Wood Ducks Break Through...

As I sit here pondering after the last seminar in China, my mind wanders back to the competitive juices flowing at Latrobe each weekend and I can’t help but see some similarities emerge from my trip and the premiership. 3 nights ago I sat at a round table with a simmering wok ready for filling, just a bowl of rice in front of me, not knowing what was coming. The Wood Ducks had arrived for 12 long weekends, nothing in front of them but a bowl of hope and a blank sheet of scores ready to be filled. Well, over my right shoulder came a bowl full of bird body parts; and I mean body parts. Chock a block full of heads, wings and legs; I wondered where the bodies were. This has been the Wood Ducks problem all year. A team needs the full body of players to be competitive and like my bowl of rice; just the appendages can’t get the job done. As my hosts happily scooped over a spoonful and encouraged me to eat, I tried not to look in to the little skulls eyes as I picked it up with my chopsticks and moved it mouthward for its crunching end. Funnily enough, the thought of it was harder than the doing and whilst the swallowing was a little sandpapery, it stayed down and I wanted more. Well, these Wood Ducks have also broken through, again I am sure the thought of breaking through was harder than the doing and I am hopeful they are hungry for more. They will be dangerous as they attempt to build momentum with eye on the Knockout. As I faced in China, if it is the only thing left to satisfy your hunger; then you eat. Talking of food, I would think Paul Berryman’s Bertoli Olive oil must be selling well over here. It is a place where the food glistens, slides down easily and completes its passage with little work. The separation on the plates, whether breakfast, lunch or dinner is obvious; as is the separation of the Premiership Table. Never in the Premiership’s history has it seemed that the finalists are secured 2 rounds out. Chinese mathematics is the best in the world and even the scholars over hear that have been shown the Premiership Table slowly shake their heads as they try and work out the way to finals glory for our bottom 8 sides. It is tough equations with The Corruptibles, All Night Chemists and F Troop needing to win their last 2 and rely on defeats from those above. But whilst there is a way you must try and make the journey. As Confucius say, “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in getting up every time we do.”. Maybe, just maybe the season is not over for one of these 3 teams; but they need to win. Last Sunday I found myself in the middle of Zhuhai, hailing a taxi for the 40 min trip back to the club. It was to be the ride of my life. Like the race to the top 4 this season, this trip was not over till the last moment. Taking off with an oil stained puff of black smoke, my driver seemed to be on a mission. They drive like we walk through a crowded street, no rules except to miss people, one hand on the wheel and one hand on horn which they press with impressive instinct. As I glanced over my shoulder for the absent seat belt, my hand clasped the handle above the door tighter as it became clear that I had been transported into one of the driving arcade games from my miss spent youth. Just as missing the final 4 is almost the end of your premiership chances, I was hoping like all teams seeking a slice of premiership glory, to have a second chance should this trip end suddenly. It was a fast start and like the Wanderers early in the season, he went for gaps that seemed not there. Every win for the Wanderers seemed like an upset such was the history of their previous 4 seasons. Well every angle he whipped this Jetta car into seemed to defy logic. The engine screaming, the horn blaring and the car heaved from side to side with its loose suspension being examined once again by what was to be another fast journey. I’ll give him this, he never took his eye off the road, eyes darting for space opening and the right foot ready to extend again and send us forward at eye popping speed. Well the Wanderers have had that same commitment to victory each week; they stand at the summit of the premiership table and cannot be knocked off it, have the most points scored and thus deserve their opportunity to shine. After passing out of the tunnel that indicates the city centre, I was looking forward to some less traffic. The Ferrets and the Tunners enjoy this clear air, one win above a pack of teams that are all capable of stealing their high altitude. However they need to win as a loss will provide what my driver provided more anxious moments. The freeway provided the opportunity to go harder, with slower cars blips that came and went as he tore off relentlessly for the golf club. There was a roadblock of cars fast approaching and I wondered how he would get through. It makes me wonder as well who will fill 4th place should the Ferrets and The Tunners hold strong. 4 teams for 1 spot will require from these 4 initiative and a little luck. Well, as my driver lurched across 3 lanes to head up the emergency lane, I smiled at how many tickets he would receive on the Eastern Freeway and marveled how he kept his mind to the job. This was not a race, unlike the race to the Premiership Cup but he took to his job of driving this taxi like he was in formula one. However luck was going to be needed as a car was stopped less than 100 metres in front of us and we were only starting the inside passing maneuver that had created this pending mess. A horn only blows one volume and the hard press he applied made no difference but he ploughed on committed to finishing what he started. Then another taxi lurched into the lane we were heading for. Just as a win this week will not secure the top 4 spot for these 4 teams, they must win again next week and then hope it is enough. Well I was thinking my goose was cooked as taxi drivers in China drive for glory not money and I am sure there is no glory in moving sideways to let a fellow taxi through. With horn blaring and nothing but hope in my heart, a fourth lane appeared; he moved slightly left forcing the other taxi to relent a foot and I’m sure we peeled paint off both sides of our car as we tore through the narrow gap that had appeared between the parked car and the other taxi. He didn’t slow down, didn’t stop blaring that horn; pure commitment and he must have ice running through his veins. I had gripped tighter. It is this sureness and determination that The Cup Hunters, Gummers, Brothers in Arms and Tridents must hit the course with over the next fortnight. There can be no braking now, full speed and look for whatever opportunity is there. It will be a hair-raising ride for all but it must be taken. I admit to being thankful when we pulled up at the club, the journey ended. However, as always is the case, it was the journey not the destination that I will remember and strangely as at times terrifying as the ride was, I am glad to have had that chance. The road to Premiership Glory needs stories to create history and each team starts the year with pen in hand. It is up to everyone what story they plan on writing. Play each match likes it’s your last, embrace the closeness of the contest and enjoy the pressure that comes from playing in the finals of the Latrobe Premiership. PS: I have not mentioned the Buglers in this race for the top 4 cause let’s face it; they have as much chance as I have of hailing another cab in China.

Winter is Approaching...

The blockbuster between long term and bitter rivals The Ferrets and The Buglers, shows the opposing directions that movement on the ladder can occur. They are two combative teams that have gone head to head at the business end of the season, thus creating a rivalry punctuated by both securing premierships over the past 4years. They however, are former Premiers that have actually built on this premiership success to be up and about again in 2012. The Ferrets, with the premiership defense in full swing were unstoppable. They pulverized a stunned Buglers outfit to submission with their round 9 high score not only cementing their position in the top 4, but it was a nice boost to their percentage as well. The Buglers have not enjoyed the past month. After sitting at the summit of the Premiership Table after 5 straight wins to open up the year, they have slid sharply, suffering the 3rd loss in the past month. What is really damaging their chances of Premiership success is that these 3 losses were against top 4 aspirants, The Tunners, The Wanderers who now sit on top and the Ferrets demolition this week. It is critical that teams finish in the top 4 as the searing heat of the finals demands a safety net. The Buglers, after this horror month against genuine contenders, may have had their safety net dragged from beneath them. The Pro however is smirking as he has noted the rise of his Calcutta side. During draft night, the Cup Hunters were not attracting many bids in the annual Calcutta and a bargain was seemingly presenting itself. The thought of them channeling their 2008 form was in the Pro’s mind as his hand went up and the hammer went down securing ownership of this team that is loaded with potential. As was hoped more than expected, they have started to make their move which is driving up their price, sadly for them before they went about securing the ownership back from the Pro. They want this Premiership as they want their own deed and pushing into the top 4 after another win will have them needing more money to make this transaction with the Pro. They are on the up and defeating the highly fancied Tunners is a big step towards the credibility their captain big Mega is craving. With the cold mornings of winter approaching, these wins in the bank are like fire wood in the closet and warm soup on the hot stove. They need to keep going but have given themselves reason to believe rather than just bought a cap. The Tridents are also making their move with solid contributions throughout the team. A tight knit bunch that all hit off close together, they have created a bond helps keep spirits up when things look grim. A couple of wins have seen them elevate into the eight at the expense of the Corruptibles, the last victory a slender and gutsy 1 point win over perennial finalists ‘The Gummers’. It is these close wins that can change a season. As the clamor for the coveted top 4 spot gains momentum over the next 4 weeks, it is the Gummers that will be ruing this one. They have history with close losses and it doesn’t take much to make bad memories come flooding back. The Gummers and F Troop found out this week, with their 1 point loss to the re-opened All Night Chemists, every shot counts. Every loss will take its toll and it is a fact that streaks of wins are harder than streaks of losses. The Wood Ducks can attest to this. It has been a difficult season for the birds that should fly. Instead they are stagnant like the lakes they wade upon. Like their Kiwi bird cousins that can’t get up at all; they seemed trapped at the bottom of the ladder. They enter the chill of winter with little heat left. I hope for their sake that there is a win around the corner for them. The Ferrets wait this week and sadly, I can’t see much sympathy there. Play well…..

Hard Rebounding

The anxiety of "What Now" would be filtering through the minds of the Premiership favourites, "The Buglers". Already reeling from the shock of by being systematically slaughtered by the Tunners last week, a rivalry that has grown each year of the Premiership, they now face the Wanderers who are anything but Wandering. It is a 'Top of the Table' clash that has a David and Goliath feel about it. The 2 time Premiers from the early years against the only team to not suffer finals fever. Before this year it is hard to think of this match even rating a mention let alone a headline. The Buglers would direct the Wanderers down the ladder that they were climbing up. But the Wanderers have drafted well, are gelling beautifully and are feisty and up for the fight. The Buglers need to put the Tunners shattering defeat behind them and refocus quickly. The season is long but they have a target on their back, everyone wants a piece of them, as favourites every week will present a challenge. Are they up for it? The Tunners are on a high, once again the season is going steadily. They have the aforementioned Buglers scalp once again dangling on their belt and they are after more. This week they face the Wood Ducks who would be energized by finally getting on the board last week in a thrilling draw against the Number 1 pick laden F Troop. They need however to keep that energy for some time. They have put themselves way back due to their poor start to the season and whilst it has many weeks to go, the season is asking some awkward questions. Each loss from now will make the ask in front of them harder and harder. Winter is approaching fast and the heat of the finals will help teams keep warm. It is not ideal to be this far from that heat leading up to Mothers Day in May. The Inverse Blockbuster that will create balance to the top of the table clash sees the Chemists do battle against the Irish led Dynasty. They are known to talk up a storm however they may need to dig into their medicine cabinet and pull out something other than the normal Viagra. They do need a rise and whilst that product is very effective, it a rise up the ladder that they need more. In Time however may need to go to some Irish folk fables to rescue their season. They seem stripped of their normal vigour and are in need of an injection of joy. If anyone has seen a Leprechaun hanging around the trees at Latrobe or have plucked a four leaf clover from the rough somewhere, the Captain of the Dynasty would appreciate it and so would his wife. Saturday nights of despair in the company of the thick black Guinness, are becoming more and more frequent. Both these sides need a win....

Easter Traditions!

Easter Eggs

Talk around the Premiership has been on the Easter break and what it represents. It is a great excuse to eat chocolate. The young and buffed amongst the Buglers and Ferretts know who they are and the chance to unleash their taut frames on a nest of Eggs makes this time of year so bitter sweet. The taste of gorging on the seasons delicacy in a binge of eating that must last till next year’s Bunny visit is countered by the sense of muffin topping as they do their hourly parade shirtless in front of the full length mirrors glued to the ceiling. The need to smash some more glute inspired power squat exercise and reclaim back the “Perfect Push Up” handles to rid the guilt of that double chocolate coated egg that was devoured for breakfast. These workouts are made easier with the knowledge that 4 games in, The Buglers and Ferrets sit perched in the Top 4 and a run at the finals has the perfect foundation to build on.

The Buglers are undefeated and flying. They come back from the break to face the Cup Hunters. The Pro got a chance to view the Captain of this Hunting Team in the recent Masters and the Buglers can keep eating unless this was a sting of the finest strategy. The Cup Hunters sit in the top 4 and I am now unsure of the quality of the field. I can assume it was a tough day as I must confess, the best part of my round was the profiterole served up on the 14th tee after another soared right into the pine trees. It was full of custard and small enough to be eaten in one mouthful, no need to be sliced. If only my driver was the same.

Easter Travel

The Ferrets defense is in good shape settling in the Top 4. Defending was thought to be a difficult task as the Buglers plunged after their 2nd Premiership and the Corruptibles found the spotlight far to revealing. The Buglers took 2 seasons to rebound, the Corruptibles may need longer. Their tactics at the moment is to keep the Spiritual Leader and Music Director away and it is working. The caddies of Thailand are kept amused by their unique golfing talents. The Spiritual Leader swinging like a python trying to scratch its back with a toothpick and the Musical Director showing the balance of a Giraffe dancing to Michael Jackson on stilts. They are indeed a hit around the dinner tables of the caddy shacks at night, creating much laughter over bowls of coriander stained rice told by their exhausted golf Caddies who do not need to exaggerate for effect. The rest are hard at work climbing the ladder however the travellers are soon to return so we will see how that goes…

Easter Resurrection

The other tradition of this time is the story of resurrection. The Wanderers are proving to be the subject matter for this theme. 4 years mired in the depths of the Premiership Table has seen a loss of faith that July action actually takes place. Well they have found a track and seem to be staying on it. Looking at the points against column could let you believe that they have mastered a way of decreasing concentration in their opponents and the clever drafting at pick 4 could certainly make minds of the enemy wander. However glancing at the percentage also shows heavy scoring with only the Buglers more potent on the course so far. Heavy consistent scoring is unusual for this team but it is a new theme. They are pulverizing their opponents and the track they are on is at a dizzy height, altitude training of the highest order. They are a well balanced team with solid players and good pinch hitters. They turn up enthusiastic and are ready to take the next step. It is still early but each step they take is on the right track and it will lead them to July action if they stay on it. The Wanderers for Premiership Glory, now that would be an Easter tradition worth cracking a couple of chocolate eggs over.

Early momentum....

Even though the season is long, you can see the effects of momentum already. The spring in the step of the Tunners is significantly different to the plodding of the Wood Ducks even at this early stanza. It is called momentum and the spark it creates through a side is energizing. But momentum can go two ways, the sharpest of the double edged sword, the excitement of another victory or the devastation of another defeat.

The Tunners have filled up and their engine and it is purring. Top of the Table and solid scoring through the team, they are turning up and seem ready to play each week. After taking care of Triple WWW who are also going well last week, they face up against the Tridents, a good team who found something last week putting another sword into the injured body of the Wood Ducks. Another win for the Tunners and they will stay on top going into Easter, a great platform for the rest of the season.

The Buglers are feeling the energy as well after feeling the sharp edge of the other side of this steel blade last year. The wooden spoon can be the perfect implement to spark some effort, just ask my Grandmother, and it appears to have worked for the Buglers. A listless and uninterested side has suddenly the look of that dual premiership club. A massive 190 points last week in doing over a gallant F Troop sees them line up the Wood Ducks who must be feeling like drafting Laurie Levy for next year. This is a classic David vs Goliath battle, and this is where momentum can change in an instant. Buglers win and they are looking ominous but if the Wood Ducks can find away, their season could turn on a weekend and the Easter Eggs that they consume in the bye next weekend, will be very tasty indeed.

The Brothers In Arms are the only other team with a donut in the loss column, quietly going about their season outside the glare that is shining on the top two. Whilst given a scare from the now on track Wanderers 2 weeks ago, they disposed of their arch enemy Wally World in Round 3 with a good score and plenty left in their tank. They will need this momentum though as the competitions arch enemy and defending champions the Ferrets are next up and they will be smarting from their rare loss last week. This is the game of the round. 14 other teams will in eager for the Brothers to continue their winning ways as the Ferrets are feared for good reason. The Brothers can win; a team that attracts little of the headlines that bandy around the articles of a ‘Google news’ search and they want their share. Beating the Ferrets as the lead in to Easter should create some trending around the social mediums of the world. The world of Cyberspace and the drive down Farm Road; two sources of momentum that will be energizing teams over Easter after the results are locked in from Round 4.

A Bitter Pill.....

It seems inconceivable that following a defeat in the first round of the Premiership that a team would not respond. When the team does, registering the 3rd and 4th best scores of the round and get defeated, it can be devastating to the psych so early in a season that is so long. This is the pill that In Time Dynasty and 2010 Premiers ‘The Corruptibles’ have needed to swallow. It is a bitter pill indeed…

There could be suggestions that the Corruptibles have been handed a poison chalice. Opening against the defending champions and all concurring Ferret side they were decimated due to the conditions. The end result was a percentage destroying first round loss only to find the rejuvenated Buglers ready to go in the second round. They lifted off the canvas magnificently with a better than par team score but were overwhelmed by the Buglers who look intent on using that 2011 wooden spoon like an angry grandmother from my childhood days. Their next round is suddenly crucial for the Corruptibles season but they meet The Gummers, 3 time finalists and last years’ Team Survivor Champions. They need to dig deep into their soul and find something otherwise the digging they are doing may be the grave of their 2012 season.

In Time Dynasty also have suffered defeat after a stunning fight back from the desolation for their first round. Comprehensively slaughtered at the hands of new glamour team the Wanderers, they had to find that fighting spirit that has flowed freely through the unclogged veins of their team. Well that heart pumped hard lifting them to the 182, magnificent yes, however the 3rd best score of the day. The experience of Wally World crushed what seemed to be a dream return to form and turned it into a nightmare. The Premiership and all its excitements and pressures cod possibly have another victim. Like the Corruptibles, after fighting to turn the tide after sadly a devastating first round and hemorrhaging badly, they now face the undefeated Ferrets, someone call an ambulance.

The Brothers in Arms, after escaping with a nerve wrenching one point win over the Wanderers in Round 2 to remain undefeated must tackle the Tunners who are off to a flyer as well. One of these must lose their perfect start whilst the other may well hit the top of the table. A vast difference to the tales of In Time and the Corruptibles, the 2 bottom teams however just as important for their season. It is strange how momentum swings. Another win for these top teams keeps the excitement high and anticipation on a knife edge. However a loss can sow the first seeds of doubt that the next defeat will water. Germination occurs quickly after that and once growing, the tree of doubt will grow and block out the light. The darkness of missing the finals in winter will take over.

The 2012 Season Begins......

The 2012 Latrobe Team Premiership Season began and what a challenge it was for all. Rain and inches of it fell across Victoria all day and Latrobe was not immune with the course copping a bucketing. It is a measure of the team spirit that pulses through the veins of all Premiership players that 186 played, facing up to the hardships that wet weather demands and they persevered as bestthey could for the good of their teams. There was no doubt that the course tip toed on the precipice of being unplayable several times during the morning and afternoon rounds however the first round was completed and the first results of the 2012 season were posted and locked away.

The first round blockbuster between the defending premiers ‘The Ferretts’ and 2010 Champions ‘The Corruptibles’ was one fire that the rain put out. Two teams that were salivating at the opportunity to take each other down found one on the wrong end of Mother Nature. The Ferrets prevailed due to finishing but the Corruptibles will be sure to keep their new found ‘Belief’. Their spiritual leader has returned to his keyboard and his stinging prose will keep his players primed and keen for the entire season, even if delivered from a land far away. It remains to be seen if their regular affirmation for 2012 achieves the same scintillating success as the famous ‘Yes’ campaign of 2010. At least in the short term, the “Believe” slogan has some traction, well at least amongst the 11 Corruptibles. They will need to repeat it often this week as they face up to the other former Premiers ‘The Buglers’ in round 2, another test for that cap, I am still wondering if it fits.

The Buglers, giants of the Premiership in its infancy, have reemerged from last year’s shock wooden spoon with a hunger in their eye again. The influence of T Rob, back from his year in Moose territory after securing a Canadian beauty for a life time of ‘cabin fever’, is not to be underestimated. Like an avalanche down the side of a towering mountain in the Rockies of British Columbia the ‘Buglers’ look ready to take everyone out with increasing momentum through the year. The Tridents were first to feel their cold grip, a team also with great prospects for finals action, as the Buglers won a cracking match on the back of great golf early in the day by their morning players. The Corruptibles have the chance to stop this avalanche early and for once I would think, the rest of the competition are with them.

The Wanderers, as the only team not to taste the joys of finals action over the past historic 4 years got off to a flyer pulverizing an In Time Dynasty team that is looking a tad shaky. A solid rebuild has taken place with the team now a good mix of low and middle handicappers and a significant dose of glamour as well. It has taken time but their captain has been patient and he is desperate for his team to finally find the track to lead them to the pressures of July action. The first round showed signs that 2012 could be the first significant step into a glory filled time for this team. They now face off against the Brothers in Arms in the Anniversary Round, finalists in all but one season and victors as well in the first round over the Cup Hunters. It is another test, and it will give a good indication if they stay on that track to the Promised Land or wander off into the wilderness at the bottom of the table again.

Last year’s Minor Premiers the Vultures started as they finished with a dominant first up victory against the Wood Ducks. The Gummers were again up early slicing through Wally World in a repeat of last year’s Team Survivor Grand Final result and Triple WWW overcame F Troop, who have been weakened by the foot injury of their 2010 Number 1 draft pick Chris Page. But the true spirit of Team Competition was best displayed by the Tunners. Playing the All Night Chemists, they split into groups to eye ball each other in the darkened and wet conditions. The Tunners prevailed despite one of the Oxen not completing their round. When questioned on the reasons for quitting and the possibility of letting down his team, wet, tired and emotional, the reply was succinct; ‘I may have gone down, but I took three of them down with me’. Oh yes, it was an early beer for 1 Tunner but 3 of the Chemists… and the Tunners got it done.

This Saturday is the Anniversary round. We pay respects to our club’s past. It is Round 2 of 15, it is early in the season but the journey to Premiership Glory has started again.