KEW Hockey Club

Kew vs. Doncaster (4-3)

This was another tale of the Kew-Doncaster rivalry with its mandatory twists and turns. It was ultimately a tough, tight affair in which both sides had chances and frustrations. And when it was over everyone finished the game spent and heaving for air.

Selection unfortunately got no easier. We lost captain Nath and full back Tommy Clements. And Presidente Tags is still not quite right to go with his injured knee (Ten days of the Kokoda trail apparently an easier task than a couple of halves of hockey. HTFU Hugh). But were did have the luxury of starting the match with eleven players and a goalie, so we felt well ahead.

The match commenced with the anticipated intensity, however chances were rare with both sides circumspect in their advances. On balance, Kew probably had the best of the early exchanges and we duly went ahead through a superb effort from super-striker, Hubba. We thought we were on top and we felt in control.

But this sport bites you quickly when you think like that and Doncaster answered smartly soon after. Evenly poised at 1-1 between the two top sides after twenty-five minutes.

Then the moment that probably defined this match. A red-card was given to one of the Doncaster players.

Kew seized the momentum and popped in another goal to Hubba after some lovely build up from Stevie Gale. We were 2-1 up, a man up and with all the momentum. A disallowed goal on half time seemed unlikely to matter. We probably thought we were home.

After half time, Doncaster came out and went bang, bang and from nowhere held a 3-2 lead. And they weren’t just ahead on the scoreboard, they were outplaying us despite our man advantage. The eleven Kew players on the pitch had seemingly gone to sleep and given all the momentum to our determined opponents.

Invariably, good sides lift in tough times. Winny dug deep, Jono showed his class at the back, Benny Tibballs got stuck in and Hamish Nelson just kept running. We first managed to turn the game back our way, then hit the scoreboard. Winny’s lovely finish with ten to go bringing it back to 3-3 and ensured a grandstand finish.

We now had the momentum and seemed the only winner. After some good work by Jonny Hyatt and Hamish Nelson down the left, Hubba clinched his hat-trick and the match with the calmest of finishes from close in. A spearing flick into the roof from five yards, brought plenty of smiles to players and supporters.

The Kew-Doncaster rivalry is enjoyed in both camps. Losses are bitter and wins are sweet. Both clubs probably have more similarities than we care to admit. And usually, despite the events of the seventy minutes and the rough and tumble of the play, hands are shaken and pleasantries exchanged.

We wish our opponents well and look forward to a tough match up in the finals.