WA Over 60's - 2010 Match Reports

WA vs QLD - Saturday, October 2, 2010

Starting line up: Rosa, Helen, Margie, Kerry, Dot, Yvonne, Lyn, Shirley, Vicki, Karen, Jesse 
Subs: Leonie, Pat, Jacquie 

The team played extremely well considering it was their very first run together.  
The combination and understanding between the players was very good, considering many of these players had never had the opportunity to play together before.  
The team scored first to lead one nil, and began to dominate and control the game.  
Unfortunately in the last minute of the first half we then conceded a goal, to let Queensland equalise.  

In the second half WA continued to improve, and with numerous substitutions the team constantly attacked and worked together.  
In spite of many shots at goal WA were unable to score again to seal the match and had to settle for a draw.  

The pleasing aspect of this game was that all our players made solid contributions and it was difficult to highlight any individual performances. 

Result: WA 1 - QLD 1 
Goal scorers: Kerry 

WA vs VIC - Sunday, October 3, 2010

Starting line up: Rosa, Helen, Yvonne, Kerry, Dot, Jacquie, Leonie, Pat, Vicki, Karen, Jesse 
Subs: Margie, Lyn, Shirley. 

Victoria dominated the game in the first half, scoring four goals and running us around. There were many disappointing unforced errors from WA players which contributed to Victoria’s dominance. The many turnovers put unnecessary pressure on our WA defenders which contributed to the half rime score being four to nil.  

In the second half WA was able to defend in a more resolute manner but continued to turn the ball over in midfield. As the half progressed WA players gained more confidence and the game evened out. Unfortunately we conceded another goal which put us five nil behind. However the players persevered and in the final ten minutes began to combine and string together consecutive passes, allowing us to place the Victorian defence under pressure. We eventually gained a couple of penalty corners but were unfortunately unable to convert, the final score being a five to nil loss. 

Although it wasn’t a pleasing result valuable experience was gained which will allow the team to learn and improve. The lesson learned will be invaluable in further fixtures to come. 

Result: WA 0 - VIC 5

WA vs ACT - Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Starting line up: Jacquie, Margie, Helen, Kerry, Karen, Vicki, Lyn, Shirley, Leonie, Dot, Jesse. 
Subs: Rosa, Pat, Yvonne. The team began play in a very positive manner, stringing together many passes and completely dominating ACT. Unfortunately this dominance did not result in any goals from the many chances created. Eventually we scored in the last minute of the first half, resulting in a half time score of 1 to nil.  

On resumption after half time, the team continued to dominate play but were unable to convert the many chances created. Because of the unusually hot conditions the players began to wilt in the heat and the game petered out to a 1 to nil win. This was a pleasing result especially after our match against Victoria where we were outplayed. 

Result: WA 1 - ACT 0 
Goal scorers: Vicki (assisted by Rosa) 

WA vs NSW - Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Starting line up: Rosa, Helen, Yvonne, Kerry, Dot, Jacquie, Leonie, Pat, Vicki, Karen, Jesse 
Subs: Rosa, Lyn, Shirley. 
Only one change to the starting line up – Pat came in instead of Lyn. 

NSW were undefeated and on top of the pool, but WA were undaunted and began the game in a very positive manner. This placed NSW under extreme pressure, forcing them into numerous errors, as they tried to combat WA’s new found enthusiasm and aggression. WA created many opportunities to score but were unable to ‘trouble the scoreboard’.  

With the score at nil all, WA continued to place NSW under extreme pressure but were still unable to convert their chances at scoring goals. After suffering several injuries it was decided to rest several players as the result of this match would not affect WA’s position on the final table. Against the run of play NSW scored a penalty corner to give them the 1 to nil victory. Although the result was disappointing the team is continuing to improve in its preparation for the finals. 

Result: WA 0 - NSW 1 

WA vs ACT - Thursday, October 7, 2010

Starting line up: Helen, Margie, Yvonne, Kerry, Karen, Rosa, Leonie, Shirley, Kerry, Dot, Jesse. 
Subs: Vicki, Pat and Jackie 

The team began in a very positive manner. Passing to team mates was excellent. Our first score was the result of a well executed penalty corner converted by Kerry Koltasz. Although WA dominated the game, with many many chances in the circle, we were unable to score again until the thirty fourth minute, when Margie Mourach tapped in a loose ball to give us a two to nil lead at half time. 

In the second half we began very fast. Within two minutes of the restart Pat Halden scored a goal from close in to give us a three to nil lead. WA continued to dominate the second half, playing some good hockey and combining well but WA’s inaccuracy in front of goal continued to haunt us. The game ran out with WA winning 3 to nil. 

Result: WA 3 - ACT 0 
Goal scorers: Kerry, Margie, Pat 

WA vs NSW - Friday, October 8, 2010

Starting line up: Rosa, Margie, Helen, Jackie, Karen, Vicki, Pat, Shirley, Kerry, Dot, Jesse. 
Subs: Leonie, Lyn, Yvonne. 

The team appeared to be flat and was under constant pressure from NSW who had had the rest day the day before.  
Despite all of our efforts we couldn’t break out of our lethargy caused by fatigue.  
The first couple of goals scored against us were scored because of our lack of discipline. From then on we were playing ‘catch up’ hockey which is always extremely hard to do.  
NSW scored another goal which took the score to three nil.  
NSW scored again for the half time score to be four nil. 

After half time the team was able to regroup and began to share the play. We began applying pressure on NSW’s defence and eventually scored a good goal through Kerry. For five to ten minutes after we were controlling the game and attacking, but again our inability to convert the chances created let us down.  
On the break NSW got a corner from which they scored and were thus able to put the result beyond our reach.  
Although the girls tried hard, fatigue became a dominant factor, the final score being a flattering five nil to NSW as WA ran out of legs.  

Result: WA 1 - NSW 5 
Goal scorers: 

WA vs QLD - Saturday, October 9, 2010

Starting line up: Rosa, Margie, Helen, Jackie, Karen, Vicki, Pat, Shirley, Kerry, Dot, Jesse. 
Subs : Leonie, Lyn, Yvonne. The team played with more discipline. The passing and trapping was much improved from our previous game. With the dominance in the midfield our forwards were able to place the QLD defence under extreme pressure. Unfortunately we were still not able to convert the many chances created. At half time, despite their dominance, WA had to settle for a nil all score line. 

The second half was much the same as the first with WA continuing to control the match. In the forty second minute Margie Mourach scored a good field goal to put WA one nil up. Unfortunately the team relaxed and allowed QLD to score a field goal three minutes later to make the score one all. WA were able to regain their composure and scored a penalty corner through Kerry Koltasz to go two to one up. QLD threw everything at the WA defence to try to equalise. WA began to make unforced errors which placed tremendous pressure on our defenders but we were able to register a well deserved two to one win. 

This win enabled us to finish third in the tournament which was an excellent result. It was pleasing that the team was awarded ‘The Whistle Blowers Award’ by the umpires for their fair play throughout the tournament. 
Don Smart the Coach was extremely happy with the performance of the team. 

Result: WA 2 - QLD 1 
Goal scorers: Margie, Kerry