WA Over 45's - 2012 Match Reports

WA vs TAS - Friday, September 28, 2012

Upon arriving in Melbourne on Wednesday, we were greeted with beautiful weather, and were all suitably impressed. However, they don’t refer to Melbourne as the city of four seasons in a day for nothing, and a quick change in the weather (which I must point out that the Victorians are blaming us for bringing over!) saw us warming up in near dark at 4:30 pm with the rain so bad we couldn’t see who we were passing to! 

Thank goodness, for nervous energy and excitement about our first game. I don’t think we felt a drop! The skies cleared to a drizzle, and we took to the field against Tassie with high hopes. 

WA dominated straight off, and with 5 New Players, we looked as though we had been playing together for years. Unlucky in the first minute not to score a goal from a short corner, and another couple of opportunities could have seen us 3 nil up in the first 5 minutes, but it wasn’t to be. 

In the 8th minute we were awarded a Penalty Stroke. Anita Duckworth, our stroke specialist, walked to the spot, and from our point of view, this was never going to miss. She kept our faith, and we went 1 up. Missed opportunities kept the score at 1-0 until the 29th minute when some lovely team play saw Claire Wright break away, and head towards the goal. Judy Bailiff provided awesome support, and the end result was Claire drawing the goalie, passing off to Judy, who popped it into the goal. Half time 2-0 up. 

Not wanting to relax on our merits, Coach Quinty instructed us on areas of improvement, and encouraged us to continue to be strong. 

The second half, still slightly wet, and very windy, saw Tassie fight back a bit, and we had to lift, and concentrate to hold them. Despite this, another break and a long run saw Claire with nothing but the goalie and the goal in her sights. With Judy sprinting up the middle for support, once again, Claire drew the goalie, and Judy finished off again, by putting the ball, and herself into the net. 3-0 up and looking good. 

The 47th minute saw a goal to Claire, a just reward for her hard work. 

At the Coaches request, we went into containment mode, holding possession, playing forward when necessary, but ultimately attempting to preserve what we had. Tassie ended up with a goal from a short corner in the 62nd minute, but the hard work had been done, and we were always going to have a good win. 

A fantastic effort for a first game, A real team game, that showed that we are only just beginning….we have more to give, and we are setting our sights high. Our opposition should be afraid……very afraid….. 

Well done everyone 

Result: WA 4 - TAS 1 

Goal scorers: Anita Duckworth (1), Judy Bailiff (2), Claire Wright (1) 

WA vs SA - Saturday, September 29, 2012 8:00am

It seems that Melbourne has been savings it’s rainiest moments for when the WA 45’s are taking the field. Once again, the heavens opened. However, this time we were prepared, and had packed our flippers! 

Right from the word go, we were in command, there was no sign of soreness or lethargy from the game the previous day, and it was exciting to see that we were in fact, faster and stronger. Pleasing to Coach Quinty was that we didn’t rush our shots, we were prepared to hold the ball until options opened, and that we showed patience, and treasured possession. 

If the only time your Keeper touches the ball is to fetch it for a free, then one can assume your team is doing pretty good. 

Half time saw us at 3 nil, with goals coming from Julie White, Claire Wright, and Judy Bailiff. 

Although very wet and cold, we were strong and confident. 

The lead at half time, enabled us to preserve players strengths, and because of an extremely slippery turf, we played well within ourselves, valuing possession at all times. 

The centre line of Marjorie Boultbee, Jean-Marie Rudd, Julie White, Anita Duckworth and Jocelyn Henly were outstanding, although everyone contributed, and once again it was an all round great team game. 

Judy Bailiff grabbed another goal in the second half to see us 4-0 winners over a hapless SA side. 

Looking strong, and looking forward to playing QLD tomorrow. 

Result: WA 4 - SA 0 

Goal scorers: Julie White(1), Claire Wright(1), (Judy Bailiff(2) 

WA vs QLD - Sunday, September 30, 2012

Shellshocked by speed is probably the best way to describe the start of the game against the Queenslanders. They came out hard, and fast, and hunted in packs of 3 around the ball at all times. Their tenacity, speed and aggressiveness caught us unawares, and we found it difficult early to maintain possession long enough to play our own game. 

Queensland dominated the first half, although it was still difficult for them to score, and it wasn’t until the 22nd minute that they managed to score from a short corner. Under immense pressure, we defended solidly at all times, preventing field shots on goal, so we still were able to make them work hard to maintain possession, and at the same time, adapt our game to suit. 

Advice from Coach Quinty at half time, and the odd sugar fix or two, saw us ready to rumble, and intent on bringing the game back to our advantage. 

Whilst the end result wasn’t to be ours, we lifted in the second half, and Queensland struggled to maintain their composure. We shared much more of the attack, but were unfortunate not to convert on numerous occasions, and one momentary lapse after a few short corners gave Queensland the break they needed to get the ball away from a quick 16 yard hit, down the other end , for a short corner, and ultimately a goal. 

The end result of 2 -0 to them did not signify the intensity of the game, and the general feeling from within is that we lifted when we had to, we ran the game out well….there were a few things that we can work on, and woe betide them if we meet them again this tournament. 

Outstanding games by Jean-Marie Rudd, Sandy Reysenbach, Jocelyn Henly & Marjorie Boultbee, kept us in the game at all times, and right up until the final whistle went, we always felt we had a chance to pull it back. 

Over all, a ‘never say die’ effort by everyone, and nothing to be ashamed about. 

Result: WA 0 - QLD 2 

WA vs NSW - Monday, October 1, 2012

After our gritty loss to Queensland yesterday, our plan today was to maintain our strengths and continue to play our style of game. We felt that if we could do that, we would come out with a win. 

We showed very early discipline by maintaining form when attacking, and keeping our spaces open. We were unlucky not to score in the first few minutes, as it only took us 15 seconds on the clock to get the ball from the middle down into our attacking D.  

It took NSW 8 minutes to even get the ball into their attacking half, but when they did, they looked dangerous, so we knew we would have our work cut out for us. 

Off Field highlight of the day was when one of our Leadership Group, Helen Guinness, subbed off, and ran to the opposition bench, gave them her number and sat down. It would have been comical, except that they were happy to keep her! 

Strong 1st halves by Kelley Robinson, Helen Guinness and Anita Duckworth, helped us keep the attack and pressure on at all times. NSW were also working hard, and despite us having most of the play, managed to get a goal in the last minute of the first half to see them 1-0 at half time. 

Coach Quinty was unperturbed by this, and encouraged our girls to maintain composure, remain steadfast, value possession, and continue to stick to our game plan. Anita Duckworths comment at the end of the break was “Just keep going, the goals will come, if we get one, we’ll get two”. It turns out that never a truer word was spoken…..back on the field, and working hard…..maintaining our positions and working the ball around, we continued to apply pressure. A break down the line saw Claire Wright with a free run, and only a couple of players to beat, which she did with the utmost ease, and drawing the goalie out in a one on one she managed to slot the ball into the opposite corner of the goal in the 53rd minute of the game…..magnificent to watch, and we knew there was more to come. 

The tempo of the game lifted, both teams, eager to score, and a bit of to and fro with the ball was giving both teams opportunities to score without success. Our defence held firm, Lyn Lucas making some good saves, and Jean-Marie Rudd and Jocelyn Henly working the ball out of defence calmly and efficiently. 

The 66th minute of the game saw Helen Guinness get a ball down the line to Claire Wright who took it all the way to the corner under pressure, and with no more room left to run, she got a quick hit to the top of the D, a hard and bouncy ball, that caught everyone by surprise, except for Marjorie Boultbee, who batted it in like a pro cricketer for our second goal. 

It was time to shut up shop…..and we did just that…..valuing our possession, giving NSW limited opportunity to gain control, and the final siren saw us elated winners at 2-0. 

Marjorie, along with the rest of the team are still grinning…….an awesome team win, and we reckon there is plenty more still to come. 

Everyone is looking forward to a well deserved rest day tomorrow, then back to the task at hand! 

Result: WA 2 - NSW 1 
Goal scorers: Claire Wright (1), Marjorie Boultbee (1) 

WA vs NT - Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Melbourne has finally turned on the sunshine, and it has warmed the Hockey Centre! After a cold and wet start to the tournament, today took us by surprise, and the warm weather has had us rushing for our cold towels and powerades! 

The game started in a flurry for NT, I’m not sure that we heard the whistle, because within 10 seconds of the start, NT had taken the ball down into their attacking circle, and we were left defending a short and looking rather dazed! Realising that we were actually here to play a game of hockey, common sense kicked in, and we defended the corner, and set about getting our game plan working. Such a slow start by us was just the thing NT needed, and we found ourselves defending often in the first 15 minutes of the game. Starting to settle, and value possession, slowing the game down, and thinking before passing, gave us the time we needed to regroup and get back to form. It wasn’t long before our midfield and attack began to get more play, and we were able to work the ball forward with shots on goal, near misses, and a couple of dubious calls that saw us turn the ball over. 

It was a long hard 35 minutes of hockey for us, hot, and hard running. Not to be thwarted, we held strong, and the last minute of play from us saw a break away by Claire Wright who gave the ball to Judy Bailiff, led down the line and received the ball back for a goal just before the half time siren. 

Instructions from the Coach at half time, was simply……’Patience’…..we had the skill, we had the legs, we had the team work, all we had to do was be patient, and it would all continue to flow. 

Unlike the beginning of the game, we took to the field in the second half, alert and eager, all except for Marjorie Boultbee, who decided that she would like to run onto the wrong half and play for the opposition…..lucky for us, she changed her mind, and took her rightful place in our team. A short corner 4minutes into the second half, saw Anita Duckworth put away a cracking shot into the corner of the goal to see us 2-0 up. I don’t think anyone saw that shot coming, as it rocketed into the goal! Dominating the attack, we scored again in the 53rd minute with a run from Claire Wright who got the ball to Marjorie Boultbee, who having decided to continue to play for us popped in another goal to see us 3-0 in front. Another goal from a short corner in the 59th minute from Claire Wright saw us at 4-0, and with thoughts of valuing possession, and slowing the game down, we didn’t believe we would be at risk of losing from here. 

To NT’s credit, they wouldn’t accept this, and fighting hard, they managed to score a field goal two minutes later, giving them a bit of a lift, and reminding us, not to relax on our laurels. They continued to try and pressure us, often succeeding in getting into their attack, only to be thwarted by our defence. The final siren saw us as 4-1 winners. 

Once again, an outstanding team game, where everyone worked together, game plans were adhered to, and strong performance s by all, saw us into a winning position. 

Strong games by Julie White, Judy Bailiff, Marjorie Boultbee and Claire Wright helped us maintain a successful attack, and Helen Guinness, Captain for the day…lead from the front at all times. 

Tomorrow, we take on ACT, we can’t afford to relax, our aim is to maintain our equilibrium….rely on each other, work together, and let our team work and skills do the talking. 

Result: WA 4 - NT 1 

Goals: Claire Wright (2), Anita Duckworth (1), Marjorie Boultbee (1) 

WA vs ACT - Thursday, October 4, 2012

Once again, it appeared at the start of the game, that we were like lost sheep, looking around for a Leader. Our Strikers and mid field, seemed once again to start slowly, and ACT were in attack quite early. Steadfast in defence however, ensured that no goals were scored, and it wasn’t long before our midfield came alive, and started getting the ball through to our forwards. A short corner for us, that was played around a bit, and came to rest on Anita Duckworth’s stick at the top of the D with space around her, looked to be an almost certain goal coming up, but a cracking hit went at a rate of knots straight to the top of the bar where it bounced back well outside of the D, and ACT took off with it. That shook us into action and we worked hard, especially in the mid field to get the ball through for a chance to score. This came in the 23rd minute with a break through to Claire Wright near the centre line. Claire took off with speed and skill, leaving everyone in her wake, including her support forwards! She weaved through a few defenders, drew the goalie, and put the ball in the back of the net, for one of the most awesome goals I have seen this tournament from an individual. Well done Claire, it was amazing to watch. 

The score stayed at 1-0 through to the break, as ACT fought gallantly to hold us out. The wind was warm, and it was taking its toll on both teams who were starting to tire. A welcome break and a chance for a cold drink, saw Coach Quinty encourage us to adhere to our game plan. Holding form was high on the list, if we did this, we would conserve energy, and create space and opportunity. 

Well…..if that’s what the Boss wants….that’s what the Boss gets!! The second half saw us dominate in attack, and defend admirably when needed. Good running support from the midfield, mean’t the game was never going to be in doubt as long as we kept to our game plan. 

A short corner in the 41st minute saw a hit to the top, and a well directed hit to the right post from Anita Duckworth, where Claire Wright was waiting with her stick to deflect it in. It looked as though it was a perfectly executed short corner drill. 

In the 66th minute, Jean-Marie Rudd, having taken the ball from an ACT Attacker deep in our defence, started an amazing bit of team play. Jean-Marie played it across the line to Sandy Reysenbach, who drew the fielder and then passed further down the line to Judy Bailiff. Judy played inside to Marjorie Boultbee, who crossed to Claire and then led forward to receive back. Claire drew the goalie out, passed to Marjorie, who cracked it into the goals. An amazing piece of team play that resulted in a goal from a turnover in defence. It was lovely to watch! 

In the last minute of the game, with our midfielders pushing high, some strong work from Sandy Reysenbach saw her take a shot on goals, that was saved by the keeper. A scramble in front of the keeper saw Claire Wright poke the ball through for another goal, for us to finish 4-0 winners. 

Overall, it was a great team game with strong performances by everyone, especially, Leonie Squire, Sandy Reysenbach, Helen Guinness and Peggy Nelson. 

We are now sitting 2nd with 5 wins and 1 loss. We look forward to taking on the Vics tomorrow. 

Result: WA 4 - ACT 0 

Goals: Claire Wright (3), Marjorie Boultbee (1) 

WA vs VIC - Friday, October 5, 2012

Coach Quinty & Manager Stoner, stood at the bench, with their hands on their hips……watching with bated breath…..hoping & praying for a turnaround quick start by WA. Obviously, the team did not want to deviate from a successful game plan thus far, and the crew were left to chew their nails, whilst once again, the opposition went into attack from the first whistle, and we were left defending madly! 

The pace of the game see-sawed quite a bit, with both sides attacking and defending. In the 18th minute, the Vic’s were rewarded with a short corner, that they turned into a goal. Not perturbed, but not happy either, we knew we had to continue with our game plan, and things would turn, and we would soon be back in the game. Sure enough, in the 22nd minute, Marjorie Boultbee was off down the right side with space……as she bought the ball in about 10 metres in from the baseline, she crossed to Peggy Nelson. With the goalie coming towards Peggy on the spot, Peggy, has dummied the shot, and let it go through to Claire Wright on the left who now had an open goal to pop it into. 1 all, and plenty more to come. The game again see-sawed until half time with no further score. A hard, running game, that had Coach Quinty rotating our mid fielders often due to the large amounts of running. 

After half time, the game continued with the same pace until the 45th minute when Claire Wright found herself free down the left. With Judy Bailiff offering support, and the Vic’s not sure which player was going to have the shot, Claire sent a cracking shot to the wide post where Judy was waiting, however the ball was angled perfectly, and Judy watched it into the back of the net off Claire’s stick. 

WA had more opportunities to score than Vic, including a graceful ‘half donut’ turn by Peggy that just missed the goal, however, the Vic’s were taking advantage of their short corners, and the 65th minute saw them put away a corner to equal the score at 2 all. 

The 68th minute saw goal keeper Lyn Lucas stop the ball from a Vic short corner at what appeared to be shoulder height, which dropped to the ground and was pushed into the goal. The umpires confirmed, and we felt confident of a reversal to a free for us for a high first shot on goal, however, the goal stood, and Vic went 3-2 up. The withering look from the tech bench to Anita Duckworth on her comment of the outcome, was a classic……..if looks could kill etc etc….. 

Quinty pushed Claire higher and implored (rather loudly) for our defence to get the ball up the left and into space for her. Obliging like only a Great Team can, Claire received the ball and took it to the base line and into the D where she won a short corner with 20 seconds to go in the game. With the pressure on, and everyone up, the short was pushed out to Anita Duckworth……a cracking hit into the right hand corner of the goal reverberated off the backboard with a thump, and arms were raised as WA ended up with a 3 all draw. This was a crucial game for us, as only the 1st two teams went forward into tomorrow’s GF. 

A 2-1 win to Queensland against NSW later in the morning, ensured that the WA 45’s women play off against QLD tomorrow for Gold. 


Result: WA 3 - VIC 3 
Goals: Claire Wright (2), Anita Duckworth (1)

Final WA vs QLD - Saturday, October 6, 2012

After having warm and sunny weather for a few days, Saturday dawned wet again, and very cold. A noon game was scheduled for us against the strongest team in the competition. Queensland were fast paced and their skill’s weren’t lacking either. They had gone through the tournament undefeated, only having 1 goal scored against them in the last game of the rounds. 

Were weren’t perturbed, as the previous days game against Vic that we drew to get us into the Grand Final, was a celebration for many of us. For the newcomers to the team, it was a taste of something awe inspiring and exciting, for the steadfast regulars that had been playing in this age group for the last few years, it was an uplifting moment, as none of them had ever come close to playing a GF for their State. The fact that QLD had been undefeated did not weigh on us at all, we had nothing to lose…we were in a GF, the best possible result we could hope for, and anything else from there would be icing on the cake. Our hard work had been rewarded, and we were going to soak it up! 

Coach Quinty, chewing her nails to the quick, expected a typical slow start, as had been the case with all our round games, but I don’t think she factored into the equation, the energy, excitement and drive that were in each and every one of the girls that took to the field. We were out strong right from the first whistle, and whilst QLD did get some early corners, they were well defended. Lyn Lucas, our goal keeper, saved her best till last, with some wonderful saves, and strong defence from Jean Marie Rudd and Jocelyn Henly, saw us get the ball back to our midfield to do the work. 

The game was played up and down the entire field for the whole game. Both teams having chances to score, but unable to put the ball away. QLD were getting rattled, and began to make some simple passing mistakes, often turning the ball over, especially late in the second half, but we were unable to capitalise on this with a goal at our end. 

The last 7 seconds of the game, saw QLD score a goal from a short corner, and they ended up victorious with a 1-0 win. 

Having watched this team of Ladies play together from trials, through training, and then through the round games, I can only say, that they should be very proud of their ‘Silver Medal’, and bask in the glory of their achievement. A wonderful team, with a wonderful Coach. They gelled right from the word go. They kept structure right through out the tournament. Despite the fact that there was lots of fun things to do, like shopping in Melbourne, wining and dining, and shows to see….this amazing group of women never lost sight of what they had come here for. The early morning pool sessions (even on our rest day), and the team meetings and trainings kept us focused at all times. The ice baths after the games were a reminder of the need to look after our bodies for the duration of the tournament to ensure that we were at the best condition that we could be. Most players even had physio on our day off, just to keep our bodies going strong. 

Queensland, were the best team in the competition, they were fast, and they were skilled. I think we probably matched them in the skill department, but they were probably a bit quicker than us over all, and congratulations to them, they deserved to win, having gone through undefeated. However, considering that it took them 69 minutes and 53 seconds to finally get the ball in the back off the net, shows that as well as our own skills and pace, we had a heart as big as Texas (so the saying goes!), and I’m sure if we had had another few minutes on the clock, it might have been a different story. 

Congratulations to each and every one of you, you had an awesome tournament, and you are all an awesome group of women. Sincere thanks to Coach Wendy Quint, who took this 45’s team to reach places they haven’t reached, in a long long time. Well done…..Simply Amazing…..Simply Awesome 


Result: WA 0 - QLD 1