The ground was uneven, clumps of dirt and grass entangled themselves around each other. The air was cool, holding within it a sense of anticipation. Artificial light flooded in from the sky pushing aside the darkness that had taken refuge in the surrounding area. Twenty-two bodies stood poised, their minds and hearts driven towards the same, yet opposing goals. Everything was in place. Everything was ready. It was time.
The whistle blew sharply signalling the start of the game. The two teams moved.
“I remember it so distinctly. It was chaos, but controlled chaos. The ball rolled backwards and we surged forward. I was lucky to dodge an early injury as the maroon team swarmed our players, intent on turning over the ball.” – Hank (NSW).
Minutes passed as the team tussled back and forth, striking blow for blow, tackle for tackle. Then, bang! New South Wales found the back of the net.
“Yes, I remember New South Wales’ first goal clearly. I let play continue even after the ball had hit an attacking players foot. I have to pay the bills somehow.” – Obama (Bias Umpire)
Cries of controversy erupted, yet the play remained unchanged. The score was 1-0.
“We knew we had been wronged, but we did the only thing we know how to – and that was play the game” – Tbag (QLD).
And play they did! Dubious tackles, bad traps and questionable chat littered the pitch as both teams continued their ping-pong battle.
“I thought we were in the clear, you know? One nil up, and with the condition of the field not many teams would have come back from that… but they did” – Black Beard (NSW)
New South Wales were caught off guard as Queensland eluded their ‘Hank’ tackles and managed to squeeze the ball through their defensive wall. Thud! The score was even.
“I remember the teams went into the half time break tied. I cannot even begin to relay the inspirational speeches given by each captain, but both teams went out in the second act with a clear job to do.”– Mrs POW (Innocent Bystander).
The second half began unconventionally. A ploy was afoot.
“The flying V formation was implemented. I was confident that it would work” – Spoon (QLD)
“Yeah, the flying V failed dramatically” – Kransky Sausage (NSW)
Confusion ran wild as the Queenslanders charged forward, immediately breaking formation.
“I don’t know what happened! We’ve all watched the movies, we all knew the move. I just think some people can’t follow instructions” – Panther (QLD).
The first attack set the standard for the second half, as both teams turned to unconventional tactics #Bulkfrosties.
“I just stood there and let the game evolve around me.” – Loco (QLD Traitor, NSW Player)
“I was just surprised both teams managed to score again really” – Bulakke (QLD)
The teams tousled to and fro. The score climbed to a nail biting 2-2. Alas, the game stood even as time trickled away ever so frailly. But then…
“Umpy had to have been distracted! I can’t figure out whether it would have been his fiancé on the field, or just simply Zeus being Zeus. ” – Sav (QLD)
The ball was struck. Piercing the circle from the outside. Bodies collided, sticks were thrown.
“I don’t know how to describe the feeling in my chest. I can only imagine it must be like how a vase feels when it is shattered.” – Constable (QLD)
The ball rolled over the line. The whistle blew. New South Wales had scored.
“Did I touch it? No, not even close. I know that, Queensland knows that, even Obama knows that” – Zeus (NSW)
A sharp cry pierced the cool night air. It had ended. The battle had been won 3-2.
“I really think the best team won on the night. We were disciplined, committed and we knew what we needed to do.” – Whipper (NSW Captain).
“We may have lost the battle, but we haven’t lost the war! We will be back, and we will bring beer this time.” The Best Mount (QLD Captain).
Slowly the darkness returned to the field, and the noise became distant. The ground still as uneven, the air still as cool.
The hearts of twenty two players (plus subs) warmed and full of at least one more memory.
Until next time Flockers, we leave you with this simple message.
“A swinging hammer only hurts when you get hit. So remember always have a friend close by to sacrifice.” – Anon.
Qut Hockey Club Inc. 