Men Pennant B

Mens Pennant B

Pennant B brought together a great group of individuals that moulded into a well-oiled machine through-out the season, handling all the COVID disruption in their stride, as we all did.

Confidence was high leading into Round 1of the 2021 season with a well-attended and prepared pre-season under our belts and the main goal being a top two finish and promotion to Pennant A.

The season started well racing to a 2-0 lead over last years Premiers, Essendon and then 3-0, or so we thought, but that wasn’t to be. A definite goal (just ask us) was disallowed for danger and the umpire looked to be the only one to think this. Unfortunately, we dropped our heads and the game, going down 2-3.

Let’s fast forward to the end of the 3rd round with the team having ample opportunities, but struggling at the end of our well-structured runs to find the back of the net against KBH and MUHC. Without the scoreboard pressure, we found ourselves with 2 draws and a loss, sitting on 2 points feeling like we should be on 9 points. 

This was not the start to the season that we, or the club, were expecting and there seemed to be a bit of panic around the club, but not the Pennant B men. As a team we had an honest discussion with ourselves about being patient with our game plan and each other as well as making sure that every circle entry resulted in either a goal shot, goal pass or short corner. This resulted in a strong 5-0 win over Altona in Rd 4 followed up with a 4-2 come from behind win away to then top of the ladder MCC in Rd 5. 

Next up in Rd 6 was Camberwell, the premier club for this grade and sitting top after we knocked MCC of the week earlier. And what a game it was. Probably the best half we played for the season, followed by arguably the worst as we ran into a blinding sun for the 2nd half. We started really strong and were able to manufacture a 5-1 lead, but to Camberwell’s credit they pegged us back to 5-5 by the time the final whistle sounded.

Top 4 v Doncaster at Doncaster followed in Rd 7, which is always a physical and difficult road trip, made even more challenging with about a month off due to COVID restrictions. With an Esky waiting after the game and the excitement of being back with stick in hand the team handled this road trip with grit and determination, coming away with a gutsy 3-1 win (even after a missed stroke - I promise Joe, I won’t mention you by name) and a well-deserved team catch up in the Doncaster car park after the game.

With only an 8 team competition, Rd 7 meant we had played all comers and found ourselves with 3 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss, a much-improved position after the start that we had, but still with a lot of work to do. Next up was Essendon away and time for some Rd1 revenge. With an injection of young from Pennant C we once again started well, however not all went to plan as we found ourselves down twice, but fort back for a 2-2 score line at half time against a young, but skilful Bombers side. The 2nd half saw the team stick to the game plan with 6 unanswered goals, run away with an 8-2 victory with our promoted PC youth, Matt Mullins slotting 5 and Will Tadgell scoring one on debut for PB. 

After another week off (school holidays I think) we trekked out to KBH for the 2nd time this season and this time we got the job done 3-1, although not without its challenges with Matt Mullins icing the game with about 5 to go and then his hammy as it went in the process. 

Once again, we had another forced break of 3 week due to COVID. But hockey was back again and we were graced with a late season transfer of Ben Allen from Camberwell (their loss is our gain). For only our fourth home games of the season, we hosted MCC, which turned out to be our last game of the season. The result was another positive one for the team with a solid 3-1 victory and as Joe would always say, top spot on the Live Ladder.

Congratulation to all 31-players selected this season with the following special mentions:

• Matt Hooper for Co-Coaching
• Joe Connell for Captaining, leading from the front and all the late-night pin-drops at Concrete Boots
• James Heaney for taking on the thankless role of Manager
• Steve Macumber for leading the goal scoring with 9 goals - special mention to Matt Mullins for 6 goals in only 2 games
• Will Tadgell for his debut game (and goal)
• Jonny Spincer and Bailey MacPhie for their PLR debuts
• Jonny Spincer for being awarded with a Player of the Month Award and for bringing our average age down and skill level up
• The team for only 2 yellow cards, both questionable
• The team for finishing on top of Pennant B in Season 2021 (Minor Premiers).