WA Over 70's - 2011 Match Reports

WA vs WAC - Monday, September 26, 2011

As in previous years a well fought game with an even transition of attack and defense end to end by both teams. 

Early in the first quarter Venables broke from the centre line and with a solo run and strong push from the edge of the circle scored the first goal. 
The second goal was scored by Harler with a right post sweep from a cross from Salazaar. Gason once again controlled the centre field and initiated the attacking strategies. 

An even contribution by all team members and well coached by Crossen. 
A good opening for the championships. 

Result: WA 2 – WAC 0

WA vs NSW - Wednesday, September 28, 2011 

Age does not prevent the rising of a new star _ Salazaar 5 goals _ not often matched in the history of veterans hockey. 
Three goals from masterful control and accurate shooting with 2 goals from short corner layoffs from Gason. 
Gason scored the remaining goal from a clean short corner shot. 

The team applied constant pressure with controlled build ups from the back line with short passing and constant pressure that starved NSW. 
A memorable win against the old foe. 
Well done team and coach. 

Result: WA 6 - NSW 0

WA vs QLD - Sunday, October 2, 2011 

It is said that to have one bad game in a championship is normal. The team hopes this was it. 

In the first few minutes on a short corner Gason laid off to Salazaar who from a first time firm hit scored the only goal of the game. 

For the rest of the game apart from some good midfield build ups there was poor execution in the circle and poor disposal from defense. 

The Team looks for a better game on Wednesday against Victoria. A win will see WA finish on top of the table. 

Summary - effort good - execution bad. 

Result: WA 1 - QLD 0

WA vs VIC - Tuesday, October 4, 2011 

With an injury depleted side [down to ten at one stage] a strong team effort resulted in the 3-0 win. Always good to defeat the VIC's. 
Two goals by Gason from short corner hits [unstoppable] with the third goal by Gason from a penalty flick a few minutes from the end of the game. 
Well done to Gason who also was match best player. 

With a total team effort WA has finished on top of the table with four wins and no goals against. 

Day Ten - physio day trying to increase numbers for the semi final against NSW. 
A win or draw required for advance to the final. 

Well done team and coach. 

Result: WA 3 - VIC 0 
Goal scorers: Peter Gason

Semi-Final WA vs NSW - Thursday, October 6, 2011 

In the first few minutes NSW scored thus being the first goal against WA 70's up to this stage of the championships. 
WA had a number of scoring opportunities in the first quarter but was unable to convert. 
Both defenses were tight keeping the game in the mid-field. 
Late in the second quarter Venables scored the equaliser and immediately following half time followed with a solo run finishing with the winning goal. 
Strong NSW offensive play was then repelled for the remainder of the game. 

A very even effort for an injury depleted side. 
The final will now be played against Victoria at 8 am on Saturday morning. 

Result: WA 2 - NSW 0 
Goal scorers: Venables (2)

Final WA vs VIC - Saturday, October 8, 2011 

Winners are grinners with the satisfaction in reversing last years result with the VIC's in Bunbury. 
A hard fought even game with Salazaar with a good solo run beating the goalie scoring the only goal. 
Rutter [goalie] under a great deal of pressure was best player for the game. 
Well done team and very well coached by Crossen. 

Congratulations to the following selected in the Australian Master's 70's team to tour the UK next year: 
Gason [Captain], Rutter, Willett, Salazaar & Venables. 

A great finish to the championship.  

Result: WA 1 - VIC 0 
Goal scorers: Salazaar