Reserves v Waverley Win: 2 – 1 – PREMIERS!
📸 Match Photography by Andrew Wiseman for Hockey Victoria
Goals: Ollie Will (2)
A premiership. What more is there to write? Well ... lots.
After an undefeated season and scoring over 100 goals, winning this matched looked as if it was never in doubt.
As has been our approach throughout the season, we were well prepared for the GF. We were early for the pre-game chat, we fully understood what was required of each player and the team and we knew that Brennan’s Boys (Waverley) were keen to knock us off. Waverley even advertised it on their Club’s website - now that was extra incentive. (Thanks H for printing the image and displaying it the rooms pre-match.) It was on!
Our first half was not the Camberwell Reserves we had seen all year. Waverley outplayed us for two quarters. They scored first and the scoreboard pressure did impact us. Danny Brennan (Waverley) dominated with his accurate passing and tosses and their forwards had numerous forays into our circle. Our backs and Jim Unkles (having a blinder in goals) kept Waverley to a single goal and that was a relief.
What we had not added to our equation for success was the weather. It was wet. Very wet. And the pitch was water logged and heavy. There was a visible layer of water on the surface; severely impacting our playing style. We were unable to move the ball quickly, the overall pace was slower and our forwards were unable to use their skills to open up the Waverley defence. Arrgh, Melbourne weather!
After a half time reset from the coaches and recognition from all that we had the skills and the players to turn this around, we came out very confident of a win. And guess what - it stopped raining. (You beauty, Melbourne weather!) The water drained off giving us a faster pitch and allowing us to play “our game”.
What a contrast. We were faster. We moved the ball quickly. We opened up the Waverley defence and Ollie Will slotted the equalizer. Talk about being pumped – it was a great feeling amongst the team knowing that we were taking control of the game. A second goal from Ollie and we were on song – “nothing’s gonna stop us now”. (Thanks Starship).
We finished on top with a 2-1 win and the Premiership.
And the feeling when we came through? Ecstasy, joy and pride in what you guys did this year. No one can ever take this away from you. Remember it, enjoy it and be proud of your achievements. Celebrate safely and see you all at the Club Dinner.
Before we “sign off”, some thanks are due. To ...
Cam and John - for your outstanding leadership throughout the year. One of our mantras from the start was to develop players for PL, particularly the young players coming through. You did that successfully with a few more “young guns” pushing for a spot in the one’s in 2023. You guys give this a lot of thought (unknown to many) and you do it well. Thanks for looking after this squad and the future of our Club.
Terry Ryan and Harry Drakos for stepping in as Team Managers while I was OS trekking in the heat. (Really, it was so hot I saw a snake hop across the path.) Thanks guys – hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.
Campbell Wansbrough (captain) – for successfully leading this squad each week.
All players - for your exceptional commitment throughout the season – pre-season training, prac matches, training twice weekly during the season, Saturday mornings before a Sunday match, double headers and the required planning and preparation before each game.
The many supporters and parents…thanks for braving the wintery blasts and for your support on the weekends and 5 pm matches! We hope you enjoyed watching the games as much as the players (and your sons) enjoyed playing.
Sam Rusjan and Lachie Paice - sitting Year 12 exams soon. All the best guys. Get your head down (no need to look for a quick pass!), study hard and make the most of your time over the next few weeks. And to Ollie Will at Year 11 – make it count and set yourself up for Year 12.
And finally, to the Men’s Section Committee and Club Board - for their support throughout the season. Their interest and hard work provides the solid basis for the success of our Club.
