PLAYERS/SUPPORTERS/EVENTS DURING THE FLYING HOPPERS’ TOUR (BY THE UNOFFICIAL SCRIBE AKA “THE TRANSLATOR” WITH MAIN FOCUS ON MELBOURNE
1. THE WEATHER
When one does not really know what to say, one traditionally talks about the WEATHER. This is an easy job in this particular case: After the predictably hot/humid experience of Singapore, the weather in less predictable Australia did shape-up as follows:
SYDNEY: Warm and SUNNY throughout
MELBOURNE: Cool and SUNNY throughout
We could not have asked for any better, really.
RATING: SENSATIONAL WEATHER
2. THE WORLD MASTERS GAMES EXPERIENCE
Being part of 25’000 (!!) participants in an opening ceremony in a world famous stadium in front of about 20’000 spectators must certainly rate high-up in the “event” category. Our “Repräsentativ” dress-code contrasted nicely with the surroundings – maybe seen as a bit of “tossers” by some Aussies?!
Winning the SILVER MEDAL after a penalty shootout certainly was THE HIGHLIGHT of this whole tour – unforgettable for all the participants for sure!!
3. THE COACH
Throughout the tour, ROLLIE kept things very nicely under control – not an easy task but one very well performed by him. Thanks, indeed, ROLLIE!
4. THE TENNIS PLAYER
Whilst Rollie did still calculations and we were scratching our heads if we might get into the small or big final, our MARION could stroll about on Thursday night with a SILVER MEDAL around her neck. Well done, Marion.
We all supported her in her final, which brings me right to the issue of:
5. THE SUPPORTERS
After playing very well in both Singapore and Sydney, BUSI (for age-reasons) could only help out as a valuable supporter/helper in Melbourne. Thanks BUSI for keeping an eye on our valuables!
The shouts of TOTOHO (without PRAHA following) were heard throughout our games thanks to VLADINA and IRENA. Irena also proved to be a communications queen, SMS-ing left/right and center. Thanks for keeping everybody informed and also for being able to change the old man’s booking at short notice.
A) THE GUEST PLAYERS
The Flying Hoppers heartily adopted 3 Aussies for the Melbourne experience:
6. MARK HARVEY
I personally think that neither Mark’s forehand or backhand are his biggest asset, but his wife JUDY! Take that, MATE!!
7. GRAEME GUY
Asked about the highlight of his experiences with the FLYING HOPPERS, Graeme swiftly commented: “getting pissed with Carlos”.
8. ANDY (ANDREW) MCDONALD
Andy brought to my attention that we all had strayed onto HOLY GROUND by walking on the MCG (Melbourne Cricket Ground) during the Opening Ceremony.
B) THE HOPPERS’ “REGULAR SUSPECTS”
9. THE GOALIE
Traditionally – at least in my view – goalies come in two categories: The show-man type/noisy ones and the rock-solid ones.
No need to guess where MICHAEL fits in: Calm & solid sums it up nicely.
RATING: Very good performance. His great saves kept the draw result during the regular time in the FINAL.
10. THE DOCTOR OPERATES CLINICALLY AT THE BACK
No, WILLY has not changed jobs and does cosmetic surgery on bums! The heading refers to his capability as a great sweeper. I hardly every saw a mistake in all the games.
RATING: Great performance.
11. THE SYDNEY HARBOUR BRIDGE CLIMBER
Not only did FEDOR successfully conquer that Sydney landmark, but he also proved to be very positively active with all sorts of organizing (Wine-tour etc. etc.). Many thanks indeed, FEDOR!
Almost forgot: A very good performance on the field in spite of an injury collected in Singapore. One highlight: Endless passing of the ball with Carlos in the first game against Kew.
12. THE ORACLE MAN
Unfortunately, MARTIN could only play short intervals in Melbourne after a great performance in Sydney.
Baffling experience: Finding a fellow FLYING HOPPER sleeping in the lobby of the De Vere Hotel upon arrival in Sydney.
13. THE INJURY-PRONE RUNNING MACHINE
MARKUS (RUCKLI) did hear so much abuse from Sydney to Singapore that nothing needs to be repeated here…. By the time we reached Singapore, even the SIA stewardesses started to insult RUCKLI with gusto!
14. THE OFFICIAL SCRIBE AND GOALGETTER FROM LUCERNE
Well I asked him but heard no significant comments from PETER. Hopefully, we shall hear a lot more from him in his function as the official travel-reporter.
15. THE PHOTOGRAPHER
A photo says more than a 1000 words. And REINHARD must have taken about (at least) 500 photos. Now go figure that one….
16. THE ONE HALF OF THE BASLER-ATTACK REMAINING AFTER SINGAPORE
The Basle-attack was feared very much in Singapore (secret weapon) but even without BRUNO, CARLOS proved to be a mean fighting-machine. And he was one the “Melbourne tigers” that got the caption: “They are so cute”!!
RATING: Very high, especially in night games.
17. THE SASH
A whole lot could be reported about one of our two superstar-players, SACHA; AKA (also known as ) SASH.
Main communicator with the ever-growing fan-club. Great performance throughout.
RATING: Too much energy.
18. THE OTHER FLYING DUTCHMAN
COEN (in his first outing with the FLYING HOPPERS) was a great asset and he also seemed to enjoy the experience.
RATING: Has exclusive rights to the future movie hit: “When Coen Met Sally”?!
19. THE SUPERSTAR
Last but not least, the brain and chief organizer behind the FLYING HOPPERS himself, STEFAN.
Simply stunning hockey-skills on show throughout.
Thanks to both SASH and STEFAN for organizing this great hockey tour so perfectly.
20. CLOSING REMARKS
Before stumbling off the plane at Singapore, RUCKLI requested that the following should be added as important P.S. points:
- Nirgendwo TOTOHO?
- Ayers Rock = Eierstock?!
- Definition of TOTOHO: Total Tote Hosen??!
- Forza Canutt???
A very happy translator and a.k.a. Chocolate Man is looking forward to the 2005 TOUR. And has one last point to make:
WASSSAAAABIII !