Congratulations to all those who represented Hockey Geelong at the Victorian Country Championships, held June 7 to 9. Check the details here.
The Women’s tournament was held at Stead Park, Corio, and the Men’s tournament at Footscray Hockey Club. The second pitch at Stead Park was not quite ready, but we can look forward to more fantastic carnivals in future with the availability of two synthetic pitches.
Congratulations to the Hockey Geelong teams which earned their reward for great play by finishing as Victorian Country Champions – the Women’s B2 team and the Women’s Master team.
The B2 team included Amy Van den Nouwland and Kelly O’Halloran, helped along the way by Tiahna Proebstl, putting in a fantastic effort to win the Grand Final 4-1.
The Women’s Masters team included 10 Newtown players – Claire Barnes, Bron Kelly, Meg Kelly, Peta Hanley, Meredith Shears, Julie Clarke, Colleen Neal, Katey Smoker, Sarah Lee and Hillary Davis. The team had 3 wins and 1 draw in the initial matches, finishing on top of the ladder and going into the Grand Final. This was a tough match, with Geelong winning 2-1 with a golden goal in extra time (thanks Katey). This makes the 11th time in 12 years that the Hockey Geelong Women’s Masters team has won the title of Victorian Country Champions. A fantastic effort.
Excellent efforts by all players also saw 3 Hockey Geelong teams finish as Runners Up. Congratulations to:
- Women’s A1 team – Courtney Pearson, Jessie Johnson, Tiahna Proebstl, Emma Hatton. A tough game saw them finish with a 1-2 loss to Central Victoria in the final.
- Senior Men – Zed Armstead, Will Crosbie, Luke Hatton, Mack Dolenc, Baden Shedden – and Tyson Priddle. The team was coached by Harry Dolenc, producing some great results in the leadup to the Grand Final, and a great effort to finish as Runners Up with a 0-2 result in the Final.
- Men’s Masters – Peter Bartlett, David Fitzgerald, Gordon Robson, Rodan Smith, Adam Reilley. 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.
Overall, what a great weekend of hockey fun! Looking forward to 2015 already!
