WA Over 65's - 2008 Match Reports

WA vs NSW Over 70's - Tuesday, July 8, 2008

In warm and sunny conditions with low humidity and a pleasant breeze, WA O/65's commenced the defence of their 2007 championship against the NSW over 70's team. 

WA were slow to start, and despite holding the bulk of possession and territory were only leading by 1-0 at half time. 

During the third quarter, WA put together many good moves but were unable to score during that period. This was due to a combination of breakdowns by WA inside our 25 and some resolute defence by the NSW backs. 

The fourth quarter was much more improved with the WA forwards showing more attacking flair which resulted in another three goals. 

Goal scorers: P. Gason, M. Stewart, T. Kerr, C. Saunders

Result: WA 4 - NSW O/70's 0

WA vs QLD - Wednesday, July 9, 2008

WA's second match of the carnival was against Queensland who fielded an improved team on 2007 through the inclusion of younger players. The match was played in similar conditions to the first game with a maximum temperature around 30 degrees C. 

The game was fast and open throughout with WA having a territorial advantage for most of the first half, but unable to penetrate the Queenslan defence. However, late in the second quarter, Trevor Kerr playing in the inside right position forced his way into the circle and beat the goalkeeper with an excellent shot. 

Half time score was WA 1, Queensland Nil. 

The third and fourth quarters were similar to the first half in that WA held a significant territorial advantage and had many good moves but were unable to score again. 

Queensland pressed hard at the end of the game but were unable to have any clear shots at goal. 

On a lighter note, one of the WA players who is also an excellent golfer had an "air" shot while taking a penalty corner. While he did receive a heavy fine, he said it was nothing like he would have received had he made the same mistake at the Golf club!! 

Goal scorer: T. Kerr

Result: WA 1 - QLD 0

WA vs WAC (Gold) - Saturday, July 12, 2008

The game commenced at 5:30pm in fine conditions with low humidity, a light breeze and a temperature around 29C. 

WA started quickly and maintained a high tempo throughout the match, which allowed them to create a territorial advantage of 90% to WACG's 10%. To counteract this WACG, led by their goalkeeper Barry Rutter, who played brilliantly throughout, packed their circle with defenders, making scoring very difficult. 

Half-time score WA 1, WACG 0. 

During the second half, play continued in a similar fashion to that described above. WA created many opportunities but again generally failed to take their chances. For example, at one stage, WA had seven consecutive penalty corners, none of which was converted! Additionally, two penalty strokes to WA were also successfully defended by WACG. 

WA did manage to score again in the second half to make the final score WA 2, WACG 0. 

Goal scorers: C Sturgeon, T Kerr.

Result: WA 2 - WACG 0

WA vs WAC (Black) - Monday, July 14, 2008

The game was played on the number 1 field, commencing at 5:00pm in fine but rather humid conditions with a slight breeze. 

Both teams appeared lethargic which in WA's case, may have been caused partly by their energetic pre-match warm-up. 

WA attacked the WACB goal from the outset but these sorties were generally countered by a static, though reasonably effective defence. WACB only mounted sporadic attacks on the WA goal which were all nullified. 

Half-time score WA 2, WACB 0. 

During the second half, WA continued to pressure the WACB defence, and despite having numerous shots on goal were only able to score once more. 

Goal scorers: T Kerr, R Venables, J Crute.

Result: WA 3 - WACB 0

WA vs VIC - Tuesday, July 15, 2008

This match was played on the number 2 field, commencing at 1:00pm in hot and humid conditions with only a slight breeze. 

Although both teams were undefeated, Victoria were on top of the ladder by virtue of a superior goal difference. Therefore it was a pivotal game for WA if they were to secure top spot (and the advantages that provides in the finals rounds). 

From the outset, WA showed none of the lethargy so evident in the previous game and attacked the victorian goal vigorously throughout the first half. This caused huge pressure in the Victorian defence who were lucky not to have been down 2-0 at half-time. WA had several penalty corners and put the ball into the goal twice, but both were disallowed. 

Half time score WA 0, VIC 0. 

During the second and third quarters, two WA players sustained injuries which required replacements and resulted in some team reorganisation. Ian Hill was moved on to the right wing, where he made an immediate impact - almost scoring a goal on his first run. He continued this good work and was eventually involved in the only goal of the match scored by Trevor Kerr. We have applied to have an audience with the Pope to see whether both can be beatified, but have had no response to date. 

Goal scorers: T Kerr Rising Star Award (at 65?): I Hill

Result: WA 1 - VIC 0

WA vs NSW - Thursday, July 17, 2008

This was WA's last game of the round robin series which was played on ground 2 commencing at 1:00pm. Conditions were sunny and humid with a light breeze and a temperature around 32C. 

As the top four for the finals rounds was not yet decided, this was an important match which was played at a fast pace throughout. Each team adopted a different style of play - WA a short passing game with occassional long through passes and NSW a strong long-hitting game throughout. 

The NSW style was not handled as well as expected by WA and NSW ended up in front by 2-1. 
As a result, WA ended up second on the table with Victoria top, NSW third and Queensland fourth. 

WA goal scorer: A Foster

Result: WA 1 - NSW 2

SemiFinal WA vs NSW 65's - Friday, July 18, 2008

As a result of our loss to NSW the previous day, WA were relegated to second place on goal difference behind Victoria. 
We were therefore required to play NSW again in the second semi-final. 
The game was played on ground 2, commencing at 1:00pm in conditions which were sunny and humid with a slight sea breeze and a temperature of 32C. 

Not surprisingly, the game was similar to that played on the previous day. However, on this occassion WA were more composed and were able to thwart the NSW long-hitting game. 

WA scored early in the first quarter and held this lead until the last few minutes of the final quarter. During a slight mistake in the WA defensive circle, the ball rolled into the path of a NSW forward who scored a good goal to equalise. 

WA goal scorer: T Kerr 

As WA were ahead on points at the end of the "round robin" section of the tournament, they qualified for the final against Victoria.

Result: WA 1 – NSW 1

Final - WA vs VIC - Saturday, July 19, 2008

Despite our 1-1 result against NSW the previous day, WA progressed to the final by virtue of a superior goal difference. The match was played on ground 2 commencing at 10:15am in conditions which were initially sunny, becoming cloudy later and a temperature around 30C. 

WA commenced in fine form, displaying all their skill and experience to put heavy pressure on the Victorian defence. 
During a penalty corner resulting from one of these forays, Trevor Kerr laid off a great ball to Chris Sturgeon who scored a good goal. From this point, WA increased their pressure and managed to score another goal before half time. 

Half-time score WA 2, Victoria 0. 

The second half showed WA continuing to dominate a tiring Victoria. Two further field goals were scored by WA during this period. 

WA goal scorers: C Sturgeon 1, T Kerr 1, C Sanders 1, A Foster 1. 

WA Over 65's therefore successfully defended the championship which it has held for the past three years. It was the most skillful and fittest team in the Over 65's age group and are thoroughly deserving winners. 
A rare experience at the conclusion of the carnival was a smile on the face of Tom Crossen as well as a few complimentary remarks from him. Thanks Tom!

Result: WA 4 - VIC 0