Grateful for comeback
HOCKEY: Friday night will end 119 long days on the sidelines for Toowoomba’s elite hockey players, and for one coach, it has a deeper meaning.
It is only within the last month that teams have been able to reunite once again for light training at first, before a return to contact was announced last week.
The comeback will be made complete with first games in two days time, and for Red Lion A1 men’s coach Scott Downs, it is about more than the result.
He said the fact that they are allowed to return to play is an indication of just how lucky they are.
“There’s a sense of joy to be back out there,” Downs said.
“Personally I don’t think the scores, who wins or who loses will matter. Just the joy of playing will be enough.
“If this thing (COVID) has really taught us something, if there’s any silver lining, it’s the fact we get to appreciate how good this stuff (community sport) is and how wonderful this country is.
“We can choose any community sport and play it. Nothing can stop you besides something like COVID.
“Everyone was shocked when it shut down, but it makes you grateful for the country, the weather, the facilities and everything that makes Australia a great sporting nation.
“We’ve had another reminder of how good it is, and the fact that we are back playing is the pay-off for doing the right thing.”
Downs said it would be a magnificent sight to see the world-class Clyde Park facility back in all its glory.
“We’ve got a world-class facility that needs to be used,” he said.
“The clubhouse will be open, both of the artificial surfaces will be working, and everything seems to be going forward from here.
“It’s all down to the hard work that we’ve all done in Queensland and the rest of the country.
“It’s really only been six months since this thing started, and we’re almost back to normal because we’ve made sacrifices.
“Now the pay-off is coming.” Last year’s defending champions Red Lion will once again be a leading contender over the shortened nine-week season.
Downs said they have enjoyed a great response from players looking to come back into the fold and get back on the pitch.
“We put out the call a few weeks ago for who wants to play for the season, and we had about 20 responses,” he said.
“We were able to starting training with some fitness work three weeks ago, and had our first ball session the other day. There was a bit of rust but it was good to be back out there.
“It’s been great to see everyone, catch up and all that sort of stuff.
“I have no idea what the nine-round format will be like, there’s still talk of a Barbarians team, which I think would be excellent.
“We’ll just go out there and put one foot in front of the other. There’s no longterm vision.”
sean.teuma@thechronicle.com.au