Having had a pretty successful season (58pts from 22 matches) some would say that given the 22-19-1-2 record would in most cases provide enough points to take a title. Unfortunatetly for us Lieden managed to take the cream only dropping 3 pts all season. Finishing second however provided an opportunity to claim an additional spot in the OVK as a result to the merger of two teams in the classes above.
With this extra position the KNHB determined this final position would be filled via a knockout playoff series with each team finishing 2nd in the four 1st class pools and the 11th and 12th teams from each of the OVK pools.
A long story short, the first round saw us line up against Tempo 41. For me this one was stressfull. Not only obviously wanting to win, but making the decision to miss this game and ensure my fitness for later games i risked finishing the competetive season for Cartouche and possibly my career on the side line. Luckily for me that was not to be the case and the gamble paid off as the boys win rather comfortably dispatched Tempo 3-2. We took the lead early within the first 5 mins and then led into the break 2-1. After the break at about the 55th min we went up 3-1 through a nice series of deflections, until the expecte hit of the cruise button for the last 10 min allowed Tempo to sneak one back and give them hope. As fast as the game finished it really wasnt to be. For me a relief and full credit to the boys for taking the win fighting hard and playing together well.
The result meant we progressed to the next round against Gronigen Studs. Gronigen played this season in the OVK and showed what they were a capable team when they demolished fellow OVK team Venlo in thier first round playoff game 5-1. We then knew this was going to be tough. The result was watching video, developing defensive strategies and adding in a few extra training sessions to try and get the most out of the team.
Wanting to take the field sunday the pressure was on to make sure my leg was recovered enough to play 70 mins of hockey. Training on Friday was the first test and while I was nervous, given my track record with hamstring and calf injuries i manage to train reasonably well to justify making myself avaliable. Although for this game I was willing to push it that little bit further to ensure id make it on the park.
Sunday was the day, everyone was a little nervous knowing this was going to be a tough one, but at the same time calm knowing that even if we did lose we had made a successful season. coming from the bench i found myself in the action early sliding into the midfield in a fairly high paced and physical match. Knowing that my leg was still only at 90% i was hesitant to push too hard, just one of those things when you return after injury. No help from Pete tossing every ball 10m in front of me....yea cheeers mate, but there was no way i was going to be on the side line for this one. After about 20 mins we found ourselves 1 behind after a well executed corner by Gronigen. This started the fireworks on an off the field. While the Gronigen fans were setting off roman candles the game intensity pickied up and became much more physical and was becoming one of those contests where you need to be patient and just keep grinding. Perseveering well on of the Gronigen mid fielders recieved a red card meaining we went into the break one goal down but one player up.
As was excpected the second half started fast and the grudge match continued, with us dominating possession and creating a number of opportunities, only to fall short of the conversion at the final stage. This continued until the 53min when a brain explosion from the umpire resulted in us a 10min yellow to yours truly after a guy fell over in a stationary challenge, not sure what he was thinking, though last i checked making two wrongs ont make a right. . . . there thats my complaining done. Nonetheless it left 10 on 10 for 10 minutes allowing Gronigen Studs to net a soft second goal and then land an equally soft yellow, surprise surprise from the same referee. Returning to full strength we played against 9 men for the last 7 minutes. Finally score was with 4 mins to go we put on in the net and we were on fire peppering thier net and circle with shots and corners. Unfortunately it wasnt to be and we just couldnt find the equaliser to put the game into extra time.
Although we couldnt take the vicotry it was a very spirited effort from the guys and you could tell that there were some dissapointed faces. Although we didnt win this one it was overall a good season, I think the best year the club has had in 7 or 8 years?!? Finishing second only losing 2 games in the normal season and making the semi final in the playoffs all in all is pretty good. Just that last hurdle short of the finish line.
For me a good finish to competetive hockey as such, with still my last game vs Old Cartouche in the benefit match on the 18th June my current carrer is going to be on hold for a while. I think this one was my last competetive/representative game. Maybe a return in the future in the red and black to try add one more Newcastle premiership to the shelf but only tijme can tell. For the moment it is time to focus on Triathlon and see what the 12 months delivers.
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