Women’s Masters Teams announced for 2023 Trans Tasman Challenge
Published Fri 07 Oct 2022
The Hockey Australia Masters Committee (HAMC) congratulates the players and coaches selected to represent Australia in Christchurch, New Zealand at the 2023 Trans Tasman Challenge.
Australian Women’s Representative teams were selected at the recent Hockey Australia Women's Masters Championships in Cairns.
There were teams selected in the 35+, 40+, 45+, 50+, 55+, 60+ and 65+ age categories.
“Excitingly for the future of Masters hockey was the number of quality new players participating in their first National Master’s competition in the O34s age group,” said Australian 35+ Coach Allison Rieck, who coached the Women’s WA 34+ team at the national championships.
“The pace, skill and passion of the games played in Cairns showcased the fitness, strength and vitality of the Australian Women Master’s Competition. A competition now attracting more skilful and former elite players to its ranks.”
Rieck believes the calibre of competition at the international level is becoming increasingly tougher as other countries chase Australia’s level of professionalism, expertise and talent.
“All who represent Australia understand the honour and responsibility they undertake once selected.”
“The athletes and off-field team cherish the competition and relish rising to the challenge. All strive to maintain Australia’s high standing on the international Masters stage.”
“On a personal level, I’m looking forward to the unique challenge of the tough Trans-Tasman rivalry. With the three-game format, you need to have a few different game plans in place and players that can carry them out so you are never predictable.”
The selectors said it was an extremely difficult task to narrow down the talent on display.
“There was great depth in our older age groups and plenty of new exciting talent in the younger groups,” said the selectors.
“The Kiwis play hard, fast hockey and we need to be ready. Players are excited and at the same time challenged for Trans-Tasman.”
“It was great to see so many new nominations across all age groups. This speaks to the depth of Women’s Masters.”
The teams will depart for Christchurch on 29 April and return on 7 May 2023 with competition commencing on 2 May.
Manager, Assistant Coach, and other Off Field Support Team appointments will be announced in the coming weeks.
