Women’s DP1 – Saturday April 5, 2003
Vs Kedron-Wavell
Score: 2–0
A new challenge for the players, stepping up a division this year to compete in the top division on grass. But our attitude to the game didn’t reflect that of a team playing at a higher level of competition, as we only had half a team present and ready to go some 10 minutes before hit-off. Thankfully DP2 played on the same field in the game preceding ours, so we were able to borrow a few of their players – cheers to Bec and Jess. We had players arrive when the 5-minute warning sounded, and others arrived after the game started. Some players advised that they would be running late – but why wasn’t everyone else there for pre-game warmup? Quite frankly, this is BULLSHIT, and we don’t want this happening again.
The limited preparation showed, with the side very scrappy early on, and continuity between players was a problem. Both teams felt each other out in the opening minutes of the game, and gradually adapted to the new and improved (??!) playing surface. We forced a number of penalty corners, and from these we scored our two goals. After 15 minutes, Michelle shot the ball from out wide across the face of goal. Positioned on the post, Becca was alert enough to react by deflecting the ball beyond a defender and the keeper, for her first ever goal. Must have been the new shoes! Two minutes later Katrina pounded in a shot from a rebound to double our lead. The highlights of these goals were the anticipation and reactions of the scorers.
As the second half progressed the side became increasingly fatigued due to the heat, but Bronwyn and Kayley defended gamely at the back, and goalkeeper Bridgit made some fine saves. Michelle and Nadine controlled the ball well, and the firm hitting of halfbacks Katrina and Kym was the type of ball distribution we require each week. Frequent interchanges meant that players popped up in foreign positions, but all handled the challenge ably. In the forwards, Tonya and Danielle used the space up front well, and linked up promisingly on occasions. Our penalty corner options were good, but we need the midfield to have a greater presence with the ball.
I think the game showed the players the differences in pace, intensity and skill level between DP1 and DP2. We can’t expect to cruise and get the same fantastic results as we did last year – an increased effort in all areas is essential for success. A win is a great way to start the season, but it only gets harder from here on. And if Becca hasn’t told you about her goal, the news mustn’t have reached Africa yet! Next weekend we play South Brisbane Eagles and Commodores in a double header – matches experts are calling the “Battles of the birds.” Well if they cared they might! See you there at least 45 minutes before the start of the game.
Goals:
Becca Pipers
Katrina Hinds
Other results:
Bulimba 1 v South Brisbane Eagles 0
QUT 2 v Commodores 0
Ascot 4 v South-West United 0
St. Andrews 3 v Commercial 2
Points:
Ascot 2, NORTHS 2, QUT 2, St. Andrews 2, Bulimba 2, South Brisbane Eagles 0, Commercial 0, Commodores 0, Kedron-Wavell 0, South-West United 0.
Lee Oliver
© 2003 Lee Oliver