Women Premier League Reserves

Womens Premier League Reserves - Sam Arch

The 2021 season was a mixture of many different emotions throughout; frustration at the near-constant interruptions and limitations provided by COVID. Excitement at what was an extremely talented and devoted squad and what promised to have every possibility of being a very successful season. To the ultimate disappointment of the season being cut short, particularly after ending upon defeating the league leaders - and previously undefeated team - 2-1 in what was the most impressive performance of our season. Particularly considering it was the first game back after a long break with minimal opportunities to train as a team.

The WPLR team, and the wider women’s section, were a privilege and pleasure to coach from both a hockey perspective as well as on a personal level. I was very grateful to get to know many of the squad better over the course of the year and wish I could have done more so. In terms of hockey performance, as I spoke to the team on more than one occasion about, there was not a single game that finished without me being either satisfied with a well-deserved win or disappointed because I thought we could and perhaps should have won. Perhaps highlighted best by the fact that no team beat us by more than a single goal, but from my perspective, regardless of any score lines, there was no team in the competition that could have beaten us on our best day.

The devotion shown by each and every member of the squad, and the development in everyone’s ability throughout even this shortened season promises much for the future. Even more so when you consider the young squad and the potential so many players have shown.

On a personal level, I would like to thank Fiona Thomas and David Douglas for helping manage the team throughout the season. To Jenny Eager and Penny Senior for all their help and guidance behind the scenes. To Ross, Jordi and the many other people that helped coach throughout the season. To Brodie for all of her leadership and endless enthusiasm. 

But most of all, to the squad of amazingly talented, incredibly friendly people that made this season so enjoyable and such a pleasure to be a part of.