Growing up in a regional town, I was surrounded by sport my entire childhood. I tried every school sport under the sun, mostly to get time off school and run around with my friends. Much to the delight of my Father, who got to finally teach one of his children how to tackle and throw. This was a welcomed strategy in both my parents’ eyes that would do two things; tire me out and keep me out of trouble.
Given that childhood, describing me as competitive is a gross understatement. A personality trait that has remained with me as I moved into working life. Shortly after joining PHD I was unanimously nominated “Sports Team Captain” of PHD. A title I am thrilled to own and will not give up in a hurry.
As soon as the invitation to Agency of Origin came around, it was my time to shine. I hurriedly sent out the call for all who could throw and catch while scheduling training sessions to fine tune our skills, ready for game day. After a few convincing emails, we had a full team ready to go within the hour.
* 16 training sessions later*
Game day was upon us, and our first match up was against OMD – our Pyrmont street neighbours, red cousins and friendly rivals. We tumbled and tussled and walked away with a draw.
PHD won our next two games against Mediacom and Dentsu.
A few personal highlights were, Rochelle “Butters” Harvey being given a silver platter try numerous times, however, dropped a few over the line.
After two wins and a draw, we were through to the finals.
Bring on the Semi-Finals.
True to PHD values, James Hanley thought he would be super courageous and try to score on halfway to put us at 10-2, however, was denied after a rather embarrassing walk of shame.
The score was locked until a game-saving intercept from Joe Bunworth in the dying seconds of the game got us into the Grand Final for the second year running.
It was the final game of the day. We were out for redemption.
The rainy mess of 2018’s ending left us hungry to take down the reigning champions.
Utilising our PHD Smarts, our well-rehearsed strategy of running triangles and utilising the seamless scoop and shoot from our MVP’s Josh and Dan we stretched the Indies out to be 2 up with only minutes to go.
If we weren’t already pumped up, James “Hooter” Hanley made it known with encouragement booming from the sidelines.
The final sirens sounded, and it was instant joy. For me, it was pure relief after 5 years of loss, but for my teammates, relief that they could finally sink some beers after a big day of yours truly pestering the “no beer until we finish” rule.
Each year we are invited to go back and play. I am so proud to be a part of an agency that encourages extracurricular activity and a chance to take an afternoon to run around with your colleagues. I can’t thank our managers and leadership team enough for giving us this opportunity and being so proud of us whatever the result.
Until next year…
Tahnee Fleming
