THE
Australian Country Men’s hockey tour of New Zealand turned into
a triumphant procession as the team won all but one game over
the nine day, five game tour against the top New Zealand representative
under-21 sides and Auckland club sides.
The squad became noted for its high quality and very strong attacking
and physical style of play. It was coached by last year’s Queensland
Country and ADF coach Rod Whitelock, who has been signed up by
ADF Hockey to train future ADF coaches and bring ADF Hockey back
to its former high standards.
The squad included Wing Commander Rowley Tompsett, from Air Force
Headquarters, Corporal Graig Tippett, from Robertson Barracks,
and Navy Lieutenant Stuart Cayzer, from JOIC Australia. WGCDR
Tompsett was present as Country Commission Chairman and his experience
as an umpire came to the fore, resulting in a very fast and flowing game.
CPL Tippett showed great versatility and commitment, as he was
required to play in nearly every position. His drive for the circle
was outstanding on several occasions throughout the tour and he
scored several goals.
LEUT Cayzer shared the goalkeeping duties every game and had plenty
of work for the tour, especially against Aukland’s A grade side,
Takapuna. The Kiwis included five internationals that had just
returned from the Olympic-qualifying competition and they ensured
he had a busy night.
Another memorable moment was the first game against the Maori
Under-21 team, when the New Zeland team started the match with
the Haka. Now, the three ADF members are keeping their hands in
by playing with their local teams before reuniting at the ADF
Hockey Championships at Albury in June.
This will be followed by selection trials to compete at the Australian
National Country Championships being hosted by the ADF at Adelaide’s
Pines Hockey Stadium from July 31-August 7.
There they will be competing for the Australian Country Championship
title and selection in the Australian Country Team.
Match reports and photos from the tour can be viewed at www.hockey.org.au.
