ADF
Hockey reflected on past glories and named teams of the decades
as it celebrated its silver jubilee at the recent ADF Hockey
Championships in Albury.
Also
named at the week-long tournament were six Navy players –
four women and two men – in the ADF teams to contest the
Australian Country Hockey Championships in Bendigo from July
29 to August 6.
The
women selected were LEUT Donna Douglas, SMN Janessa Shonrock,
LS Talei Tuilawa and MIDN Christie Underwood, who won the women’s
best and fairest and leading goalscorer awards during the championships.
LEUT Stuart Cayzer and LS Steve McWilliams were selected for
the men’s team, with LS Derek Bunt, LS Ian Fairweather,
AB Peter Steven-Carroll, LS Lee Harnden and SMN Scott Duffy
selected as shadow players.
NSW
men’s and women’s teams took both ADF titles for the
seventh time in 25 years, with the women’s final producing
a tough fight with NSW defeating ACT 2-1 to claim its first
title since 2003. The game was very even with plenty of attack
forcing both sides to make goal line saves to stay in the match.
The
men’s final was just as tense, with NSW taking an early
2-0 lean and ACT clawing back to 2-all at half-time. NSW lost
its composure just before half-time with several players cautioned
by the umpire and sent from the field.
NSW
regained the lead with some great team build-up and clinical
finishing, sealing a 4-2 win.
More
than 140 players, officials and spectators attended the championships,
comprising combined Service teams from each state and territory.
Four
Teams of the Decades were announced to mark ADF Hockey’s
silver jubilee anniversary, featuring a men’s and women’s
team from 1982-1991 and 1992-2001. The teams recognised the
outstanding skill level and contribution of members during their
time involved with ADF Hockey.
“Only
a handful of personnel are still involved in ADF Hockey who
started in the competition 25 years ago,” said ADF Hockey
PR Manager, LEUT Stuart Cayzer.
“Many
of the current members were not even born when the organisation
took its first steps. But ADF Hockey would like to thank all
the personnel throughout the 25 years who have participated
or assisted with the development of hockey and supported those
who have participated at all levels and made it such a rewarding
experience for all.”
