WA Over 55's - 2014 Match Reports
WA vs TASA - Thursday, October 2, 2014
The opening game of the championships for the Grey Ducks proved to be somewhat of a 'settling in' affair for the team with the built up anticipation finally being let loose. The opposition TASA, a hybrid of Tas/SA/Qld/WA players showed some physical determination and managed to frustrate the WA style of play to some degree.
Peter Crowe presented time and again over the pitch and his persistence resulted in two fine field goals, both followed by his classic "finger in the air" celebration.
The team defence stood strong resulting in "Goaldoc" only being required to make one clearance in the D.
Fullbacks Lyle Kenny and Dave Elliott were awarded MVP by the opposition and Grey Ducks, respectively.
Robbie's One Liner: "Great defence, solid start to the tournament against a good opposition. Gutted by the Injury to Normy. Look out NSW tonight."
Result: WA 2 - TASA 0
WA vs NSW - Friday, October 3, 2014
The history of competition between these two teams usually makes for some entertaining and quality Hockey, and this game was no exception. From the outset the game became a dour struggle between the midfield domination of the Grey Ducks and stalwart defence of the Blues. Scoring chances were few and far between and it wasn't until a second half penalty corner - no penalty corners in the first half - that the Ducks were able to break the deadlock. A Steve Pestana injection saw a well struck shot and a good save by the NSW keeper. Unfortunately for him, the ball landed in front of his prone body and Pesty scooped the ball over him and into the net.
At the other end Goaldoc was called upon three times to make clearances and NSW were unlucky to have a scorching, high shot fly just wide of the right post. The Ducks work rate all over the field was kept at a high level, lead by a focussed "BR" whose efforts saw him awarded MVP by both teams.
Robbie's One Liner: "Excellent, two games in, two wins, no goals against and we have learnt some things about this NSW team."
Result: WA 1 - NSW 0
WA vs VIC - Sunday, October 5, 2014
The Ducks had a slower start against Vic who played a tight marking game not letting us get away easily. We made it harder for ourselves by not honouring the early lead with plenty of hard work in the midfield. Our defence weathered the early storm with Lyle making some great tackles all over the field plus some great leads up front but we let ourselves down with poor trapping and passing at times with turnovers up front. A well struck short corner from BR opened our account. The next goal came from a good set of passes into the circle finished off by Pesty. The third goal came from a scramble in the circle following a penalty corner – own goals don’t happen so this one was credited to Feral, deservedly so having created the opportunity in the first place. The weather was specially imported from Melbourne by the Vics for this occasion. Some players managed to enjoy their time on the bench in the dry as the torrent hit. Penney was kept busy working her magic to keep us going. Her poor fingers went blue with frostbite in the change rooms after the game with all the ice that she had to dish out. It looked more like the ice-capades with about 100 metres of gladwrap to boot.
A good win in the end, 3 goals scored and still a clean sheet for Goal Doc. MVP voted by both the Ducks and the Vics, Stephen Pestana. Robbies one liner, uttered at half time, The Vics brought their A game today.
Didn't see the carton of VB after the game, Coach, perhaps you are thinking we may meet them again during the tournament??
THANKS TO GUEST SCRIBE Normie alias Gnome alias Bones with a bit of editorial assist thrown in by the Scribe.
Result: WA 3 - VIC 0
WA vs WAC - Monday, October 6, 2014
The WA Derby probably didn't go according to the script for both sides. The confidence within the Grey Ducks side did not reveal the expected early results and the anticipation of the Country team was somewhat allayed with their dogged determination while playing to their strengths. The Ducks eventually opened the scoring with a deft little deflection by yours truly off a well struck pass into the D from Westy - a move that I think we both acknowledge was not part of the game plan, but hey.
In the meantime Manager Astrid had her own issues dealing with allegations by tournament officials of too many team support members on the bench. Team Coach, Team Physio, six reserves, one injury acting as "Team Gynaecologist". Then there was Pesty's Hockey Bag and water bottle left on the Naughty Chair, perhaps he knew what was to come.
The struggle continued and eventually Jimmy showed his dominance close-in with two well fought goals from his stick in the second half. Unfortunately a chink in the defensive armour appeared allowing an unchecked attack from a Country striker resulting in the first goal against the team.
MVP voted by the opposition, incredibly yours truly, must be the old country connections. MVP as voted by the Ducks, undoubtedly Jimmy.
Robbies One Liner, 80% may have been good enough today but now we need to get serious.
Team lunch at Lyle's house followed, huge thank you to Mrs Lyle and Daughter.
Ed: All too modest scribe, goal scorer and MVP (from Country) was, of course, Herro.
Result: WA 3 - WAC 1
Goal scorers: Herro (1), Jimmy (2)
WA vs QLD - Wednesday, October 8, 2014
This was the Over 55 division top of the table clash with the Ducks in first position and Queensland in second. The Ducks went into the match with some anticipation of the struggle to come, but confident in their physical, mental and strategic preparation. The Queenslanders were put under pressure across the ground with the Ducks dominating most positions and exploiting the deficiencies within Qld.
The first half saw a nice penalty corner conversion from BR and a great field goal from Crowie.
The second half produced a field goal from Pesty and another from Crowie.
Another clean sheet to Goal Doc.
Consistent effort all over the ground with the sideline comment from Jimmy - the team is working hard for each other.
MVP voted by the opposition, Colin Howell with some free running and great position play. MVP as voted by the Ducks, Nigel Rayney whose position play and distribution was a feature.
Goal Scorers. 1 penalty corner goal to BR, 2 field goals to Crowie and 1 to Pesty.
Cards. None.
Robbie's One Liner, a great team effort for the full seventy minutes.
Result: WA 4 - QLD 0
Semi-Final WA vs TASA - Friday, October 10, 2014
The Grey Ducks went into this match feeling confident in the team structures and the style of play they have developed throughout the tournament. Some strategic positioning of a couple of players, aimed at countering the anticipated TASA strengths was performed. TASA came out with attack in mind and another physically tough game played out. The Ducks pressed early with a number of chances and a great deflection by Jimmy to open the account 10 minutes in. A penalty corner saw Colin slot the second goal and Crowie extended his tournament account with a field goal.
TASA came back with a vengeance and scored two goals from strong blustering play leaving the Ducks rattled for a period in the second half. 3 - 2. The Ducks countered from a defended opposition penalty corner, the ball was played quickly into our extended forward line where Feral neatly scooped the ball over the prone keeper into the top of the net. 4 - 2. This turning point reignited the Ducks confidence. Crowie followed shortly after with an excellent lob over the keepers head into the net, 5 - 2. The Ducks then maintained possession and played out the game with a little arrogance resulting in a penalty corner goal to Herro after the final siren. Final score 6 - 2 and the Ducks have an appointment with Queensland in the Grand Final.
MVP voted by Ducks and presented by Nigel to the indefatigable Peter Crowe.
Goal Scorers. Jimmy 1, Colin 1, Crowie 2, Feral 1, Herro 1.
Cards. Pesty Green, BR Green.
Robbie's One Liner, well done team, we have achieved our goal, into the GF.
Result: WA 6 - TASA 2
Final WA vs QLD - Saturday, October 11, 2014
WE ARE THE CHAMPIONS
A hard fought first half saw the ducks develop a three nil lead, however the Queenslanders brought their A game to this event, unlike the round game. Their persistence gave them two goals in reasonably quick time. The Ducks composure was somewhat ruffled for a period, but sticking to the game plan allowed the Ducks to soak up the pressure whilst continuing to create opportunities and eventually take the win. Goal Scorers. Jimmy 1, Colin 1, Crowie 1.
Final score Grey Ducks 3 - Queensland 2.
MVP for the tournament voted by Ducks and presented by Coach Robbie at the dinner later that night – Brian Robinson by a huge margin over all other contenders; a deserved award for a consistently excellent performance in every match. Well done BR.
A big thank you to Manager Astrid, Physio Penney, Debbie and Lyle Kenny for opening up their home to the team, Team Gynaecologist/Wounded Soldier Normie and to all our partners and supporters.
Congratulations and thanks to Super-coach Robbie Lawson.