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On a gloomy Saturday morning the ladies that make up the team that is Pontiki assembled in the country for our final match of the season. Knowing that a win would mean promotion the team morale was at an all time high despite the weather.
After a good warm up, a game plan chat and giving the ‘wachena’ warning for one last time, we took our positions on the pitch. The general feeling of excitement and confidence was evident throughout the team as Cheam took the starting push back. After stringing a quick few passes together they were in our D, shot……and scored! Ok…so there’s a good chance that wasn’t supposed to happen……it wasn’t quite part of our script! The look of bewilderment spread across the faces of many, as we took our positions again…some stern words from Claire A could only have contributed to the Dons stepping it up a gear. Still a bit flustered from the quick goal we were making panic passes and generally putting ourselves under unnecessary pressure, but after a few minutes we managed to regain our composure, work it around the back, giving ourselves heaps of space for Faye/Ang in the centre and the outside mids and before we knew it Liz brought her X Factor and slid a goal over the line to make it an even scoreboard. The work rate of each individual could not be questioned, everyone was giving everything they had out there, with near cardiac arrest apparent on many a face, but the effort was beginning to pay off. Working it up the pitch with simple passes we began to dominate possession, and after a brief scuffle for the ball between keeper and Liz, one that Hulk Hogan would be impressed with (and Rocky jealous off??), we were awarded a penalty flick. Liz stepped up to the plate (or dot) and whipped one past and into the net, ending the first half with us narrowly in the lead.
Half time talk was positive, with only a few minor tweaks needed….but nothing a packet of haribos couldn’t fix. 35 more minutes of play left of the 09/10 season, and determined to end it on a high the pontiki-ites prepared for battle. The 2nd half is when we really brought it, being in their 25 majority of the time. Many very close misses, however after a few tries and working the keeper around with sheer brilliance Shells added her name to the scoreboard. Liz continued to be in combat mode and another collusion saw their keeper fending off another penalty stroke. Liz whipped it past her and took our lead up to 4-1. Anita and Ang felt it was time to cash in on the action, and with Ang’s promise of her victory ‘move’, we were only too willing to assist them. Both of them added a goal each to the scoreboard, putting us in a comfortable 6-1 lead. I now felt it was my turn to be part of it all, so when we got a short corner, my eyes gleamed with excitement…..blocking out the comments from the sideline (you know who you are! :) ) Anita pushed out, Liz to Ang, Ang past Liz (all part of the plan hey!) and I swung and hoped. 7-1! Liz fearing yet another hatrick just wasn’t good enough added another point to the scoreboard, ending our season with another 8-1 victory.
Victorious final Match – Check
Faye scoring – ALMOST Check
Promotion Secured – CHECK CHECK!!!!!!!
Ladies what a fantastic season!!! We’ve worked hard to get this promotion, and what a great bunch of individuals to share the countless torturous doggies, bleep tests, blood, sweat and tears with!! Special thanks must go to Kiwi and Tabs for their relentless enthusiasm on their mission to turn us into better hockey players and a great team – we couldn’t have done it without you. To our loyal supporters who are cheering on the sideline week in and week out – Jase, Craig, Scotty and Sergei…..you guys are leg-ends and can share our packets of haribo anytime!! To Faye – I couldn’t ask for a better Vice, thank you for all your work - and despite the pear-shaped 2 v 1s we attempt and goal nipping I pulled off – we make a great team and my appreciation for your non-stop help runs deeper than the Zambezi during a flood…..you hooxed a sista up this season!! To the rest of my team mates, your committement, dedication and enthusiasm for this team has been inspiring!! Its been awesome playing hockey with each of you, thank you for being awesome team mates!!
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