by C. J. Lau
Chapter 7
NSW – ACT State Border, three weeks later.
“I’m glad you called him by the way,” Sam jokes, in a whisper. Our bus crossing the state line with a bump. “You’ve been beaming all fortnight. If I didn’t know you better, I’d say you two got it on.”
That earns Sam a friendly arm punch before I stand up to address the team.
“Alright, girls, here we are again. I’m very happy with the way you all recovered from Moss Vale, and how you’ve trained these last few weeks.” My smile, full beam, now aimed at them. “I can already see some combinations developing. Let’s keep that up. And build towards the bigger matches near the end of the year.” A confident smile, trying to underplay what’s in front of us today. “Today, we’re playing Queanbeyan, our local rivalry. We’ll need to play within an inch of our lives if we want to take a win here. So to help you out, I did my research.”
I reach across for my notebook, notes from my most recent late night call to Kathy. Talking for 30 minutes, I finished with a full page of plans. Though there is no change in Cat’s condition.
I don’t hide from the facts. “We lost this last year. Now, since no one wants to talk about that, I can only assume there is some unfinished business here.” I watch for any small nods, am rewarded with a few. “What we have this time is a full set of players, and a plan to unleash. Queanbeyan like to play from in front. They’ve always been an excellent attacking team.” My eyes drift to my new attacking weapon. “So Brooke, you’re starting today. Sit in front of our defence and interrupt their flow by taking as many intercepts as you can. Don’t mark a particular person. But use your anticipation and speed. I want you cutting off passes.”
The midfielder nods, already looking fitter than a month ago.
My eyes back to the girls. “Once Brooke or anyone else has the ball, then we’re going for all-out attack.” Now I’m pointing, calling out names. “Sam push right, Nancy left, Sarah up the middle. Make runs down every channel you can find. We blow them away early and see how they react.”
Will I finally convince them I’m not Ms X now? One half of controlled attack against a team that can knock us out if we let them. That’s what I need.
I keep up my energy. “Now, I am realistic enough to know that they are going to try and do the same thing. This is why we‘ve been training on defensive drills and transitions.” I find the eyes I need, see her nodding. “Anna, you’re a natural on the counter, but don’t forget to defend. Once anyone has the ball it goes forward. This strategy will only work if we score, and score often. So let me sum up in one word. Unleash!”
“Woo hoo!” Sam cheers, standing up. “Right, you heard Maggie. Let’s give them hell this half. Brooke, I’ll fall back and help you with the rebounding, so my channel down the right is open for a long pass. Anna, push forward if we’re on the attack.”
I’ve never seen Sam pump her fists with such enthusiasm. And I like it. She’s been waiting years for the license to attack.
Her voice softens, reigning herself in for now. “I missed this game last year. But I’m here now, so let’s do Maggie proud. Payback is a bitch, and we can be bitches too.”
Everyone burst out laughing. The teacher in me knowing I should reprimand Sam for her language, but I don’t try to hide the huge smile on my face.
Round 3: Queanbeyan
The smile’s still there as they walk off the field at half-time. My girls delivering on the message, unleashing five unanswered goals in the attack. Queanbeyan coming with the desire, but getting turned back again and again. Anna and Brooke firing passes through to the retreating midfield, the launch pad for our own raids.
Sam scores three in a row before Martina and Andrea contribute one each. For the last five minutes of the half Queanbeyan abandon their opening strategy, falling back to defend. It has been scoreless, but the damage is already done.
“Wow,” Sam sums up the game with one word. The girls together on the sideline. “How ‘bout that, Coach?”
“Wow is right,” I reply. “What a mighty half of hockey that was! Well done everyone. Yes, Sam has scored, but she should be thanking Brooke, Anna, and everyone in defence.” I give my back line pats on the shoulders. “Shutting down Queanbeyan’s raids and turning the ball back quickly gave Sam and our strikers a chance to work.” I want to hug them all, but their job’s not done yet.
I lower my voice. My analysis turning to our opponents. “To be honest, they are disorganised, I don’t know what they’re doing. They ran at us hard, like we expected, but made it easy for us by keeping on doing it even when the plan wasn’t working.”
Anna speaks up. “They had me confused as well. Like someone told them we were spineless and would wilt under pressure. I don’t know where they are getting their information from.”
I nod quickly. “Okay. Everyone’s still moving well. The plan changes slightly this half. We move back into a more balanced approach.” It is time to be unpopular with tactics again. “Hold possession and build pressure. Momentum is a crucial part of these matches. So let’s keep it going and more goals will come naturally.” I turn to Nancy, watch her pout at my orders. “Sit back. Queanbeyan are still a great team, even if they haven’t shown it so far. This game isn’t over yet.” My finger at the demoralised sky blues huddle. “They‘ll keep attacking, now that they’re behind. Fall back and help the defence soak up pressure. I’m sure their Coach is trying to engineer a great comeback. Like last match, scoreless will do me fine from here.” I finish my comments, give them a few minutes of rest.
Then I walk over to Carol, sitting with the Queanbeyan umpire.
“Strangest game plan ever,” Carol murmurs in my ear, preparing to take the field to umpire. “No plan B.”
Carol’s words send me spinning. The second half starting with me lost in thought.
Three easy matches so far with everything working as planned. Should I take these matches as an opportunity to experiment? On my wall at home I’ve written out Goulburn’s part of the knockout draw on a poster, all the way to the final eight. Had taken hours to draw up, and equally long to update with each result emailed from the Convenor. It helps though. Gives a fair idea of the challenges ahead. I’ll need to thank Kathy for suggesting it.
The chart confirms the matches will get more difficult, just like I experienced as a player. Away matches will get further to travel to, and opponents stronger. On the horizon is a visit to Wagga Wagga, followed most likely by a home game against Bathurst.
From there things get scary. An overnight trip to Albury or Broken Hill beckoning, and then a strong Sydney team in the final knockout round. All before we even qualify to play Champion teams like Newcastle and Murwillumbah in the final eight.
My eyes scan across the special group of girls with immense potential, and well led by Sam and Anna. But I change my mindset for a minute, try to discover weaknesses.
What would I do without Sam? I ask myself. Would Anna lead?
Nancy is probably the best candidate to take over if something ever happened to my leaders.
Losing Brooke would be another blow. I am building a counter attacking style around her ability to read the play ahead of her. Perhaps Felicity or Sarah can fill this void. Although neither have her passing accuracy.
Perhaps it’s time to start mixing up positions to see who can fill in where. I ponder. Maybe Anna as an attacker? Kimberly and Brooke in defence?
Christina produces a brilliant save on the field to bring my attention to my goal keeper. No other girls trialling for this most specialist of positions, and no team I know of with the luxury of two specialists in their 18-girl squad.
“Hey girls,” I call out to the reserves. “Has anyone besides Christina played keeper?”
All eyes fall on Danielle, who reluctantly raises her hand, nodding.
“Christina is awesome though. Why would you replace her?” Janet asks. Her distrust subtle, but still showing.
“I’m not planning to re
place her, but I need a backup for everyone. All teams sent their team list through to the Convenor after the second match. So I can’t make any changes now,” I explain. Curse Ms X and the mental scars she’s left.
“Come here, Danielle.” The girl shifts uncomfortably over on the bench. “Tell me about your goalie experience.”
There hasn’t been a follow up from our last meeting. And I’ve given up on pushing.
“I have all my keeper padding. But I prefer to be a defender,” Danielle starts, and I sense the distrust here too.
“It’s okay. I picked you as a defender, but are you prepared to play keeper if something happens to Christina?” I ask.
On the field, Queanbeyan launch an attacking raid.
“Fill the gaps, Janet.” I give instructions as Martina trots to the sideline for the change. “Stifle them. Then look to clear out, or hold the ball and wait for someone to make a run.”
Then I turn back to Danielle. Not needing to prod for her answer. “I suppose I wouldn’t have a choice.”
“I have plenty of choices,” I say in an annoyed voice. “I’m sure I could get my hands on a set of pads to give to anyone, but I’d rather give them to someone with experience. I won’t though, if that’s your attitude.”
My eyes zero in, staring Danielle down. Time for her, and everyone else, to learn I am in charge here. Even if I’m not as commanding as Kathy Parker, or vindictive as Ms X.
“I’m asking you a simple question. Christina’s brilliant. I need a backup, someone who’s willing to give it the best they can if needed. I am asking you if you want it. Think about it and give me a yes or no.”
I stop, realising the line I’ve crossed with my firmness. Something else popping into my mind. Christina’s term exams were on at the same time as Round 5. I will be without her services if we draw an away match.
Danielle hasn’t moved, barely breathing. My head pointing out to the field. “Another thing to consider before you make a decision; next year I’ll need a full time keeper. Behind the Captains, the goalie is the next person I pick.” She doesn’t get the hint, so I spell it out. “If you want to guarantee a place next year, prove it to me this season by filling in if Christina has exams. But only if you’re willing to do it.” I finish before cheering from the field drowns my voice out.
Queanbeyan score from a set play. Not even Christina’s brilliance able to stop the powerful shot sailing into the net.
I stand up, calling Sam to the sideline before the restart. “Do you feel the momentum shifting?”
“A little, but we have it covered.” Sam answers before running back into position.
I watch Vivienne walk off the field for a break. Felicity on to take her place. Vivienne is another final year player who’d be missing in Round 5.
Our opponents attack with renewed vigour. Their movements swifter, more decisive. Almost as if the shock of being blown away early has worn off.
They score a second from a Penalty corner. Followed three minutes later by a third.
I’ve seen enough. “Danielle, Vivienne!”
They run over to my call. “Time to flood the defence and stop this run,” I point at the blue wave pushing forward. “Fill all the gaps and cut off passes before they can get inside the circle. If you get the ball under pressure then clear it into their half.”
Andrea, the last striker, and Nancy to the sideline for my two defenders.
I call on Sarah next. “Time to shut this game down. You take Nancy’s place on the left and run along the sideline. Hold possession as much as you can. Or get it into their corner and trap it there. Possession and field position. Protect our lead. Go now.”
“What are you doing?” Nancy’s question, walking to the bench, comes with a stare.
“Winning the match,” I answer, “you’ve played well today. Rest up, we might need you for one final push at the end, but I’m hoping not.”
That seems to satisfy her. Nancy nods, taking a seat.
“Tactical change Sam! Talk to Sarah!” I shout.
Sam simply nods. The changes communicated before the restart.
15 minutes to go. Time to build a wall.
The new formation works well. Soaking up the pressure and slowly seizing back the momentum. Ten scoreless minutes pass.
“It’s boring to play like this.” Nancy walks up beside me. “But we all had it drilled into us last year that defence wins championships. If you’re doing it too, then I suppose Ms X was right.”
I risk a small smile. “What was Ms Xerxes like?”
Nancy sits down, a little shrug starting her story. “Okay at first. But then it became all about defending, tackling hard. How a one – nil win was better than a five – four win because defence wins championships.” She mocks an accent I assume is Zara’s, before a sigh. “But we didn’t win any and I expected her to become more balanced.” A little shake of curly red hair telling me otherwise. “Instead she got worse. We got tired of her orders. Most of us don’t want to play for Australia. So when the game stopped being fun it got hard for us to stay motivated. I walked out after what happened with Danielle.”
Another chance to play this scene.
“I heard. How was that for you?” I ask. Tracking exactly what voice to use, holding back my body to not seem too pushy.
I’m rewarded with Nancy’s straight answer. “It was really hard for a while. She found out we called her Ms X and threatened to suspend us if she ever heard us call her that. She said I was weak for quitting and it was my fault the team lost.”
The true vindictiveness of my predecessor stuns me. “That must have made you feel terrible. Did you talk to anyone about it?”
Another shake of curly hair. “We were all too scared. She’s not as friendly as you are, and we knew that it would be hell if she found out later. She was a teacher after all.” Pain crossing Nancy’s face as she opens up. “Mum noticed I was really upset when I got home from school one day. Ms X had been picking on me, calling me a troublemaker with no potential. I think mum might’ve spoken to the Principal.”
I think of Nancy’s mum sitting with the supporter group in our first game, and travelling to the second match under searing heat. Sure to have Principal Ripley’s ear if she wanted it.
“Do you think I’m anything like Ms Xerxes? You didn’t seem happy when I called you off?” I ask, sit back and wait for the criticism. “Or about my tactics against Moss Vale?”
“No. Not at all. You’re more like Mrs Parker. It’s probably why everyone loves you.”
I feel myself go red, the butterflies returning. “Please don’t compare me with Kathy Parker. You’ll make expectations even harder to meet.”
A cheeky smile tells me this conversation is going much better than last time with Danielle. “You’re the one who stood up in a team meeting saying you want to win the championship this year. Can’t get much higher than that.”
I begin to regret my words at the beginning of the season. Giving hope easy. Delivering results hard.
Christina produces another top-drawer save to keep the score at 5 – 3.
“Thanks for sharing with me Nancy. I’m glad I’m here. This is where I met my best friend.” Bringing up Cat’s a mistake, and I change the topic quickly. “I love this community and the school. Also, I think you have lots of leadership potential. In fact, I would consider you the next leader of this team once Sam leaves.”
“Talk about hard to meet expectations,” Nancy answers. “You’re not the first one to say that. It is sad what happened to Cat. They showed it on the news. It was a terrible accident.”
Time to be honest, Maggie.
“Yes. I’m still having a hard time getting over it.” I make no attempt to hide the pain replacing the heat in my face. “But I’m trying the best I can.”
Another scene rolls in. Last Sunday with Solo, Mark and Emma. Still not feeling comfortable, and Emma still being mean. But I held it together. Glad to get out of there when it was time to leave. One day
Emma will settle down and I’ll find out why she’s being the way she is. Or perhaps that’s my hope talking again.
Queanbeyan score their fourth goal with two minutes left on the clock. Sam calling every player to fall back after the restart.
“By the way, where’s Mr Cole today?” Nancy asks. The match restarting.
“The men’s team are playing,” I answer, eyes on the field, “so he is with them.”
More thoughts back to my student days. Kathy always accompanied by a second female teacher, one who could walk into change rooms with us and be more of a partner. A sad indictment on what the world had become that Francis can’t feel that as part of the team. Isn’t allowed to see them at their most vulnerable. Uncomfortable around the girls.
Relief heaves through me seeing Brooke latch onto a pass and find Sarah. A minute to hold onto possession. More thoughts of Francis interrupting.
We’d made a deal after round two. He would take the testosterone filled men’s team alone, or call on another male to help if needed. In return I will call on Carol to assist me on away matches. Carol agreeing, and Mr Ripley signing off the moment I told him, “I need the change to feel comfortable.”
No one realistically thinks the boys will make it to the final eight, but everyone believes my team can.
So now I have Carol as travelling companion. My dream one day is to have Cat back to help too.
“Miss?” Nancy interrupts. “You okay?”
“Yeah, just reflecting on things,” I answer. “You played well today. Keep it up.”
Sarah heads straight for the corner of the field. Holding the ball to boos from the partisan crowd as the clock winds down to zero.
The match is over.
The Queanbeyan players arrive. One pushing roughly at Sarah. Sam sprinting over to intervene.
Full time. Goulburn 5 – Queanbeyan 4.
Nancy and I take to the field. Sam helping Sarah to her feet. Everyone shaking hands.
Then I have first words. “Great game, team! Before anyone says it, yes, the second half was very boring,” I say my final remarks into the huddle. “But a win is still a win. Well done for everyone sitting back and defending. The ability to turn a match around like we did is going to be very important as the teams get harder. Let’s have a quick stretch and then go home.”
Danielle comes to me as we’re boarding the bus home. “Miss Conrad? Coach?”
“Danielle, you can call me Maggie.”
“Maggie. I’d love to play keeper for you if the team needs it.” Danielle’s determined look makes me smile, almost cheer. “I’ll think about doing it next year as well.”
“That’s great! Bring your padding to the next match. I might sub you in depending on how it’s going.”
“Okay.”
With that little interaction we board the bus for home. Hopefully, with victory complete, the pain of last year will be forgotten by the people that matter.