THE hockey season got off to an electric start this week as C Grade began and saw standout moments from both seasoned players and exciting new talent.
New recruit Cody Johnson made an immediate impact, lighting up the scoreboard with multiple goals and showing poise beyond his years in his first appearance.
The scoreboard was kept busy, with Lane Flett, Ashley Pearce, and Mitchel Oberholzer also finding the back of the net, each contributing to their team and displaying great teamwork and precision.
The match also served as a warm welcome to new players Emily and Eric, who showed great potential and slotted in well with the rest of the team.
A special shout-out goes to returning players Maggie, Billy, Danielle, Mila, Everly, and Taya.
With such a great start, the C Grade players look ready to take on the season with confidence and we are all in for an exciting year of hockey!
B Grade
With limited numbers, the B grade players had a fun match on the small field.
All players had to do plenty of running as they wiped off the cobwebs of the off season and got back into hockey.
A Grade
Quicksticks 1 v Middy Mites 1
It was a fairly even game between the two Adelong teams on Saturday.
After a lot of back and forth, Quicksticks’ Nat Wilson scored first. This was followed by Amanda Kendall, after a few chances, scoring for Middy Mites.
For Quicksticks, Jo Salmon and Jodi Rollings were strong players and Taylor and Paige Kelly worked very hard, backing up after B grade.
There was a lot of good passing between Middy Mites’ forwards. Charlotte Kelly, Honey Reid-Jelly and Charlotte Hannan did a lot of work in the forwards and their combination with Amanda Kendall and Rachael Weaver, and support from Lyndal Hannan, led to a lot of opportunities for Middy Mites.
Lily Rosetta, Pip McAlister and Sara Hannan were strong in defence and Rachael Weaver, returning to hockey, had a great game on the wing, creating a lot of opportunities and always being a good position to recieve the ball.
It was a nice game to start the season with.
Wildcats 3 v Mustangs 0
First game of the season for these two teams and it turned out to be quite a warm day for hockey.
Mustangs were lacking numbers but not effort in their game against Wildcats.
Zoe Bathgate and Chloe Pearce swapped seamlessly from defence to attack throughout the game.
Gabby Hicks and Alex Day were always positioned well and looked to combine with Gracie Massey to pressure the defence.
Carly Adams pulled off some great tackles and Rachel Adams made a welcome return to hockey after a long break from the game.
Thanks to Jodi Rollings for filling in for Mustangs.
Wildcats Jacki Carter had a strong game no matter where she was on the field.
Naomi Jeffery directed play well to feed the ball through to the Wildcats forward line.
Lyn Bathgate controlled play for the Mustangs and Carly Adams played string in defence for Mustangs and was always causing headaches for Wildcats.
Mustangs Gracie Massey seems to have found new confidence this season already. Wildcats came out ahead this week winning 3-0.
Goal scorers for Wildcats were Erin Tobin, Maddison Sutton and Naomi Sutton.
The competition is always looking for new players of all ages and this Saturday 10 May is a come and try day, open to anyone to come and try the game without needing to register.
The Tumut and District Hockey Association is a fun and family-friendly community, welcoming everyone from people who are new to hockey to those coming back after a break.
Players of any skill level are welcome and new players receive a stick and shinpads.
All teams include experienced, friendly players and there are plenty of opportunities for skills to develop over the season.
Hockey is an easy sport for families to play as it is held at the same place and time each week, there are no early starts, and the active kids voucher can be used for registration.
Anyone interested in playing is encouraged to come down the Elm Drive hockey fields in Tumut, where they will be welcomed into a team, on Saturday 10 May.
Draw for Saturday – Round Two
12pm – Juniors: Under 11s and Minkey (Under 5s)
1pm – Seniors: Under 18s and Adults
New Under 11s players come at 12pm, Under 18s and adults at 1pm.
For more information, visit the Tumut and District Hockey website or facebook page.
