NSW hockey ready for action

By LEUT Stuart Cayzer

ADF Hockey in NSW is off to a flying start this year with a series of tournaments to act as selection for inter-service, combined ADF and national teams.

The first was the annual Jubilee Shield Knockout Competition on April 9 at the Olympic hockey pitch at Homebush.

This event was made up of games between Naval establishments throughout NSW, an Army team and an Air Force team from Richmond. It was a full day of fierce competition, which concluded with a thrilling final between HMAS Albatross and RAAF Richmond with the RAAF clinching a 1-0 victory.

Successful players were selected in men’s and women’s teams to compete at the NSW Inter-Service Competition from April 30 to May 2 in an action-packed tournament between the best ADF sides in the state.

The level of skill and enthusiasm showed by players was of an excellent standard, with the Navy women showing their teamwork and skill to win. The Air Force men’s side too showed great skill and an exceptional display of teamwork to win the final match against Navy.

The tournament ended with the naming of the NSW Combined Services sides to compete in the ADF Hockey Championships in Adelaide from May 29 to June 7.

The following players were selected:

Men: Clinton Bird, Matthew Bradley, Derek Bunt, Stuart Cayzer, Haydn Darragh, Ian Fairweather, Luke Glynn, John Godward, Ben Grocott, Chris Hill, Steve McWilliams, Nelson Parlett, Owen Reinhardt, Mark Simmonds, Peter Young; reserves Ryan Bowden, Andrew Gawthorn, Troy Julirat, Dwaine Martin, Graig Maxwell; coach Adam Day.

Women: Asha Belkin, Mel Blair, Rozanne Byass, Chris Everet, Candice Freeman, Tanya Goddard, Naomi Holmes, Jae Langridge, Sue Lehmann, Belinda Lewis, Sarah Nicolaides, Barbra Parker, Leesa Purcell, Jordana Schwedt, Anna Williams; reserves Georgie Booker, Raeleen Mee, Lynn Tennik, Karri White.

Umpires Clay Finnemore, Troy Baird; manager William McConnel; medical Perry Moore, Alison Webster.
The championships will provide an opportunity for selection in the ADF National team to compete at the Australian Country Hockey Championships in Dubbo from July 26 to August 2, followed by an international tour.

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