WA Over 60's - 2014 Match Reports

WA vs WAC - Monday, October 29, 2014

Matches between Country and City, historically, are hard fought, see-sawing, close encounters. This match was, as the 5-0 score line indicates, more of a one-sided affair. An indication of the dominance in the first half: 25 circle penetrations, 3 corners and 2 penalty corners. While a few scoring chances may have been missed, some nice goals were scored. Peter Fogels was well positioned at the left post to put away a neat pass from Rudy Keswick. Our man of the match Ian Sheppard dribbled into the circle on two occasions to score: one a sizzling lofted shot to the right hand corner of the net and the other a clinical drive into the bottom left corner of the goals. 
Although Country had some central control coming out of defence, they were contained and generally out played by our midfield and half flankers. The deep defence were resolute keeping a clean sheet for both goals and penalty corners. 

The second half was similar to the first but a bit less frenetic. While there were "just" 14 circle penetrations 2 goals were scored and there could have been more. Rudy set up 2 penalty corners with Foges and Ray Norton one each. Although no goals resulted there were field goals. Rudy found Dudley Evans near the left post. Duds calmly created a bit of space and then flicked the ball high into the net. Ray Norton created some fine scoring opportunities; one to Shep who first timed a low, hard drive under and through the goalie's pads was memorable. That hat-trick to Shep pretty well sealed his selection by the team as the winner of the Dennis Baker Memorial Mug. Rudy who had a dominant second half in the midfield and set up 2 goals and 2 corners was judged our best player by the opposing team-and well deserved! 
The deep defence of Greg Wood, Keith Gilbride and John OstaszewskyI had a near blemish free game, conceding just the 1 penalty corner. Len Collier in goals only had 3 touches for the entire game which speaks volumes for the dominance of the entire defensive unit. 
Correspondent: Tom Long 
Result: WA 5 – WAC 0 

Goal scorers: Fogels, Sheppard (3), Evans 
Man of the Match as voted by WA: Ian Sheppard 
Best Player as voted by WAC: Rudy Keswick

WA vs NSW - Tuesday, September 30, 2014

Round 2 was a replay of the 2013 Grand final for the O60’s. Was it the absence of plans B to M, the change of home ground advantage, Stretch in for his first game or Coops managing the complexities of bench rotations that accounts for the different result. 

WA circle penetrations: first half 8 and second half 7. 
The penalty corner count for the first half, WA 2 to NSW 0 was an accurate reflection that WA had more control of the game. 
From the first corner, a clean trap and hit by corner supremo, Norton, to the open left corner of the goal was deflected wide by the diving NSW keeper’s stick. 
An identical save from Pesty’s equally well placed second corner again denied WA the chance to take the lead. 

The second half was more even although WA continued to have more possession and the better chances gaining 3 penalty corners to NSW 2. However, the elusive goal didn’t come and a scoreless draw was the final scoreline, a result NSW will be happier with than WA. 

WA fullback, Woody, received the opposition’s best player award while the “Dennis Baker absent friends” mug was passed to the triangulator, Ray Norton. 
After 2 rounds WA sit third in the table, undefeated and yet to concede a goal. 

Result: WA 0 – NSW 0

WA vs VIC - Thursday, October 2, 2014

Following the nil all result against NSW, coach Pesty implored the team to focus on short triangle passes in order to set up 110% shots on goal – rather than more glamorous but low percentage shots. 
Pesty’s sage advice unfortunately fell on deaf ears. 
Despite dominating the match from the outset, with innumerable circle penetrations and short corners (statistician Lois gave up counting), open shots on goal and penalty strokes the winning goal was not scored until late in the second half. 

A first penalty stroke, midway through the first half, was well saved low on the goalies left. 
The second penalty stroke, late in the second half, was casually slotted in by Coops low on the goalies right. 

The defence maintained its clean sheet despite several circle penetrations by Victoria late in the game. 

Woody was nominated as our best player by the opposition with Charles being awarded the Dennis Baker award from WA. 

Two players, Shep and Charles, were green carded, leaving the team undermanned for several minutes. 
Neither player however seemed contrite or remorseful with both claiming the unlikely scenario of mistaken identity with Pesty. 

Result: WA 1 - VIC 0

WA vs SA - Saturday, October 4, 2014

The day dawned, when the sun arose over the eastern horizon, thankfully a daily occurrence. Unsurprisingly, it will sink in the west bringing an end to a typical WA Saturday made all the better with our win against SA. 
Some would wish that our solid performance be described in glowing, no, extravagant terms but that is held in reserve for a future correspondent to wax lyrical about upcoming, far more important encounters. 

Pesty had an almost full squad to urge into the fracas. Key play maker Ray declared his unavailability early to avail himself of the physio services. What Ray painted as legitimate, in fact bordered on a reportable & inappropriate encounter as he quickly disrobed and engaged in vigorous hand holding. The shoulder didn’t look any better but Ray seemed satisfied. 

Serious thoughts of pregame preparation were interrupted by discussions of corned beef slices, not in context, the stigma of being a Melville player and other distractions. 

It is a wonder that our game plan of plenty of passing was remembered. But it was, and the rainbow formed in the Hale spray, arching form goal to goal , was an omen for those who cared to contemplate its beauty. 

And pass we did, like ships in the night, we passed, riding the bow wave to success. Coups got onto the end of a series of passes to knock in an early goal. Our first half dominance was capped by a goal from you correspondent who was at the right end of a good cross from Foges. 

The theme continued in the second half with the team enjoying much possession and creating several scoring opportunities. Foges ensured that Sheps shot made it in and Rudy capped a good run with a deft reverse stick flick into the net. 

The comedy which is our penalty corner execution continued. Three first half corners came to nothing and so it was with the four second half attempts. 

Our much applauded defence once again held firm all day and proving to be a stable platform from which to launch our forward thrusts. Lenny, with a touch of arrogance, skilfully dribbled the ball with his pads towards the defending goal, before back healing out of danger. 

All considered an enjoyable game with the right result. 

Result: WA 4 - SA 0 
Man of the match: Chappy 
Goal scorers: Coups, Ayly, Foges, Rudy 
Denis Baker Cup: Gilly

WA vs ACT - Sunday, October 5, 2014

Thankfully the game commenced in bright sunshine after a gloomy, wet start to the day. Although a 7.00 am start on a Sunday is a bit much for us old blokes – but we soldiered on!! A lot of massaging and stretching was needed to get us up and ready to face the fight. 

WA made the early running with some crisp passing down the right to earn a penalty corner. Alas Ray’s shot was saved by some tenacious work by the ACT defenders and goalie. Shortly after ACT earned a penalty corner following a lot of midfield work by both parties which was saved on the line by Pesty (soft shot really!!!). 

The Black and Gold’s continued to harass the ACT circle to no avail until a neat pass from Rudy across the D was slotted by Peter (Ayly) to end the first half on 1-0. 

The second half began like the first with some neat direct passages of play by WA but once again we just can’t seem to find the back of the big rectangle thing called the goals. Our forwards were thwarted by some desperate ACT defence.  

With some 29 minutes to go the heavens opened up and the hockey gods decided that we needed cooling down and it proceeded to rain heavily for the rest of the game. We were awarded a penalty corner which resulted in a fast direct pass from Rudy to Ray who cracked the ball and just like the Kookaburras it struck the backboard with a thud – music to our ears!!!!! Once again the terrific supporters of our boys leapt up and cheered wildly in the stands – we were 2-0 up. 

From then on the tide turned (must have had something to do with the rain) and the ACT found the back of the net thanks to a well constructed penalty corner with 17 minutes to go. With two minutes to go the blue and gold’s were awarded another penalty corner and the result was the same – a direct hit into the left corner – Lenny didn’t stand a chance of seeing it!! 

The West boys pressed hard to gain another penalty corner with 26 seconds left on the clock. WA failed yet again to convert their attempt and the game ended in a 2-2 draw much to the delight of the one eyed ACT supporters. 

Again it was a good team effort by the WA men and credit must go to ACT for the way they fought back in the second half – but we will get them in the finals. 

Result: WA 2 - ACT 2 
Man of the match: Rudy was voted best player for the game by both WA and ACT – well done Rudy. 
Goal scorers: Ayly, Norton 
Cards: None 

WA vs QLD2 - Tuesday, October 7, 2014

With perfect playing conditions, we took the field and started with blistering pace, we moved the ball around the pitch with fine precision and after 8 minutes of play Shep scored our first field goal. 
Our game plan continued to work well and we found Ray top of the circle unmarked and he slotted the next goal on the 14th minute mark. 
We did not slow down and Tommy with his silky skills scored our 3rd goal on the 20th minute mark. 
For the rest of the first half we somehow got complacent and that produced many turnovers and lost some composure. 

At half time, our coach Pesty was not happy, we could see smoke coming out of his eyes, nose and ears and told us get our act together and move the ball around and switch play. 
We started our 2nd half moving the ball around the field and made many uncontested passes and enormous pressure was applied to our opposition defence who were not able to restrain this fierce attack. 
On the 15th Minute mark, silky Tommy ran past their fullback who dropped him giving us a penalty stroke and Ray made no mistake scoring his 2nd goal. 
We continued to apply devastating pressure denying them any opportunity to enter our circle and have any chance of scoring against us. We saw Ray score his 3rd goal on the 23rd minute mark. 
Coach Pesty took the penalty corner eliminated the first runner and passed to Coops who scored on the 31st minute mark and Coops scored again after the siren went. 
Circle entries 47 times. 

Result: WA 7 - QLD2 0 
Best WA player as voted by QLD2: Ray Norton 
Dennis Baker award went to: Johnny O 
Goal scorers: Shep 1, Ray 3, Tommy 1, Coops 2 
Cards: Ray (green) 

WA vs QLD - Wednesday, October 8, 2014

An interesting last day of competition prior to finals which, due to the closeness of the competition, would decide the final rankings of all teams. WA and QLD1, the top two sides, were playing for top spot but a loss could easily have resulted in a 4th spot. 

The team preparation went well with warm up master Foges ensuring all players were well stretched and ready to go while coach Pesty forcefully reiterated his message for the 7th time in the hope that the team would take note. 

With warm playing conditions, we took to the field with a healthy respect for the opposition but with a quiet air of confidence in our own ability to match them player for player around the ground. 

The game was off to a blistering start with both teams using the ball well and stretching each other. 
Qld star forward JC got them off to a great start with well executed tomahawk into the back of the net and the fight was on. 

With Pesty’s words of wisdom and game plan ringing in our ears, the whole team pulled together with everyone stepping up and playing well to their ability. Triangular passes, moving the ball quickly with simple effective passing, transferring play round the back, forwards leading to the ball, attacking the circle with purpose and strikers getting to the backline in and around the goal posts poised to score, defenders talking and working well together, positive talking and encouragement all around the ground, interchange working efficiently coach Pesty must have thought he was in heaven. 

The game result see-sawed back and forth, QLD 1 up, 1-1, Qld 2-1, 2-2, Qld 3-2, 3-3, WA 4 -3 and according to spectators it was a great game to watch. 

All in all, a great team effort with everyone responding to the challenge and giving 100%. 

Result: WA 4 – QLD1 3 
Best WA player as voted by QLD1: Coops 
Dennis Baker award went to: Morgs 
Goal scorers: Coops, Tommy, Ray, Rudy 
Cards: Ray (green) 
Injuries: Aly, head bump and strained hammy while charging headlong into action. 

Semi-Final WA vs ACT - Friday, October 10, 2014

Key features of the pre-game talk were to pass quickly and minimise turnovers. Perhaps due to the anxiety of a final or the pressure from teammates, the first pass was often not taken and the subsequent pass was wide of the mark or to an opponent. As time passed the pressure seemed to build. There was no lack of endeavour but obviously frustration levels were on the rise. Although there were a number of circle penetrations, the first half saw no goals and no penalty corners. 

At half time Pesty threw out the planned team rotations and improvised from the field. 
There was a noted increase in intensity as the second half began. There were still unforced turnovers but more ball was won back from them as players seemed determined to correct their mistakes. This intensity was rewarded with 3 short corners in 9 minutes, with the attacking moves mainly down the right hand side of the pitch, with Rudy a standout. 

There was no let-up. Five more short corners followed, with the attacking moves being evenly spread between right and left hand flanks. Many of these attacks were instigated from the half back lines with Charles and Chappy having prominent roles. 

With 8 minutes remaining on the clock a penalty corner was awarded and from the resulting scramble "stretch" Dawkins scored. This was much to the relief of spectators and players alike! 
However this would not have been enough if it hadn't been for Lenny and Pesty making outstanding saves on the goal line with 6 minutes and 3 minutes remaining on the clock. 

The score line of 1-0 was well deserved but far from a polished performance. 

NSW and QLD had a draw which meant the higher placed NSW goes through to meet us in the GF. 

Result: WA 1 - ACT 0 

Goal scorers: Stretch Dawkins 
Cards: Pesty (green) 

Final WA vs NSW - Saturday, October 11, 2014

In the round game we drew 0-0 with NSW but it would be fair to say we had a bit of an edge over them with some missed chances. In the previous day's final we had a well deserved but unconvincing win over ACT. With everything considered, the mood in the dressing room on the day of the Grand Final was positive. We felt we had the strategies, the players and the self conviction to beat our nemesis in past Grand Finals, NSW. 

The game opened at a cracking pace with both sides desperate to gain the initiative by retaining possession and settling into an error free passing game. Although not error free both sides were playing well with most errors being forced. In the first 10 minutes both defences stood up well. The WA defensive unit have had an outstanding carnival conceding just 5 goals in 9 games. Len Collier has not put a foot wrong, so to speak, in his debut tournament as number one goalkeeper. He made a wonderful save at the 9 minute mark from a powerful drive. Two minutes later we had a penalty corner taken by Ray Norton that was saved on the line. Our forwards had the ascendency at this time forcing another PC but were unable to get a shot away. With 18 minutes left in the first half we worked the ball down the right wing, into and across the circle through a knot of players eventually the ball fell to Rudy Keswick who reverse-flicked it high over the goals. NSW's only PC of the half at the 27 minute mark came to nought. A typical weaving run by Rudy had the ball to Ian Pestana who shot and just missed. That and Dennis Cranston's Green Card pretty well brought the first half to an end. The first half was entertaining hockey, with WA having the edge on scoring opportunities. 

WA were out of the blocks quickly in the second half, with an obvious urgency. Mr Magic, Rudy, was at it again weaving through the traffic to create a PC inside 2 minutes. Ray Norton's powerful shot "pin-balled" its way off the goalie's pads and a few sticks eventually finding Peter Fogels’ foot. Three minutes later Rudy was again taking on NSW outside the circle. He side-stepped 4 defenders, drew the keeper and off loaded to Tom Long who calmly slotted the ball into the goals. The tempo seemed to increase. Within 5 minutes NSW had 2 PCs and we had a Penalty Flick! Fortunately, they didn't score. Ian Sheppard, Peter Fogels, Peter Morgan and Peter Aylmore we're tenaciously trying to get the ball into the net when it found a defenders foot in front of the NSW's goal mouth. Greg Cooper nonchalantly flicked the ball low-down, with pace into the left hand corner of the goals. With the scoreline 2-0 NSW seemed to feel the pressure with unforced errors creeping into their passing and dribbling. In the last 20 minutes they had just 1 shot on goal. In the meantime, Rudy, Greg, Ian Sheppard and Peter Aylmore all had one or more shots on goal! With just seconds remaining in the game we forced our fourth PC. As the siren sounded, the WA Captain, John Chapman in a sportsman-like gesture, declined to take the PC leaving the final score at 2-0. 

Another clean sheet to Lenny. Another outstanding contribution from Rudy in attack and Ian Pestana, and particularly from John Ostaszewskyj and Ray Norton in defence. 

Result: WA 2 – NSW 0