Taking a trip down memory lane

Back row from left: Peter Valenti, Rod Marsh, John Gummery, Trevor Greenaway,(Ashley Cooper obstructed by Trevor), Jamie Forrester, Linda Rose, Glen Clarkson, Wendy Norris, Tony Viner, Jill O’Meara, , Bruce Sherwood, Graham Still, Lynn Tapper, Danny Bowen, Paula Purcher, Narelle Mincherton, Marisa Chisolm, Karen Tynan, John Rann, Lance Jenkinsen, Vince Cinanni

Front row from left: Darryle Mazzuchelli, Judy Caudwell, Julie French, Nicole Dower, Kerry Hood, Kath Millward, Margot Bell, Lizzie Fairall

In a year of such uncertainty, people searched to find an escape from reality, with many taking a look back at better times; Geraldton resident and hockey faithful John Royce, was no different.

On a sunny day in Geraldton whilst marking the grass fields at the Eighth Street complex, John’s mind took a trip down memory lane.

He reminisced over the memories of a game 50 years past, unlike the tomahawk-swinging, obstruction and offside-free game of today.

Upon reflection, and a brief discussion with the Geraldton Hockey Association board, the idea of a 1970s rules game came to fruition, with over 30 players wanting to take the trip down memory lane.

With the details finalised, the Geraldton Hockey Association locked in a time slot on the biggest day of their calendar, Grand Final Day.

The rules of the 1970s game were as follows:

1. Stick not to be raised above shoulders when playing ball.

2. Start play with bully with all players in separate halves or behind imaginary line parallel to back line.

3. Three player offside. Usually the goalie and two others.

4. Ball in the air may be caught with hand and immediately released.

5. At a free hit all other players must be 5 yards from ball.

6. Long corner. 6 defenders behind goal line. Ball taken from a spot 3 yards in from corner. Remainder of defenders behind 25 yard line.

7. Short corner. 6 defenders behind goal line. Ball taken from a spot 3 yards in from corner. Remainder defending team behind centre line.

8. Roll ins: A ball out of bounds over side line shall be rolled back in by player. All others must be behind tram line 7 yards in. Ball must not be raised.

With umpires organised, tram lines marked with water-based paint on the sun-scorched synthetic turf, and uniforms sorted, it was finally time to travel back in time.

A valiant effort was put in by all, and with an average age of over 60 years, the two 20-minute halves happened to breeze by, as the players re-lived their past.

Speaking on the spectacle, Royce said, “It was great to see a mix of men and women players enjoying their time on the pitch.”

“After the game concluded, I was much relieved that all players were still on the ground, and not either in hospital or in an ambulance on the way there,” Royce said jokingly.

It wasn’t just the game itself that proved to be a success, but the aftermath that followed reignited a flame in the hearts of all involved.

“The post-game socialisation was definitely a bonus,” Royce said.

“Players of the past shared many a story of yesteryear and it was fantastic to see so many contributors to the fabric of Geraldton Hockey be under the same roof, enjoying playing, socialising and watching some great hockey being played in the Grand Finals,” Royce said.

The game was such a success, that discussions of a potential second instalment in the following years have already begun.