Women’s DP2 – Saturday June 15, 2002
Vs Pine Hills
Score: 2–0
This was the clash between the top and bottom teams of the competition. But as can often be the case, the favourites did not respect a lowly positioned team and went into the game most complacent. Pre-match predictions of 10-nil victories never looked like eventuating and were an insult to the opposition - the end result was probably a true reflection of the tone of the match. However, it was pleasing that before the match some players showed impetus by warming up without any prompting – amazing!
Pine Hills earned a penalty corner in the first minute of play which set the tone for the first half, as they were the better side. Instead of playing our regular game, during the first half our style of play mirrored that of Pine Hills. Our intention of playing a short passing game didn’t eventuate as we emulated their long hitting game. But the teams had differing fortunes. Whereas they had success passing long to their forwards from the back, we often turned the ball over when trying to by-pass our halfline. Left half Nadine did, however, have success running the ball upfield, although they often had greater numbers lingering upfield on breakaways which stretched our defense. They were very good at boxing us in during our 16s and sideline hits, and we were only successful when using small passes and advancing the ball gradually by gaining free hits. Conversely they found it easy to hit from their 16s as we didn’t properly set up our defensive wall and mark adequately. Several players such as Jodie, Shanina and Tonya had chances without luck.
In the second half the tide turned and we looked the more dangerous team, if at times we looked a bit lethargic. Michelle really took control on the right side with many incisive runs and we scored 10 minutes after the break. Sustained pressure and three consecutive corners was rewarded when Kym rocketed a shot in from Tonya’s layoff. From this moment on the team lifted mentally and played some of the smart and productive hockey that should be our trademark. The passes were shorter and players lead off the ball, and the support play was great. We still did play long balls, often with luck. After 55 minutes Tonya drilled in a shot after their fullback mis-trapped Kym’s speculative long ball. Many chances were forthcoming in the final quarter of an hour – the most exciting being when right wing Susie lead across field, received Kym’s pass and rounded the keeper, but couldn’t score from an acute angle.
Overall an odd day (and I don’t just mean Danielle being there on time!) We played some good hockey but also some poor hockey. Most of our problems this week stemmed from passing. We can improve by using more short, square and back passing, utilise the easiest passing option, be more selective with long hitting to minimise turnovers, and seek out support players in attack rather than leave them behind. I am sure we will consider Pine Hills to be more serious opposition before our next clash - the match preceding the finals - by which stage they should have advanced up the ladder.
Goals: Kym Oliver
Tonya Collins
Lee Oliver
copyright 2002 Lee Oliver