KEW Hockey Club

Kew 9 def Greensborough 1

 

Warm sunshine greeted the players and fans as they made their way to Elgar Park for an important match against Greensborough, the perennial powerhouse of Victorian Hockey.

The team’s warm up was professional and sharp, despite a few players inhaling pies and cokes as body fuel. But as we stretched our quads (which was strangely similar to stretching ones calf – thanks Damon), we became eerily aware a special force was at play – the team was to field a staggering four Stick winners! Never before has a team taken to the pitch with such a stunning array of gifts. We held our collective breath as we were unsure how such a volatile mix of talents would combine in battle.

 

We needn’t have worried. The stick clearly has something enjoyable in mind. The game got underway and it was clear it was Kew’s for the taking, with some assured passing all over the ground. New inclusion Tom Clements (TC) was quickly proving his worth, with some crisp delivery to his forwards and halves. An early corner lifted hopes and when Ben Johnston (Jono) hit a half paced ball into the bottom corner we glanced knowingly at each other. Jono repeated was to repeat this party this trick three more times for the half.

 

Greensborough were learning the hard way, that you don’t give Andrew Wingrove (Winny) and Hugh Taggart (Tags) time and space to do their thing. The exhuberance and adventure of the Hyatt boys was contagious. Lachie Walmsley got in on the act, enjoying the freedom he was afforded by the opposition defense. Stevie (Wonder) Gale continued to impress and Kieran Nicholson showed that as 4ths captain he makes a great player in the 3rds.

 

All the while Alex Tan watched from the relative safety and anominity of the net.

In the second half, with the game safely in hand, the pace slackened. Damon Hartung took the time to discuss the finer points of beachside Shorum with the umpire, who seemed very up for a chat. 

 

Despite trailing six-nil at half time, Greensborough came out and hit the first goal after half time and followers of the ‘green-and-whites’ thought there was hope. But unless there was a 1919 style World series scandal, there would be no way back for the ‘borough. Thankfully, it appears Kew Pennant C are made of sterner stuff than their Chicago White Sox compatriots and there were to be no surprises.

 

Kew quickly re-discovered its mojo. Winny decided the safest way to shoot at an open net from three yards was to smash it as hard as he could. Ben Osmond gave an indcation of what might be to come with some slippery runs and defensive pressure. It was a neat performance from a man playing his first ever senior match three years after winning the Stick.

 

Basking in their nine-one victory, players turned their attantion to the addoring terraces. More notable Stick winners were preparing to play in the next game and when Simon Cleave appeared for the cheeriest of hellos’ it was truly an afternoon to savour.

 

A couple of tinnies, a few more facials freckles, some tired and sore body parts and three points in the pocket. It was the grandest of afternoons.