Men’s PB v MHSOB (R15)
Kew def MHSOB (3-1)
Kew and MHSOB agreed to re-schedule their Rd 15 match to Falls Creek to take advantage of the excellent ski conditions on offer. Well, actually we didn’t, but it certainly felt like it as we stripped down for our late Sunday afternoon game against MHSOB at Melbourne’s coldest sporting venue, the SHNC. Regular readers will be aware of my fondness for the limited parking, steep entry, over-priced food and concrete bunkers of Victoria’s premier hockey venue. I can just see Michael Coppell rushing to make a booking for the next Rolling Stones tour or Papal visit.
Selection was a zero sum game – Cam Nelson for Andrew Wingrove.
The opening half provided plenty of opportunities. Hubba, Stevie Gale and Cam Nelson all having great shots saved by a very effective ‘keeper in the net.
However, weight of opportunities soon told and we slotted goals to Cam Nelson, Ben Jono and a nice solo effort from Reidy. Although, you’d have to say most of Reidy’s efforts are solo, its just that not all end in goals.
Despite my personal fondness for the man with the sun-kissed locks, sometimes it appears there are three teams out there all trying their hardest: Kew, its opponent and Reidy. Asked to comment on his thoughts on ‘passing’, Nick shrugs and says, “what I like to do is beat the first two, then just when they think I’m going to pass, I’ll fake them out and beat the third. It’s a great strategy”. No arguments this way big fella.
At half time we led 3-0 and resounded to play a big second half. It didn’t quite pan out that way. Despite missing several glorious chances, the only goal for the half was to our opponents, leaving the final score at 3-1. No reason to get too despondent, but not our best effort nonetheless.
With three games to go, we will get a good guide as to our position in the competition. Games against the other three top teams will tell us if we have the goods or not.
