Talent put on display

Regional WA hockey players have given an excellent account of themselves while on State duties over the past week.

Across the South West, Bunbury and Busselton hosted the 2018 women’s masters hockey championships, with WA competing across seven divisions of competition – while in New South Wales, WA’s men’s sides also held their own.

Although perennial powerhouses Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria again finished in the upper echelon of the finals, WA proved they could match it with the best.

After securing a resounding 3-0 semi-final victory over the Maroons, WA faced Victoria in the over 40s final and recorded a pulsating 3-2 win – with sharp shooter Johanna Muntz recognised as the tournament’s leading goalscorer.

WA also secured the over 50s national title after narrowly holding off Queensland 2-1 in the final, while they finished third in the 35s, 45s, 55s and 65s.

Regional WA players selected for Australia (to play at 2019 Trans Tasman Challenge, Gold Coast)

Women: Jodi Neild (Boyup Brook Hockey Club) – Australian over 40s, Anita Scott (Boyanup Hockey Club) – Australian over 45s, Katy Vipond (Mandurah) – Australian over 45s, Marie Fulbert-Hadet (Boyanup Hockey Club) – Australian over 50s, Judy Bailiff (Kalgoorlie) – Australian over 50s.

Men: Dean Lomax (Boyanup Hockey Club) – Australian over 50s, Alan Kidd (Associates Hockey Club) – Australian over 55s vice-captain, Paul Murray (Albany) – Australian over 60s captain, Neil Waywood from (Collie Centaurs) — Australian over 65s, Julian Gardner from Esperance – Australian over 60s.