WA Over 45's - 2004 Match Reports

Game 1: WA vs TAS

Not a good start for the Black Ducks going down 1-4 to the Tassie Devils. A close start with some good movement in mid field early. Tassie slotted a good dipping ball over Gadget's pads after about 10 minutes on a short corner, followed by a second duff hit by the devils on a short corner sneaking between the pads. After a quick rebound, Pesty, Chunky and Mala worked well together and Chunk slotted a great goal to get us back in the match. At half time the score was still 1-2 and we were well and truly in the match. A close tussel for most of the second half, with plenty of opportunities to get goals by the black ducks. Around 20 minutes in and the devils set up a great goal with a hard hit from the top right of the circle wide of the goal for a deflection into the net by the devil's best player - Smooths look alike. Another goal by Tassie with about 8 minutes to go really hurt. Short corner score line needs a lot of improvement with around 0 from 8 or so. Tasmania played well, and we know that we can play better. The final score 4-1, was probably not a true reflection of the game. Highlights include: Chunky's skillfull goal. Cuts was voted best player by the Devils. Duck's voted Man of the Match: Gadget (Tony) with some great saves.

WA vs QLD - Day 4

The game started like the previous one. Within a few minutes the Queenslanders were on the board. By half time, we were down 0 - 4. 
The second half was a reasonably close tussle and Chunky slotted his second goal for the tournament around the 20 minute mark of the second half. This was followed by another two quick goals by the Queenslanders to put us out of our misery. 
Final score 1-6. 
Best player Mala. 
Cards: Spike - see video

WA vs WA Country - Day 6

The Black Ducks travelled to Devonport to do battle against the rival team the WACers. Both teams had not won a game from their two previous encounters, and despite having recovered the team mascot "The Black Duck" (alledgedly "borrowed" by the O/50's) who hung bravely on the fence outside the dug-out, alas the Black Ducks came away without a result. 
The WACers were on the score board, before the clock had ticked over the first minute with a a breakaway goal capitalising on an opportunity following confusion from an incomprehensible umpiring decision. 
The ducks missed an opportunity to respond within 3 minutes with a short corner that hit the post. 
5 minutes later and the score line was 0-3. At the 16 minute mark the score waS 0-4. 
As for most of the game the the Black Ducks had most of the play, but not able to convert. Something is amiss, and we are being punished severly for mistakes. 
Man of the match was Pesty. 
Highlights: None really, but Willow and Parksy were issued with a green cards which should help the fines kitty. 
Lowlights : Parksy did a groin, Nicho's calf U.S., Willow looking very sore.

WA vs NSW

Today's game was against the unbeaten NSW team at 1:00 pm. The weather was fine and still with a forecast temperature of 19 degrees. Quite hot by Tassie standards. 
The team was rearranged again on the basis that it hasn't worked yet, so make changes. The Black Ducks responded with a much tighter defense. The first half was predominantly played in the mid field and in the Black Duck defense, and by the half time break there was no score on the board. 
The second half again was very close. A WA short corner early in the second half paid off with a short pass to the side of the circle, followed by a hit across goal and deflection into the net by Chunky. 
The Ducks had their tails in the air and held out the warratah's for most of the game. With around 10 minutes to go New South scored a leveller. 
With three minutes to go a scramble in the circle resulted in a NSW goal, and that is how the score line finished WA 1 - NSW 2. Another loss, but the ducks were much happier with their performance. 
Next game on Day 10 v the VICS. 
Man of the Match: Nobes 
Cards: Parksy, Hayden green card each. 
Goals: Chunky 1

WA vs VIC - Day 10

Another early deficit after a flick awarded to the Vics because of an aledged intentional stick check by the Big Fella when trying to clear the ball, however the Black Ducks were playing well and after going into the half time break down 0 - 1 they dominated the first half of the second half and converted two short corners to hit the lead, 2-1. 
One goal to Chunky and Willow got his name on the score card. 
The Vics levelled, and Nich, followed by Cuts missed strokes, that should have seen the Ducks in front 4-3, but alas it was not to be, and the score line was sitting at 2-4 with about 10 minutes to go. 
Another goal by the Vics, took the final score line to 2 - 5 at the final whistle. 
Man of the match: Willow 
Goals: Chunky, Willow 
Cards: Chunky (green).

5th vs 6th Final Versus WA Country

With plenty of pride at stake and good form in our previous two games against NSW and Vic, we felt that we had a good chance to win this game. 
This was realised with 2 first half goals created from short corners, with Plugger banging a goal from a stick stop and Pesty putting in a rebound off a poster. We continued to dominate the second half and finished off the tournament with a resounding victory, with bragging rights against WA Country until next year and pleased to be off the bottom of the table! 
Man of the match: Tony Freeman 
Goals: Plugger, Pesty 
Cards: Willow (green)