Bunbury and Busselton have bid a warm welcome to some of the best women’s masters athletes from around the country.
Around 1500 hockey players, ranging from 35 to 75+, have descended upon the South West for 10 days, as part of this year’s Australian Women’s Masters Hockey Championships.
Players whom excel during the national championships are then selected to play for the Australian masters hockey teams on the world stage.
Hockey Australia women’s masters council member Trish Young has been greatly impressed by the level of talent and enthusiasm on display.
“It looks very competitive across all of the grades – there’s an expectation that there’s a high standard – but it’s also very fun and enjoyable,” she said.
“We’re able recognise the level of quality across Australia and across the age groups.
“As a player, it’s all about the competition and the camaraderie that comes with it.
“People continue to enjoy their sport as they get older, and being able compete against people in your own age group is great.”
Boyanup Hockey Club star Anita Scott has taken up the captain’s mantle for the WA over 45s team.
“The local support is really good, hearing everyone on the sidelines gives you that extra bit of enthusiasm,” Scott said.
“The hockey community gets behind the teams and we’ve had lots of people coming down to support us.
“The competition is at a really high standard; just because they’re older ladies doesn’t mean they’re not determined or aggressive.”
Boyanup Hockey Club and WA o55s player Marie Hadet has been competing in national masters hockey tournaments since 2006.
She said the competition has brought together extraordinary athletes from all over Australia.
“It makes for a great opportunity to play some good hockey, support one another, and catch up with colleagues from interstate,” she said.
“We seek to play well and go all the way towards getting the gold medal.”
The competition is at a really high standard; just because they’re older ladies doesn’t mean they’re not determined or aggressive.
- Anita Scott, WA 45s captain
Visiting from across the country, New South Wales o45s coach Lorrie Ellis said they have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience so far.
“It’s fantastic us all being together for something we really, really like doing,” she said.
“This is a great way to teach people how to stay healthy and how to get involved in something exciting and fun.
“The towns are really great and so are the turfs that are on offer.”
The tournament wraps up on Saturday, October 6.
The 2019 Australian Men’s Masters Hockey Championships will hit the region from September 20 to October 5.
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