Hockey: ADF’s sporting growth industry

By Michael Weaver
Hockey in the ADF is alive and well after 250 people participated in the 2003 SAAB ADF Hockey Championships at The Pines Stadium in Adelaide.

The tournament is in its 22nd year and 12th at the current venue, providing the opportunity for a high standard of competition amongst keen participants, according to ADF Hockey chairman, WGCDR Ken Millar.

“ADF Hockey will continue to grow and develop whilst our members remain dedicated to the spirit of competition, teamwork and camaraderie; principles that are embodied by this championship,” said WGCDR Millar.

“Many of our members work hard to make themselves available for this championship and the continued viability of the competition reflects that commitment.

“In such demanding times, it is important to recognise the support provided by senior Defence leadership in their sponsorship of sport as an integral part of Service life.”

The week-long event saw the water-based synthetic surface get a real workout from the 28 games played that culminated in a rain-soaked final day.

Queensland defeated NSW in the men’s final, while the NSW women held off a determined ACT/SA side to win their final (full details above) in the combined Service format.

At the presentation following the finals numerous awards were given, as follows:
* Women’s best and fairest (Helen Massa Trophy): LCDR Nikki Roche (ACT)
* Men’s best and fairest (Terry Turner Trophy): OCDT Tyson Yew (ACT)
* Top goal scorer women: LT Anna Williams (NSW)
* Top goal scorer men: five-way tie between CPL John Godward (NSW), LEUT Mathew Bradley (NSW), CAPT Michael Stone (ACT), LAC Peter Simms (SANT) and CPL Greg Baxter (QLD)
* Excellence in umpiring (Craig Johnston Trophy): Derek Gawthorne (ACT)
* Hockey South Australia also presented an award to the ADF Hockey Association in recognition of support between the two bodies
* MAJ Brenda Sharp and WO1 Pip Iseppi were inducted as ADF Hockey Association life members, while LCDR Andrew Quinn, Lobby Usher, SGT Jack Kruljac and LEUT Stu Cayzer were added to the roll of honour

The men’s and women’s ADF national hockey sides were also named, with the men to compete in the Australian Country Championships at Dubbo from July 26 to August 2.
They are as follows:
Men: Craig Tippett (capt) SANT, Greg Baxter (vc) Qld, Hayden Darragh NSW, Phil Southern Qld, Derek Bunt NSW, Adam Spry Vic, Owen Rheinhart NSW, Lachlan McMahon Qld, Andrew Ribbans SANT, Mat Bradley NSW, Chris Hill NSW, Ross Martin ACT, Peter Young NSW, John Godward NSW, Trevor Mcmahon SANT, Stu Cayzer NSW. Tour manager - Stu Cayzer, team manager - Scott Downs, coach - Terry Brodin, physio - Perry Moore. Umpires - Clay Finnemore, Craig Johnston. Reserves: David Johnston Qld, Clinton Bird NSW, Bill Russell ACT, Steve McWilliams NSW, Luke Glynn NSW, Kent Moore Qld, Ryan Bowden NSW.

Women: Leanne Iseppi (capt) Qld, Rachael Brennan ACT, Sam Spry Vic, Tanya Goddard NSW, Brenda Sharp Qld, Nikki Roche ACT, Jane Landon Vic, Belinda Lewis NSW, Ceri Shankster Qld, Jane Pittman ACT, Dena Colefax Vic, Anna Williams NSW, Shayne Barber Qld, Bronwyn Penny Vic, Leesa Purcell NSW, Jordana Schwerdt NSW. Coach - Helen Pilatti Qld.

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