WA Over 50's - 2003 Match Reports
WA 0 vs TAS 0
We snatched a draw from the jaws of victory! The first game of the tournament traditionally sees nervousness and a sense that more training and fitness would have prepared us better. This was certainly not evident in this match. We dominated for 75% of the game, with several chances to score only narrowly missed.
WA 2 vs SA 0
The Grey Ducks are flying! Our second game against South Australia showed the potential of this team as we dominated the majority of the game. Only a few miraculous saves from the SA defence prevented a more realistic scoreline. Limited to only a few chances SA were defending against a very fluent and slick WA team that gained in confidence as the match progressed. The first goal resulted from a short corner with Pete (Firewall) getting the last touch from a pass/shot from Terry (the Rock Doctor). The same combination produced the second goal but with Terry scoring from the top of the D with a rasping shot into the corner. A very pleasing performance which has set us up well for our next big hurdle, The Vics.
WA 1 vs VIC 2
Third game and a tough one against a strong Victorian side. Again a very promising start with WA spreading the ball around and definitely being the better side. Unfortunately a breakaway resulted in a penalty corner which the Vics converted to give a 0-1 half-time scoreboard. The second half was more even but with WA having a number of near misses and close calls before a scramble in the goalmouth resulted in a penalty flick for the Grey Ducks. Dudley strode up full of confidence and placed the ball in the bottom left corner to tie the game. WA kept up the pressure but couldn't find the net again. Unfortunately with us pushing for the win we were open to the counter and on a break the Vics managed to scamble what would prove to be the winning goal. A disappointing result but a very creditable performance and one that again gives a lot of heart for future games, the first being Queensland on Saturday. Watch this space for further news!
WA 3 vs QLD 0
"Here we go, here we go, here we go!" Game 4 and certainly our best result with a 3-0 win over Queensland. The Grey Ducks got off to their best start yet with a goal from Tommy after a free hit from Graham was deflected on by Len C for a reverse stick goal. Within a few minutes a glorious through ball to the far post from Dudley was deflected in by Dennis B, 2-0. On the 12 minute mark the Queensland defence was split again by good running from the forwards to leave Dudley again giving a superb ball through the middle for Dennis to go around the goalie and walk the ball in, 3-0. The first half had more chances at both ends but no more goals. Queensland attacked in force for the second half but a very well organised and resolute WA defence did a superb job in keeping them scoreless. This was a stand-out, team performance against a very strong side, our third clean sheet out of 4 and a terrific boost to qualifying for the semis. Next game, WA Country on Monday the 6th.
WA 1 vs WA Country 0
A pressure game for both teams with Country determined to beat their City cousins and playing well above their previous standard. There were early opportunities for both teams but half-time saw a 0-0 scoreline with the Grey Ducks just having the edge. Shortly after half-time a fantastic passage of play finished with a reverse pass across the D from Dudley giving Terry the chance to exquisitely slot the ball wide of the advancing keeper. WA carved out a number of opportunities but great keeping kept the score to a single goal to produce the three points that were needed from a very closely contested game and yet another team failing to score against a very strong defence.
WA 4 vs ACT 5
Forgive the cliche but this was a game of two halves. The first 10 minutes saw a few chances at both ends before a jinking run from Tommy gave Len C the chance to open the scoring. Unfortunately, ACT then hit us with three goals from very well taken chances. The WA side responded with another goal with Pete slotting home after yet another Tommy pass. It looked as though the game was going to hang in the balance but a couple of lapses gave ACT the chance to score another 2 goals and with a 2-5 scoreline, the game looked to be over. However an inspirational talk from the coach, Graham, (or was it the promise of KY's after-match whisky?) changed the game totally and the second half was dominated by WA. Tommy scored one himself, 3-5 and then Terry slotted one from the top of the D, 4-5. Relentless pressure in the last 10 minutes saw a number of chances for WA but unfortunately the ball wouldn't go in the net. A very creditable performance against the top team which means that the semi-finalists will not be known until the final round on Thursday. Watch this space for more news then!
WA 1 vs NSW 2
We lost, but not by enough to put us out of the final four. Full match report later.
WA 1 vs ACT 3 Semi-final
Full match report later. We missed some chances and ACT will play NSW in the final Sat 11/10.