KEW Hockey Club

Pennant C: Kew vs Essendon (5-1)

“Everyone has a game plan until they get punched in the face.” (Mike Tyson, 1996)

An interesting game on paper between two sides firmly ensconced in the top four. And enjoying the two best goal differences, as poignantly noted by Reidy (B1).

After last weeks convincing victory, Kew was strengthened further by the inclusion of senior wardens, Taggart, Wingrove, and Ben Hyatt. It was also a 3rds debut for “Fitzy”, who was drafted in as cover for Tan Man, who had the regional pie eating finals – although at least that seemed a fair swap. And we sampled another product from Mildura in Leigh Munroe. Great region and great product.

Essendon Hockey Club came to Elgar Park with a game plan, intent to cause a small upset of the unbeaten Kew Pennant C. However, whatever plan they had in mind was completely abandoned after five minutes of posturing. With its defence dominant (Jagger and Jono) and Tags enjoying a Sunday benefit, Kew was running riot.

Wave after wave of carefully constructed attack was being sent towards the Bomber’s goal for little return. The Essendon goal keeper making a string of saves to keep the scores at nil-nil for 15 minutes, until finally the deadlock was broken by a determined Hubba as he lifted the ball into the net from close range.

As is often the way, Essendon responded immediately leaving the score at 1-1 after twenty minutes of almost complete domination.

Kew had reason to be frustrated as their efforts were largely going unrewarded until Reidy found space in the circle and managed to sneak one home from two inches out. It was a timely goal in many respects; it not only handed Kew a lead it was never to surrender but it got Reidy off the mark for the year. In fact, as a permanent forward in a team that had scored thirty-three goals in its previous four matches, it was not before time. Several times it has appeared harder to miss than score, but you can’t score when you fluff your lines in front of goal, Reidy.

The second half was more enjoyable still. Three more clinical goals left the bombers in no doubt where they sit.

Hubba was the star. A stunning hat-trick leaving his name up in lights. His three goal effort likely to be rewarded with the bedroom handcuffs from the Misses. He can thank Sir Pass-a-lot (Lachie) for the supply though. His deft touches around goal a feature of this game.

Barney and Ange got the times mixed up and arrived just after the match. Barney’s obligatory question, “how many did Hubba hit?” met with a chorus of “three” from the masses. At $10, the Kew stubbie holders were a snip. They made the drinks taste that much sweeter still. Which is quite hard given our canteen only sells Coke.

So Kew stays on top, Reidy keeps his spot, Hubba gets a treat and Iron Mike turns philosopher.