HOCKEY –
Local teams placed first and second in the 2021 Masters Carnival at Central Coast Hockey Park in Wyong from December 3 to 5.
A total of 26 teams travelled from across the state to compete in the carnival – the teams were drawn from six divisions and travelled from as far away as Dubbo, Orange and Taree.
The contest had a round robin format preceding a single final between the top two teams.
In the Men 40s, Orange defeated Briars club from Sydney’s Inner West in a close match finishing 3-2.
The Central Coast Men 50s did well to make the final but were outmatched by Ryde, 5-0.
The Women 35s reversed this with the sole win for the hosting club, defeating Metro South West by 3-1.
Their run into the final was almost without a hitch, making it through the round robin stage undefeated throughout Friday and Saturday, including victory against the division’s second Central Coast team.
The team named Pressecko Gecko were victors in the Women 45As against the Mishmash team, whilst a draw was agreed upon in the Women 45Bs between the Pink Slippers and Sydney East.
TAH connection won in the Women 50s against Western Kaos in a tight 1-0 match.
Central Coast Hockey Association President, Brett Johnson, said the weekend was a great success after many long months of community sport cancellation.
“Everyone that participated over the weekend was very happy that we could host the carnival again, especially since most of the participants hadn’t participated in any community sport since June, when the lockdown started,” Johnson said.
“It was a bit of a challenge because people’s bodies weren’t necessarily conditioned for hockey but everyone just ripped in and gave it their best all weekend.
“There weren’t too many injuries, but lots of bruised and battered bodies by the time the Sunday games had finished.
“It’s getting a bit of a name as a good, fun, hockey carnival now which is great, and that is what we want it to be: a nice relaxing weekend with a bit of hockey thrown in.
“A lot of people are already talking about coming back and doing it again next year, so we’re hoping to have a Covid-free year next year and host this carnival again.
“From a NSW perspective, this is the only event that you currently have on the calendar that both men and women masters attend at the same time, which is good for husbands and wives looking to play some hockey and enjoy a nice weekend away.”
CCN