Luff notches record-breaking milestone

WASPs’ and Westside Wolves’ men’s and women’s Premier League sides competed in the inaugural Pride Cup at Lemnos Field – a round that celebrates Hockey’s inclusiveness and importance to the LGBTI+ community. 

The round’s significance was doubled for WASPs, with club captain Melissa Luff breaking the record for the most Premier League games played for the WASPs’ Premier League women’s side, with the skipper notching her 171^st match. 

Speaking on the occasion, Luff says she was humbled to be able to break the milestone. 

“It is a very honourable experience,” Luff said. 

“We have a great bunch of girls here at WASPs that I get to hit the field with each week and play – it makes it easy to go out there and enjoy my hockey.” 

In a close match, the sixth-placed WASPs challenged the Wolves, who sit in second, but suffered a 4-2 defeat after being up 2-1 in the 20^th minute of the match, with two goals to Madi Ratcliffe in quick succession in the 26^th and 27^th minutes the sealer for Wolves. 

“It was definitely a tough match, but I think we held ourselves, especially against such a strong side in Wolves,” Luff said. 

“Obviously we would have liked to come home with the victory, but it was pleasing to see such a strong effort against a top end team. 

“Importantly, to be able to hit the field to challenge for the Pride Cup was fantastic – it’s a great initiative and I am so pleased that we were able to be a part of it.” 

Reflecting on her time at WASPs, Luff says she’s had some memorable experiences but is enjoying her time at the club playing a senior role for the side. 

“I think the junior girls coming through at the moment shows the side has a bright future,” Luff said. 

“I am enjoying my hockey more than ever – it’s great to be able to play a senior role and help the next generation come through 

“Looking back on my time at WASPs, the two Grand Final wins stick out as great memories, but more importantly, playing here since I was 17 and coming through the ranks to now help the next generation sticks out as a highlight – I actually played with some of the mothers of the kids coming through our side.” 

In the men’s Pride Cup, Westside Wolves claimed a 2-1 victory over WASPs, which has helped the side retain their second spot on the men’s standings. 

All three goals fell in the first half of the match, with Wolves’ Adrian Baster and Simon Benetti scoring in the 9^th and 27^th minutes, with WASPs’ Duncan Pearce scoring for his side in the 15^th minute.