

The last game of the round, and we could not have started the game in a better position. Unable to lose 1st spot, we knew we were into the GF on Saturday, and it was a good feeling. Despite this, our aim was to remain disciplined, and focused, and not to take the game lightly. We had utter respect for SA and for ourselves, and we were going to take that respect out onto the field. Our motto for this tournament has been "Small Steps to Big Things".....and this game was another step forward towards our ultimate goal. 

Today, saw us all wear our yellow bandana's. They have been worn by numerous players through out the tournament, but today the whole team wore them. They were given to us anonymously and inscripted with our names and the message "Wan WAn Coco Full Baskit" which translates to "One coca at a time fills the baskit", and also the message that "If you will persevere you will achieve success in the end". To our anonymous donor, we say thank you sincerely, as this was a gift that kept giving, and gave us a platform for all the games to encourage us to always work together and strive for success as one team. 

From the whistle we dominated early, and had many scoring opportunities, however a skillful and agile SA keeper kept us goal less until the 19th minute when a reverse hit from the left hand side by Nicole Doorman sailed past the goalie into the top right hand corner of the goal. An amazing goal to watch, and a great platform for things to come. An own goal hit outside the D that the goalie had to defend as our own attacker swept but missed saw us 2 - 0 in the 28th minute, and despite numerous shots, and short corners the score remained at 2 - 0 at half time. 

A change of game plan by Coach Ian at the half time break, saw the goalie subbed for an extra attacker. The reasons were varied, and intended to encourage us to link together and continue to attack fervently, stretching the game into a full field of attack. This ploy worked magnificently to say the least, and it was a few moments before SA even realised that the goalie was off the field. 5 more goals were scored in the second half, 3 of them whilst the goalie was subbed off. Those goals were as follows: 39th minute - goal from a short corner by Kelley Robinson 44th minute - Field goal (1st in the tournament!) to new player Anna Taylor 62nd minute - Field goal to Anna Taylor 66th minute - Field goal to Claire Wright 70th minute - Field goal to Kelley Robinson 

The score indicated our ability to remain focused despite what appeared as an easy win, and never did we relax and let our game plan slide. An awesome effort by a remarkable team. Afterwards, Coach Ian expressed his delight in our performance and the fact that we honoured the 3 main ingredients for a successful team: Professionalism, Respect, both for each other, and the opposition, and Teamwork, which flowed in abundance! 

Tomorrow, the Grand Final......bring it on....we are ready. 

Result: WA 7 - SA 0 

Final WA vs XXX - Saturday, October 5, 2013

Result: WA n - XXX n