Round 4 v Altona
By Gary-Michael Player-Metz
1-1 draw
Round 4 saw the Pennant All Stars make the journey across town to the hallowed turf of the State Hockey Centre (well…pitch two anyway), to take on the “west-side” team of Altona! Hawthorn coming off one of its best starts to a season in recent times with 3 wins and 0 losses went in full of confidence. Likewise, Altona who were sitting in fourth position on the ladder with 2 wins and 1 loss were keen to upset the ladder leaders.
With a few big names out such as Robin “the dance god” Elder and the experienced shoulders of Simon “the quick footed magician” Archer, the team was faced with a big test. The scheduled start of 6:45pm also posed another interesting challenge, that of staying awake, with a few yawning faces in the crowed watching the SL1 match before hand.
The first half of the match was tight and scrappy just as expected from previous encounters. Hawthorn seemed to have the upper hand in the first 15 mins with most of the attacking play, however the west siders were up to the challenge and managed to hold out the spirited attack. Mid-way through the first half an attacking run saw Altona score an upset goal, which was quoted as “pin balling” around the defense and into the backboard.
Half-time was called and the Hawks with the help of stand in assistant coach Jamie “Scotty Scotland” Carnegie, needed to re-group.
The second half again saw the Hawks have a lot of the attacking play with Patty “I share my hockey bag with my girlfriend” Moore hitting the post with a solid hit from the top of the circle, much to the despair of the massive crowd that stuck around in near freezing conditions. Soon after the hard work from the All Stars paid off when a short corner was awarded. Andrew “Long Schanks” Halan was again able to live the dream of a forward, sliding a well-positioned drag flick past the keeper.
Again the intensity rose a level with both teams desperate to score. Altona seemed to be taking the edge over the Hawks, however were unable to penetrate the net with some cool headed and confident saves from one of Hawthorns newest recruits Johan “Fred” Durst. The Hawks were able to hold off the attack from the west siders with the final whistle blown at 1 a piece.
Although disappointed the All Stars were happy to walk away sharing the points and the battle has definitely sparked the competitive spirits of the boys for round five and a rematch against Altona in round 13.
The Hawks now get set to take on MCC on Saturday the 15th of May, 12:30pm @ Hawthorn H1 – be there!
Round 2 v Waverley
It was another twilight game on a Saturday which had all 14 players anxiously waiting for their time to shine. The trip out to the Waverley cow paddock is always tough, but some success last year and recent form put a spring in our step ahead of the starting whistle.
The withdrawal of Robby elder meant some patch work needed to take place in the centre to fill the void, but Metzy, Hales, Hodds and Archie were all up to the task.
As expected, the start of the game was tougher than the previous week against Southern and a few chances early to Waverley gave us a scare. Danny had a standout game in the net, making save after save and putting the doubt in the Waverley forwards minds.
A corner was won and Hales made the long trek up from the back line to the corner battery and nailed one of his signature drag flicks. Hawks 1, Waverley 0.
What must have seemed like déjà vu to the home side, big Hales slotted another off the corner and Hawthorn appeared to be running away with it.
Half time approached and we could hear Waverley getting a rev up down the other end, and new they’d be coming out firing. As only Waverley could do, they arrogantly began playing their theme song over the speakers during the break. We weren’t going to be psyched out and that’s all our boys needed to keep the high intensity going in the second half.
Matt, Hales and Jenkins all received yellows and at one stage we were playing with only nine on the field.
A stroke was awarded to Waverley for a tackle at the top of the circle (even though there were 15 other players between the ball and the goal!). As good as Danny’s game was, he couldn’t keep the stroke out. It was 2 -1 and now we had a fight.
Waverley had their tails up, but didn’t create many more chances as the Hawks defense stood strong. Hodds went down with a blow behind play and subsequently off the field injured and the back line needed to show some back bone.
Up forward, Hawthorn had a few more shots but to no prevail. The hawks stood resilient in the dying minutes with some desperate tackles and clearances to keep the ball out of the circle.
It was great to see some guts and determination from the boys, and the new players really stepping it up. There’s always room for improvement, but starting the season with two wins from two and showing potency in the forward line and hard strong bodies down back, it is an exciting start to the season for the PA boys.
Round 1 v Southern
Hawthorn 2nd XI start 2010 with a hard fought victory…
After a long and constructive pre-season, round 1 couldn’t come soon enough for the Hawthorn Pennant All Stars. With a deep bench and the sun setting in the west, players and officials alike were all very much ready to go for the season 2010 opener. Opponents were Southern United, some critics claiming they were fortunate to be promoted to Pennant A. Only time would tell….
Despite reports to the contrary, Southern started the game with endeavour and chase that suggested the next 70 minutes was going to be a close affair. As both teams found their early feet, the hawthorn pressure resulted in the opening short corner of the game. The ever reliable Andrew “Long Schanks” Halan stepped up to the plate and nailed a clinical drag flick past the southern defence, 1-0 Hawks! Going against the grain, Southern managed to slip through the hawks defence and put the scores back to 1-1, clearly game on. With the new setup on the field, the Hawks had countless chances to go further ahead if it wasn’t for the fine work of the Southern keeper. Captain Elder was left bamboozled at the top of the circle after Charlie Cross linked him in for an easy shot on goal.. The keeper subsequently grew a 3rd leg and pulled a cracking save out of his backside! Still, the signs were there that the flood gates could open. Sure enough it wasn’t long before Veteran forward of the 2nd XI Cameron “Sheka” Sheckleton squeezed home a shot from the top of the circle, Hawks now up 2-1.
Players walked into the half time break at 2-2 a piece. The word at the break from coach Simmons was simple. Be patient, it will come! And sure enough it did.
The second half again was a close affair however it was clear the Hawks had control of the game. Honorable mentions to the defence led by Michael “Gary” Metz, who without doubt managed the pace of the second half when at times it threatened to go end to end. The forward pack continued to threaten before another hawks corner was awarded. The young midfielder Charlie Cross stepped up and put a schlick pass across the face of goal. Defensive deflection gave the hawks the lead again, 3-2. From then on in it was clear the young Southern side were struggling to keep pace. Whilst their efforts must be applauded, the Hawks took over the game and were peppering the net with little reward. Patty “I share my hockey bag with my girlfriend” Moore was awarded a penalty stroke after some classy play by the team leading into the circle. The big long red head Jenkins stood up and made it 4-2.
And that was the match. Final scores 4-2 in favour of the home side. Players should be proud with the tough first round win. Plenty of room for development however the early signs are promising. Next week brings a much tougher affair in Waverley. Should give some strong indications as to who has had the more productive pre-season.