We haven't lost any of the last five games and we're moderately
confident. Both sides had chances in each half and both sides could
feel that they should have scored.
The game became a story of superb, 'robust' defending and fleeting
opportunities in front of goal. At this point, it should be pointed
that the rules of the tournament meant that Queensland only needed a
draw to progress to the Final. Guess what?
The final result of 0-0 showed that our game had improved greatly
since the first match.
And that's it - tournament over and much to be proud of. A final
'by-the-way' - the colours of our team, Western Australia Country, are
black and gold (handy,eh?) and avid Clydesdale member, Alan Auld, has
had to wear the kit every day!!
We're back in Scotland by the 20th. Over and out.
AB
The final pool match. The game before us went to plan with New South
Wales winning easily, so that was one part of the jigsaw in place. The
game after ours would be the best team (Queensland) against our main
rivals for 4th spot ACT (Australia Capital Territory).
I played left half (the Aussie version of wing back) for most of the
match, with occasional spells at sweeper. It was quite a disjointed
game, probably because it meant so much.
We scored a field goal after some neat interpassing - not something
we've been famed for. Then as we have done in three previous games, we
stuck on this 1-0 scoreline until halftime. We then avoided our
customary slump after the break in the best possible way. We scored 2
(two) more goals, one short corner and one field. Ken Walter, our
pseudo Scot who invited me over, scored two of the goals - "at last"
as he said.
Result -3-0 and just what we needed. The game after us also went our
way with Queensland winning easily in the end.
So unbelievably we are in 'The Finals' as the Aussies have called the
final two matches. The first is on Friday at 1000 hours.
By the way, it's the first time West Australia Country have achieved
4th place in more than 10 years and I think we're the only WAC age
group to do it, so we'll have lots of support!
Who knows what will happen next? After all, it's Cup games from now on.
Alan Bryce
Both teams were competing for a final top-four spot. Basically, to be
sure of this, we had to win, while a draw would be pretty useless.
And I thought I was pretty tired.
I played sweeper, an innovation for Western Australia Country. We
dominated the game and were slaughtering them (1-0) with one minute to
go, when they were awarded a freak penalty flick. And of course they
scored!
To be honest, our inability to score goals, despite many chances from
open play (32) and penalty corners (7), was our downfall (well OK a
draw).
We still have a chance to qualify on Wednesday, but it depends on the
other teams' results.
The man of the match award went to - ME! There's no I in team but
there's a me. Of course these Aussies were just being nice but it
gives you an idea of how well the Scots have been integrated into the
squad.
Sent from my iPod
Alan
Played against ACT who are third in the tournament so far. We were
much more 'together' as a team. I played left half again (3rd time in
a row) and was on for the full 70 minutes.
We had many chances, only one of which was converted. Would we regret
this later on in the two-o'clock heat? Players were tiring and their
keeper made two wonder saves to keep them in it. Our keeper then stood
on the ball during an organised clearing-up of their rare forays into
the D. In the confusion, the ball ended up in the net.
Result 1-1 which is better for them than us. We now play the two
weakest teams while the top ones play each other. We're still in with
a chance of reaching the semis!
Did you know? When New South Wales held their start of season
over-60s tournament, 80 (yes, EIGHTY) teams took part. That's more
Teams than the Scottish Vets have Members.
Alan
Both teams were competing for a final top-four spot. Basically, to be
sure of this, we had to win, while a draw would be pretty useless.
And I thought I was pretty tired.
I played sweeper, an innovation for Western Australia Country. We
dominated the game and were slaughtering them (1-0) with one minute to
go, when they were awarded a freak penalty flick. And of course they
scored!
To be honest, our inability to score goals, despite many chances from
open play (32) and penalty corners (7), was our downfall (well OK a
draw).
We still have a chance to qualify on Wednesday, but it depends on the
other teams' results.
The man of the match award went to - ME! There's no I in team but
there's a me. Of course these Aussies were just being nice but it
gives you an idea of how well the Scots have been integrated into the
squad.
Sent from my iPod
Alan
Our match started at 1830 hours on Friday 2nd October. This was a very
intense local derby match, much like Kelburne/Western.
The debrief was taken up with detailed info about the opposition and
very little about us. I played the whole match and we won 2-1. Their
attack was very skilled, very mobile and constantly interchanging.
There was avery refreshing edge to the game and, as their captain and
coach said at the after-match presentation, we stuck to our tasks and
played as a team - and that if we'd played like that in our other
games, we would have nothing to worry about.
As it is, the order of teams is in the melting pot. Onwards and
upwards!
Alan
Problems with WiFi and Blackberry. Now standing in Federation Square
in Melbourne in a wireless zone.
Tuesday. Game v Queensland who are seeded 2nd best of the eight
States. After 25 minutes, we are winning 2-1 with two Scots scoring
our goals. Halfway through the second half the team hits a poor patch
of concentration and we lose 3 goals in quick succession. This
coincided with some interesting subs and ended up with a 5-2 defeat.
Disappointing but nevertheless an improvement in the team-play of this
'cobbled together' side. Tomorrow Thursday 1st October we play the 3rd
rated side, Victoria. Can we win a game in this Carnival of Sport?
Thursday. The answer to the above question is 'no' but at least we
have fought out a draw - 1-1. Onwards and upwards I hope!
Alan B
