Masters Match report

18 Aug Masters Match report

Sydney Uni 3, Easts 0.
Scorers: Dyson, Crabb, Briggs

Well, the Sydney Uni Masters team faced its ‘do or die’ match last night – beat Easts and make the semi finals; not beat Easts and spend another year in the geriatric hockey wastelands.

For the first time in a long time we were able to get most of ‘the band back together’, actually fielding a team made up of just our own squad and not having to call up some of our Legends brethren to make up the numbers.

An early setback was Aaron ‘the enforcer’ Lacey leaving us with no sub but not having to manage the player rotation for the game.

Sydney Uni got off to a great start when good build up play saw Dan ‘The Man’ Pearce penetrating the circle and shooting true, only to see Ian ‘Little John’ Dyson claim a last-gasp touch to claim the goal.

Uni continued to control the game, and after a few botched final passes and entries into the circle won a penalty corner which Jimmy ‘I’ll not be payin’ for that!’ Crabb buried into the Easts net (along with a couple of Easts players !).

Half time soon came with the score Sydney Uni 2, Easts 0 – and a semi final berth within reach.

The second half continued like the first, with Uni dominating possession and any attacking raids by Easts swifty closed down by Mick ‘Dr Bott’ Irby and Phil ‘Pricey’ Price playing at the back.

A few more circle penetrations, some duffed corners and lightning plays (well, as lightning as a bunch of 50 – 60 year olds can be) ultimately led to Michael ‘Briggsy’ Briggs rocketing the ball into the net for Uni’s third & final goal for the match.

Full time: Sydney Uni 3, Easts 0 – semi finals here we come !

Unfortunately some of the guys were so excited at the result, they immediately dashed off to tell their family and friends of our success so weren’t able to stay for a team group photo but those who did enjoyed a celebratory beverage in the car park – to contemplate life, the universe and beating Macarthur in next week’s semi.