Twenty-eight matches have now been successfully completed in the inaugural pre-season Cup competition and now only two matches remain – the Mens’ and Womens’ finals.

And, as if in perfect symmetry, we find two of this decade’s most powerful clubs competing in the finals; Waverley and Greensborough.

Womens Final: Waverley v Greensborough

Mens Final: Waverley v Greensborough

But the road to the finals has not been smooth for either of these clubs. The Waverley Men featured in one of the best match-ups of the first round against a spirited and highly favoured Doncaster team on their turf and came away with a 4-2 win.

The Greensborough Men, on the other hand, completed the most lop-sided result of the tournament with a 12-1 drubbing of Monash Uni. But it was the SL2 Brunswick and Yarra Valley Men that came closest to knocking off their respective SL1 opposition teams with Yarra Valley pushing the newly-promoted Kew to strokes and Brunswick giving Phil Merriman’s TEMs charges an early scare with a 2-2 draw. TEMs also progressed to round two on penalty strokes.

But arguably, it was the SL2 Yarra Valley Women who have gained the most from this tournament as they defeated Southern United 2-1 away from home and then found themselves drawn against the 2007 SL1 premiers; Waverley. But the Yarra Valley girls were not daunted and took it right up to the Panthers in a brave 2-1 defeat. It was that win that saw the Waverley Women safely through to the semi-finals.

For Greensborough, the second round presented two vastly different results for their sides. The Greensborough Women accounted for an under-strength Altona side 9-0 (making their goal tally for the tournament 12-0) while the Men found themselves in early trouble being held by a resilient Altona 1-1. After the longest penalty stroke competition the tournament has seen, however, the Burra Men prevailed and set themselves up a home semi-final against MCC.

The Camberwell Men announced their intentions in this round also with a 10-0 thumping of MUHC and so the clash of the 80’s rivals was set up for the semi-final at Waverley.

This match was again decided in strokes with Waverley holding on for a 1-1 draw against the Wellers who could rightly feel unlucky in not progressing to the final in regular time. The Greensborough Men, however, barely got out of second gear with a 10-1 humiliation of MCC that left new coach Jarrod Lester scratching his head.

The Greensborough Women easily accounted for Doncaster 4-0 who had shocked MCC the week before by knocking out last year’s grand finalists in strokes. And the Waverley Women defeated TEMs whose best result for the tournament came against Essendon whom they knocked out with a tense 4-3 win.

And so we come to the finals and the two Greensborough teams look like the primary contenders to take the $1,000 prize money back to Yan Yean Rd. Amazingly, the Greensborough Women are yet to concede a goal in this tournament on the back of the 16 that they have scored. The Greensborough Men have scored 22 in two matches and survived a penalty-stroke scare against Altona.

The Waverley Men, however, will most likely be on their home turf and have easily been dealt the toughest draw of the tournament with fixtures against three SL1 clubs; Doncaster, TEM and Camberwell. But coach Brett Thompson has answered every question asked of his team in the absence of international superstars Travis Brooks and Luke Doerner and would fancy his chances against Jim Irvine’s Burra.

For the Waverley Women, they find themselves in the final without showing anything extraordinary with wins over StKilda/Powerhouse, Yarra Valley and TEMs. They have received a friendly draw thus far that will end with their greatest challenge against Greensborough if they’re to take home the $500 winner’s cheque.

It has all come down now to two matches, two clubs and two Cups proudly donated by Just Hockey.

The match details will hopefully be announced in the next couple of days but at this stage I would set aside Saturday afternoon to watch the Mens’ and Womens’ finals of The Hockey Show Cup at Waverley between Waverley and Greensborough. Good luck to both clubs!

* * *

Have your say about The Hockey Show Cup. . . Would you like to see it back next year? Has the experience been beneficial for the competing clubs or has it hindered preparations? What would you do differently?

There are moments of sporting excellence that we all remember; Cathy taking out the 400 in Sydney. The Lions blistering their way to 3 in a row. Dwyer sneaking one under the Dutch keeper. Or Michael Jordan tying up his shoe laces.

But what we witnessed up in Canberra was nothing like any of those. What we witnessed, was a moment in a league all of its own, a moment for the ages. Oh, let’s not be confused, I’m not talking about the hockey at all. The hockey was great. Oh no, what is permanently scorched into my retinas, carved into my cerebrum is, in fact, the half-time entertainment during the finals of the Men’s AHL.

It’s hard to know exactly how to describe the event.
But one thing I know for sure is this…

I’ve watched ‘So you think you can Dance’ (twice), ‘Dancing with the stars’, ‘It takes two’, ‘Australian Idol’, Big Brother, Coxy’s Big Break and my Asian mates playing “Dance, Dance, Revolution”

So I believe it’s fair to say I’m entirely qualified to comment on the “dancing” prowess that was put before us during the half time break up in Canberra…

Allow me to put on my judges hat.

*Cough*

It lacked wow-factor. I really think the girls need to make more eye-contact with their audience. Dancing, Cheer leading, whatever you want to call it, is an art form. And any form of art is about story telling, so eye contact is vital to make us believe your story, makes us buy into what you’re saying girls. Even if what you’re saying isn’t in English, or any particularly decipherable language, it doesn’t matter! You gotta make us believe. Takes us on a journey. And where are the chants? It needs to be multi-media, a layered visual and auditory experience, you can’t have cheer-leading without the cheers. “Hey, hey, ho, ho, blah-di-blah-blah, yo yo” See! It’s easy! And hand claps, you need heaps more clapping – again, it’s about heightening the sensory moments of the performance. We were all frankly disappointed with this aspect of the show. Pyrotechnics would help also, people love exploding stuff. A smoke machine too, for instant atmosphere, and maybe some spinning disco lights. It’s really not that difficult, and I believe if the girls make these simple improvements, they’ll be ready to take on a more cosmopolitan Melbourne market.

Let it be known, that we do feel sorry for these girls. And we do realise they are trying their darndest…but the question has got to be asked of HA, what are we doing promoting Cheerleading instead of our own game?

Why are little kids not running around with hockey sticks bashing each other over the head as they hit at goal rather than fluffing around with pom-poms.

KIDS + STICKS = ENTERTAINMENT – a “TRIPLE THREAT” if I’ve ever heard of one.

We last left our long lost travelers talking to Victorian players about their experiences during the 2 weeks of AHL. Oh, and to Colin Batch about Chuck Norris. SERIOUSLY – have you ever seen them in same room together? …same same you know what we’re saying…

But what of the Beijing Olympic squad?

The second and final installment of this Lord Of The Rings style epic concludes with much beer, much laughter and much of Andrew Smith taking his shirt off.

Ladies, prepare yourself.

Part 2 of The Hockey Show in Canberra.

Enjoy.

Continuing on with our focus on the Victorian Vipers and their quest for AHL glory, we interviewed one of the team’s captains and Bollywood superstar Sarah “Socs” O’Connor. A capped Hockeyroo, Essendon State League 1 captain, and part-time Hockey Show host, she is one of the big stars donning the Big V this year and spoke to The Hockey Show just before the team departed to Perth from the airport lounge…

THS: Socsy, How are the Vipers feeling heading into the ’08 AHL?

SOCS: Well there’s a real positive vibe within the team this year and everyone is really excited to finally play after months of training. Our practice form has been quite solid and we’ll certainly give all teams a run for their money.

THS: The Vipers seem to be taking a significantly younger group into this years AHL than years gone by, what do you make of the team makeup this year?

SOCS: Yep, it’s a young side, but it is one full of enthusiasm, talent and that can take a team a fair way. What we lack in experience is will made up in stamina. We’re a very fit and disciplined group with a good mix of experience and youth.

THS: The W.A SmokeFree Diamonds will go in as favourites this year after winning the last two championships, how do you rate the Vipers chances this year?

SOCS: I think they could very easily underestimate us due to our poor performance against them last year. I reckon we can definitely hold them accountable, and if we do there is no reason why we can’t beat them.

THS: Who do you think are the players to watch this tournament for the Vipers?

SOCS: Obviously most of the Aussie squad, but I think everyone in the team has the ability to shine on any given day. There are always surprises, and you never know who will come out with their A-Game during the tournament.

THS: Jess Monkivitch makes her return to the team for the first time since 2003, what impact will a player of her experience have on the group?

SOCS: It’s been great to have Jess back in the group. She is a quality and experienced player who brings a very smart and skilled game. You can always rely on her when the going gets tough. I think everyone has benefited with Monkey coming back into the squad.

THS: With the Olympic Squad being announced at the end of the tournament, and you yourself a capped Hockeyroo, are you feeling the pinch to perform and how do you rate your chances of getting a ticket to Beijing?

SOCS: I’m not feeling any pressure, whatever happens, happens. I’m just looking forward to getting out there with a great bunch of girls, playing well and hopefully bringing home the gold for Victoria. As long as I play the best I can, I will be happy and not dissappointed. In regards to rating my chances, I don’t rate them highly, but you never ever know….sport can be very unpredictable as you know!!

THS: Cheers Socsy, smash it over in Perth.

SOCS: Will do. No probs guys!!

P.S -The Victorian Vipers won their first match-up of the Championships on Sunday beating NT Pearls 5-3. They’re off to a flying start and THS will keep you up to date with results and gossip from W.A.

With the women’s AHL rapidly approaching, The Hockey Show put the hard word on Viper’s coach Toni Cumpston, who just happens to be the Assistant Coach for the Hockeyroos – to find out her thoughts about the Big V’s chances in Perth over the coming weeks…

THS: Toni, thanks for taking the time to speak to us. We know you’re chock-a-block with preparations and all so we’ll try to make this as quick and painless as possible so you can get onto the job at hand…

TC: No worries THS.

THS: It appears a much younger and inexperienced team than previous years this year, what has the selection criteria been for AHL 2008 and how are they fairing?

TC: The selection criteria for 2008 is the same as in previous years – players are selected from trials that are open to any female player who is a resident of Victoria. A minimum of level 10 on the beep test is required to be considered for selection in the Vipers squad and players are tested at the trials.
Not sure about the team being much younger than previous years but we have one of the oldest lists in the competition with an average age of 25. Queensland are the other state with the same average age and all the rest range from 22-24. Vic & ACT have the most players making their AHL debut with 6 each (this figure doesn’t include current international players) so in terms of AHL experience yes, we are one of the least experienced teams in the competition this year.

THS: How have you felt about the preparation of the girls?

TC: I have been really happy with the preparation of the girls. We started training in November last year focussing mainly on conditioning pre-Christmas and then starting on-ground in early January. From the end of January we have played practice matches most weeks on Saturdays and Tuesdays and these were great in terms of getting some much needed match conditioning leading into the AHL. We played against the men’s 40 division one vet’s team on Saturday mornings which was really good for the girls in terms of strength on the ball. We also had two week-ends with matches against SA & TAS which were again very useful.

THS: Who do you think is your main opposition heading into the tournament?

TC: QLD & WA have played off in the grand final for the last couple of years so I would expect them to figure in the finals again – both of these squads boast 7 & 5 Hockeyroos squad members. We played NSW in the play off for 3/4 last year and NSW have a similar squad to last year with 6 Hockeyroos so they will be up there again also. There are a number of changes in the other 4 states with ACT and SA both picking up 2 NZ international players each, NT have only 6 NT athletes included in their 18 with the rest being made up of WA, NSW, QLD and 3 overseas players. Tasmania have Victoria’s Rachael Lynch in goals who will certainly strengthen their defensive unit.
I think the competition this year has the potential to be the closest it has in a while so I think everyone will be our main opposition!

THS: You finished third at last years championships, what has to change to get the girls over the line?

TC: I think we need to be better able to convert our attacking circle penetrations – score more goals than the opposition! Yep – I reckon that would do it!!

THS: You’re the assistant coach to the Hockeyroos, with your inside knowledge what are the things that players will need to do in Perth to secure a place in the Olympic Squad?

TC: I think that players looking to break into the Hockeyroos squad will need to perform well in every match in the AHL and have an impact on each game. With only 4 months from the end of the AHL to the Olympics players not currently in the National Squad would have to stand out in Perth consistently to force their way into the squad at this time.

THS: Of the Victorian Vipers, who are the players to watch?

TC: I hate this question as I think all my players are worth watching.
In terms of National players obviously Imison and Trost, our two current Hockeyroos will both be looking to cement spots in the Olympic squad. Kary Chau, Stacia Joseph, Claire Messent and Sarah O’Connor who are all in the National Development squad at the moment will be trying to stake a claim for Hockeyroos selection also. We have a number of new young players who have brought some excitement into our game and enhance our scoring capacity in Schubach, Riordan, Cohen and Peake. Jess Monkivitch has returned from Holland and brings with her strength to add to our midfield. Merrett, Waley, Trahar & Elzinga have a wealth of experience between them and are all playing well at the moment and we have three overseas players in Burns, van Veenendaal and White who are currently playing hockey in Melbourne and will be playing their first AHL with the Vipers, these 3 have been training well and have fit into the group nicely.
Oops – I think I mentioned everyone, well there you go!!

THS: After the squad is announced, what happens in preparation for Beijing?

TC: The Hockeyroos squad is currently based in Perth and have been since mid to late January of this year. Any new squad members added at the end of AHL would need to relocate to Perth to join the group. The Hockeyroos have the Champions Trophy in Germany in May and matches against Japan in late June early July and then the Olympic team heads to Beijing late July.

THS: Thanks for your time Toni and all the best for the AHL.

TC: No worries guys, anytime.

The Victorian Vipers play off in the Australian Hockey League Championships in Perth from the 24th of March till the 5th of April.

The Hockey Show wishes them the best of luck.

The Hockey Show is proud as punch to announce our new major sponsors for Season 2008.

This year Adrenaline Rush, Hockey Action and F-H-E.com have merged to create the ultimate one-stop Hockey Shop.

With the buying power of 8 stores and several agents nationwide and an international class leading Online Store, F-H-E are able to offer the world’s most popular brands at great low prices direct to you. As always, if for some reason you see a product offered cheaper by one of their competitors simply let F-H-E know because they will not just match it, but beat any genuine written quote. Sounds pretty sick to us!

Gryphon join The Hockey Show as the official “Equipment and Clothing Sponsors”. Check out their awesome website.

Throughout the year, F-H-E will be providing discounted specials to THS subscribers, so make sure you’re joining up as on the right hand side of the page.

F-H-E’s Ben Ballantyne says: “F-H-E are stoked to jump on board with The Hockey Show as the Major Sponsor for this year. With the Olympics just around the corner Hockey is set to have its biggest year yet and who better to be involved with than the Hockey Show! Plus, with our free shipping for orders over $50 online and our crazy weekend specials, stay tuned to both the The Hockey Show and F-H-E.COM websites for some fantastic opportunities.”

A couple of weekends back, The Hockey Show traveled the long, long, long road from Melbourne to Canberra. Represented astutely (or ironically) by Ben, Ballza, Hugh and Gus.

Spirits were high as the intrepid team headed north (where Ramsay Street ex-pats go to die). The stereo was pumping, the cruise control firmly locked and the petrol tank was bulging like a Full Back’s head after scoring a goal. Our first port of call was Albury, home of Easter’s greatest spectacle (second only to Christ’s little party trick) for a beer and a meal.

‘A beer and meal’ turned into ‘humiliation’ as Ben and Ballza foolishly took on two rather more masculine locals on the pool-table (probably should have stuck to the air hockey). Nonetheless the team pushed on through the night before stopping in Wagga-Wagga for some sleep-sleep.

The next morning, bright and early we jumped back on the Hume Highway before stopping for breakfsat in Gundagai. Here, it is fair to say that the gang ate an assortment of the worst meals in history at the “Niagara Cafe”. Unlike the great Falls, the food didn’t go down so well. Apparently there is a track winding back to an old fashion shack. And apparently in that particular shack they have no idea how to good eggs benedict. Or cook at all. Who would’ve thought.

Back in the car, via the toilet, via another toilet, and via a tree, we arrived in the nation’s capital. And what a special special place it is.

*insert crickets and tumbleweeds*

Don’t worry about the serenity. How’s the culture? Mmmmmm…rich.

SERIOUSLY – is there a more boring place in the whole entire world, which resembles a ghost town, but technically isn’t? As one of us noted, all we wanted to see was some sign of life as we drove around the streets, but there was nothing to be seen. We further speculated a zombie inducing virus had broken out, thus the lack of life. Upon seeing some locals we didn’t discount our theory. Anywho, we were there for the hockey finals, not an examination of poor urban planning. So out to the National Hockey Centre we traveled. Greeting us when we arrived was a massive crowd of about 25 people, and an even more massive giant screen for the instant replays.

Split into 2 sections, this is Part 1 of the The Hockey Show in Canberra.

Enjoy.

Guys and Girls,

Just a quick note to let you know of the new subscription service for The Hockey Show in 2008.

On the right hand side of the the page, you can join up to our VIP subscription list.

Through the form of a custom built newsletter, we aim to keep you on top of everything going on in Hockey Show Land, and reward you with special discounts and offers from our sponsors, keep you up to date with all the news going on in and around the Victorian and Australian hockey scene and also automatically make you VIPs for Hockey Show events throughout the year…and trust us, you want to get on board those shebangs.

You can also win loads of free stuff throughout the year, just like the guys that just won Hockey Show DVDs!

So mosey that mouse over to the right and get a subscribin!

The Hockey Show Cup has a hiatus over the Easter break but will be back in action next weekend with semi-finals matches.

As the venues and times are passed on we will publish them here for you, the match-ups are…

Last weeks results were…

Apologies to all Internet Explorer users out there that were experiencing THS forum problems while they were going through a routine update today.

Our massive team of web-nerds (me) have fixed the problem and all should be ok for the time being.

We recommend Firefox as an overall better internet browser…and no, they don’t sponsor us.

Get downloading!

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