WA Over 35's - 2013 Match Reports

WA vs SA - Friday, September 27, 2013

The 35's first game was playing against the home team SA. We went out with a plan and executed it well. Structure was kept well and put SA under pressure which earnt a couple of corners. SA broke away a few times but our defense held strong. Eventually our early passing game was rewarded with a move from Kellie Atherton at centre back out wide to Renae Pares, back to Katy Vipond and through to Leanne (on debut), who celebrated her 40th with WA's first goal. 

We came out fast at the start of the second half and gained a quick goal but away by Tina Parker after Elisabeth Sander and Tina had several rebound attempts. The structure continued with control by WA and a few break aways by SA. One such breakaway earnt SA a short corner which Amy Scollen saved twice on the line. We ended with a third goal by Tina who one timed the ball into the roof of the net from Claire Goss's cross. 

Result: WA 3 - SA 0 

WA vs TAS - Saturday, September 28, 2013

After a successful first game, the WA O35s took on a determined Tasmanian Team. Right from the start WA were under intense pressure and the defensive skills were put to the test. Tasmania drew first blood and scored from a well executed short corner. WA countered with a skillful field goal by Isobel Bevis after some slick team work. 

After half time WA were more compossed and scored a field goal by drawing out their goal keeper and a quick pass to Stacey Denning who found the net. Tasmania continued to apply enormous pressure that the WA team absorbed well. The final score was a 2-1 win to WA who will be looking to consolidate their success with a win over NSW on Monday afternoon. 

Result: WA 2 - TAS 1 

WA vs NSW - Monday, September 30, 2013

A beautiful Monday in Adelaide saw WA 35s walk out against NSW.It is always a tough challenge going up against NSW in their delightful powder blue. Coming off two wins, WA went into the game with a bit of confidence and looking forward to getting some more points. 

With good hockey weather the game got off to a flying start. There was significant pressure on the WA defense from the start with NSW pushing into attack early. WA held up very well with Kellie Sadler, Kellie Atherton and Renae Pares keeping it tight and pressing the ball into the midfield. The game see-sawed for all of the first half, with NSW getting a handful of short corners. They were bringing out all of the tricks, even giving a drag flick a go. Eventually NSW got the right trick out of the bag and converted a clever penalty corner. 

Half time 1-0 to NSW. WA came out firing in the second half knowing we had to find something more to get back onto an even setting with NSW. There was plenty of action across the midfield and a few chances heading up front. There was an entire team effort from WA with even the keeper getting into the action with some misadventure moving the ball out of defense. A pragmatic shuffle kick out over the sideline kept NSW guessing. 

Also deserving a mention is the green card for Katy Vipond which she followed up with a defensive penalty corner break, just keeping us on our toes. WA persisted into attack. A composed unit, WA kept the talk up and the passing going, moving the ball up the wings with some great linkages. The persistance paid off. With 3 minutes remaining in the game, WA earnt a penalty corner and successfully converted. Bringing the two teams to one goal each. Although WA tried to push for another score, the clock beat their efforts. 

Result: WA 1 - NSW 1

WA vs QLD - Wednesday, October 2, 2013

WA 35s took on Queensland in todays match in heavy and persistant rain. The game started with QLD straight into attack putting WA's defense under immediate pressure. However the intense words and team talk from the coach and leadership group prior to the game paid off as the backline were relentless in their counter attack at the QLD forward line. With the pitch flooded on both sidelines, the style of game had to be changed to compensate the slow play developing out wide. With the centre of pitch the safest and driest area, most of the play needed to be channelled through this zone. 

Following two game stoppages for field squeegying, some great team work saw WA rewarded with a penalty corner. Stacey Denning inserted the ball to Katy Vipond who stick trapped; Sinead French-Bluhm had a shot on goal with Stacey deflecting into the net from the left post. 

WA held the 1-0 lead at half time and used the time wisely to regroup and prepare for the second half in unchanged condition. QLD's dogged persistence paid off with a late goal from a penalty corner. This was followed up by a short corner on the final whistle, which was converted after time.  

Result: WA 1 - QLD 2

WA vs VIC - Thursday, October 3, 2013

With muscle fatigue following the grueling & soaking Queensland game on Wednesday, the WA team came out determined to make amends as there was still a chance of making the final. Victoria were playing a typically grass game, a very high forward and some long hitting. Fortunately for them, this worked with two early breakaways resulting in goals from penalty strokes. The defenders fought hard and brought the game back within control, and gave the attackers opportunities to push forward. Towards the end of the first half the valiant Jodie George was injured and was unable to return to the field. 

After a motivational half time break, the team was determined to maintain control and take the lead. Several tactics were tried resulting in the ball moving forward, however unable to find the net. Energy was high, game intense, players hungry. The team played extremely well together and were very proud in defeat. 

Result: WA 0 - VIC 2

WA vs ACT - Friday, October 4, 2013

Determined to finish on a high, the WA 35s made an early start to the day arriving at 7am ready to win. A strong team talk recapping the tournament and expressions of desire for achieving personal and team goals, WA took the field hungry for victory. Within the first 5 minutes a perfectly executed penalty corner and penalty stroke had found the net. A field goal by Stacey Denning was the third with the girls showing strength, composure and commitment to each other. 

After half time the team was reinspired and focused on lifting the games intensity to finish the tournament strongly. Tina Parker encapsulated the spirit with her 3rd goal for a hat-trick game. The final goal was the result of a short corner straight shot by Sinead French-Bluhm. With only a few minutes remaining, ACT held off the WA relentless attack and the final siren sounded with an elated WA team leaving the pitch for the last ice bath, this time sweetened with champagne. 

Result: WA 5 - ACT 0