Eurobodalla Hockey Association added some silverware to their trophy cabinet over the weekend after the over 35s team finished as undefeated champions of division six at the NSW state championship (south division) held in Parkes.
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The Ducklings played seven games over three days of the championships.
On Friday the girls got off to a great start with a 2-nil victory over Campbelltown City. Their second Friday match was a very tight nil all draw with Orange.
Saturday’s first game was against Illawarra who had recorded two victories. Despite having plenty of chances to score, the Ducklings were not able to get away any decent shots on goal and had to settle for another nil all draw.
In the second Saturday game the Ducklings took on their southern neighbours, Far South Coast. The Ducklings had all the play but couldn’t get the goal and were being frustrated by the FSC defence. Finally Eurobodalla managed to score and they held on to their lead until the final whistle sounded.
At the end of Saturday’s matches, the Ducklings were sitting in third place, meaning they had to win their last two games to ensure a place in the final.
They faced a tough test against South Coast first up on Sunday. The Ducklings took the lead early in this match before a great reaction from goalkeeper Kelly Martin saved what could have been an equaliser. Having scored so early in the match the Ducklings worked extra hard to keep in front and were rewarded with another win.
The final match shaped as a danger game if the girls relaxed and took Parkes too lightly. No such concerns arose, with the team at last opening up and putting in a timely performance scoring three goals. However, an injury to hard-working midfielder Karen Senior put a dampener on the victory.
In the final the Ducklings faced off against Illawarra and having played out a draw in the earlier round the girls prepared for a tough match. The team saved their best until last, putting in their finest performance of the championships. Eurobodalla totally dominated the early exchanges and were rewarded with a goal mid-way through the first half.
Illawarra gained some attacking chances early in the second half but the Eurobodalla girls were determined to hold their lead. Linda Wilton then took it upon herself to take on the Illawarra goalie. After being dished up by the goalie the ensuing penalty corner resulted in a goal to Eurobodalla. A similar scenario occurred a short time later and again the Ducklings were able to score and completely demoralise the opposition.
Big celebrations followed the final siren with the Ducklings being feted by the Ducks. It was a terrific effort by the team with this being the first championships for the majority of the girls. Having remained undefeated with no goals scored against them it was clear the Ducklings were simply too good.
The over 45s team, known as the Ducks were set a tough task with the team promoted to division one in their category. This was a special championships for the team with the girls honouring Gloria Johnston who they sadly lost earlier this year.
Injury and illness before and during the championships made it that much harder for the Ducks to perform at their best. They were without Debra Bradley through illness prior to the championships.
In game one the Orange team again proved too good for the Ducks, recording a 3-nil victory. Roxy retired from the game with an ongoing knee injury.
The team then fronted for an early game on the Saturday and achieved a more encouraging result here with a 2 all draw with Warringah. Unfortunately Chrissy Simmons was the Ducks’ next casualty with a couple of cracked ribs.
In the third game, Parkes were just too good for Eurobodalla making the most of their home advantage with a 3-nil result.
A spirited game against South Coast in their next match saw the Ducks narrowly go down 1-nil despite having most of the attacking play and Steph Stanhope
hitting the post with a shot. Di Challice took a tumble and sustained a muscle strain so wasn’t at her brilliant best.
The playoff match on Sunday morning was against South Coast. It was a close game with some fantastic goals scored by both sides. The eventual outcome was a 3-2 win to the South Coast girls.
All the Eurobodalla players enjoyed a brilliant weekend of hockey with spectacular weather and a chance to renew old acquaintances with other vets players.
The Eurobodalla Hockey Association thanks all those who travelled to Parkes – players and support crew alike.
A special mention to Mal Rixon for his dedicated bus driving which ensured the players arrived to their games on time.
A reminder to all juniors that the junior competition begins this Saturday. Sticks and shin pads can be supplied by the association. Be there by 11.30 to get organised. The venue is the hockey field near the fire shed at Gundary Oval.
Games for July 31
1.30pm: Sticks v Wanderers (Tigers/Knights)
3pm: Tigers v Knights (Sticks/Wanderers)
