Regional Round-up I June 10

GOLDFIELDS-ESPERANCE

Esperance

Esperance locals should be proud of their Division Three men’s hockey side, after a second-placed result at the CBH Group Men’s Country Championships.

The side put on a stellar performance throughout the tournament, finishing second, meaning it would make a grand final appearance against an undefeated Margaret River.

The side fought hard however went down 3-0 in the grand final, with both coastal towns putting on an entertaining match for all spectators.

Kalgoorlie

A strong performance early from the Eastern Goldfields men’s side at the CBH Group Men’s Country Championships had it looking sure to make a finals berth, however a semi-final loss to Lower Great Southern, who had not won a match until that point, took away the side’s shot at winning the title.

The men’s masters side also had its shot in the semi-final, but a strong Bunbury side was able to get the upper hand, netting a big six goals to none, a replica of the round match between the two sides.

GREAT SOUTHERN

Lower Great Southern – Albany and Surrounds

Lower Great Southern nearly had the perfect underdog tale in the CBH Group Men’s Country Championships, after the side finished in last place but had a win against top-of-the-table Eastern Goldfields to secure themselves a finals spot.

The Grand Final was then played against the third-placed Geraldton side, and although Lower Great Southern put on a good fight, the Mid West side proved too strong and took home the title.

Upper Great Southern – Narrogin and Surrounds

Upper Great Southern’s post-siren 3-2 win may just have been the match of the tournament at the CBH Group Men’s Country Championships, after a penalty corner being awarded with four seconds remaining allowed the side the shot on goal after time had been completed.

Competition ruling with no-extra time or penalty shootout in the event of a draw, meant Geraldton, the top side, would have gone through with the victory had Upper Great Southern have missed the corner goal.

Upper Great Southern Hockey Association’s outstanding performance across the entire tournament was recognised when it was awarded the 2021 Singapore Cup, which is awarded to the best association with two or more teams across the four divisions.

Dane Angwin was the winner of the Best and Fairest award for Division One.

MID WEST 

Geraldton

Geraldton certainly came to play in the Men’s Country Championships, after they defeat Lower Great Southern in the Division One Grand Final on Monday. 

The match was a thrilling nail-biter that resulted in a 2-1 score line, the crowd at Perth Hockey Stadium filled with supporters in their respective teams colours.

Geraldton was less lucky in Division Two, after Upper Great Southern’s after-the-siren penalty corner goal stole the win and the title, however Harry Moulds was a standout for the tournament, being awarded the fairest and best for the entire division.

The Hockey WA Regional Road Show is on its way to Geraldton this weekend, with plenty of clinics and hockey fun for those of all ages!

PILBARA

The Pilbara Krocs had a successful run in Division Two at the 2021 Men’s Country Championships, finishing third in the standings after losing to Esperance in the semi-final match.

Ryan West was awarded the Best and Fairest across the division, after his standout performances across all of the side’s matches.

SOUTH WEST

Bunbury

Juniors from around Western Australia had a weekend filled with fun in the annual South West Junior Carnival last weekend.

The carnival, which runs on the June long weekend every year, was a great success, with children and their families able to enjoy the weekend away while developing their hockey skills.

Powerhouse hockey area Bunbury shocked many when they only sent a masters team to the 2021 Men’s Country Championships, however the lone side did the town proud by making it to the grand final.

WHEATBELT 

Eastern Districts

Eastern Districts dominated the 2021 Men’s Country Championships, defeating Bunbury 4-1 in the masters grand final and maintaining an undefeated run for the tournament.

The side scored a huge 17 goals over the weekend, whilst only conceding three goals across the whole three days of hockey action.