The 2014 Victorian Men’s Country Championships, played at Footscray on the Queen’s Birthday weekend, saw Hockey Geelong field a senior men’s team for the first time in several years. The lineup looked very promising with a number of very strong players. Newtown members included Zed Armstead, Will Crosbie, Luke Hatton, Mack Dolenc, Baden Shedden – and Tyson Priddle. The team was coached by Harry Dolenc and captained by Mack Dolenc.
Great performances in the leadup to the final saw wins against Ballarat 2-1, Central Victoria 6-1, Sunraysia 7-1, Goulburn Valley 5-3. A tough game against Albury resulted in the team’s first loss 2-3, followed by a 2-2 draw with Warrnambool. The Grand Final was a rematch with Warrnambool with Warrnambool prevailing with a 2-0 scoreline. There were some very impressive goals, worthy of the World Cup we hear, during the weekend. Great to see Tyson Priddle participating – showing off some impressive hockey skills and tactics.
The Men’s Masters team included Peter Bartlett, David Fitzgerald, Gordon Robson, Rodan Smith, Adam Reilly, Darren Matthews. The team dominated the competition with excellent wins through the pool matches, and finished with a 0-2 result in the Grand Final to finish as Runners Up.
