Melbourne Summer Competition recommences
Ballarat Men defeated by Footscray 5 - 0
Ballarat started slowly in the first game after the break. Footscray were very skilful. Footscray made all the running in the first half with 5 short corner opportunities. Ballarat’s defence worked hard lead by Goalie Matt Miller. Footscray scored 4 goals from general field play. Ballarat had its chances with Stuart Hansford teaming up with Thomas Walton to take the ball into the forward line on two occasions.
In the second half Robert Montgomery and Tim Wardiener put pressure on the Footscray defence. Ballarat had two short corner opportunities but couldn’t capitalise. Footscray continued the pressure and scored two more field goals to win 6 – 0.
Ballarat Women defeated by PEGS 3 – 0
Ballarat started the game with plenty of running through Bree Day and Chloe Martin. PEGS defence held strong and put the pressure back onto Ballarat. PEGS had 4 short corner opportunities but Ballarat’s defence lead by Goalie Gemma Walton worked to keep the ball out. Finally PEGS scored from a long corner to lead 1 – 0 at half time.
In the second half, PEGS looked more organised and worked the ball into Ballarat’s backline. Ash Bed and Cristin Ruyg moved into defence worked hard with good clearances. Gemma Walton stopped the first attack but PEGS scored with its second attack. Pegs continue to attack through long runs up the wing and scored its third goal to win 3 – 0.
Term 1 Hockey Ballarat Events
Summer Social 7 a side
Commences Monday 14th Feb at 8.00pm ($2.00 per game) and goes until 21st March (No game on Labour Day Weekend)
Junior Take It On Program
Commences Friday 11th Feb at 6.00pm and goes until 11th March ($10.00 for 5 week program).
Details of the 2005 Take It On Program have been released, you can download a flyer from here for your family, friends, school or any other interested party .
Ballarat Summer Hockey Results
Ballarat was defeated by RMIT 4 - 0
Ballarat started well with Jacob Ronaldson having his best game making plenty of fast leads into the forward line. A lack of experience in the forward line meant Ballarat could not capitalise on its opportunities. RMIT moved into gear about half way through the first half with 6 short corners. Ballarat’s defence lead by Goalie Matt Miller and Craig Stewart worked hard to keep RMIT out. RMIT scored one goal and lead at the half time break 1 – 0.
In the second half RMIT was full of running. RMIT pushed the ball from defence into attack with playing running and backing up. Jack Frantz and Thomas Walton worked hard through the centre but couldn’t maintain their speed for the entire game. RMIT scored three goals in this half to win the game 4 – 0.
Ballarat defeated Melton 5 – 1
Ballarat started the game with plenty of running through Bree Day and Claire Mckenzie. Ballarat’s speed put pressure on the Melton defence and Ballarat was able to score 3 goals to take a 3 – 0 lead into the half time break.
In the second half Melton scored one goal to put some pressure onto Ballarat. Ballarat fitness gave them plenty of running with the ball opportunities. Ballarat scored two more goals through the good work of Indi Lewis and Hannah Maloney in the centre to win 5 – 1.
2nd Last Round Melbourne Summer Hockey
Men’s Competition - Ballarat was defeated by PEGS 4 - 1
Ballarat started well with Ballarat’s defence lead by Goalie Jesse Anderson and Full Back Craig Stewart working hard to keep PEGS out. The game was played between the two back lines with both defences in control. PEGS scored one goal and lead at the half time break 1 – 0.
Coach Jason Hargreaves made some team changes moving Robert Montgomery into the centre and bringing Andrew Irvine off the bench onto the wing. These changes had immediate effect with Andrew scoring a goal in the opening minutes of the second half. Ballarat worked hard to keep PEGS from scoring and maintain the 1 – 1 scoreline. With five minutes to go in the game, PEGS with experience were able to score three goals to win 4 – 1.
Women’s Competition - Ballarat defeated Melbourne University 8 – 0
Ballarat moves to the top of the League ladder with its first win over Melbourne University.
Claire McKenzie who has showed improvement throughout the season played a very strong game. The forward line; Ash Bed, Hannah Maloney, Bree Day and Danielle McVeigh worked well together creating many scoring opportunities. This win places Ballarat in a good position coming into the finals with one game remaining in the season.
Final Round Summer Competition
Ballarat Men draw with PEGS 2 - 2
Ballarat finished the season on a high with a 2 all draw with finalist PEGS. Ballarat started well with Cameron Stewart scoring the first goal from a short corner. PEGS quickly replied with a goal to even the score 1 all.
Ballarat’s defence lead by Goalie Jesse Anderson and Full Back Craig Stewart working hard to keep PEGS out. The game was played between the two back lines with both defences in control. In the second half PEGS started with quick movements of the ball and plenty of running. PEGS scored a goal from a short corner and looked like they would win the game. To Ballarat’s credit, the team kept working hard and Jason Hargreaves scored a goal from a short corner. This was Ballarat’s best performance for the year, finishing 2 all against PEGS, a finalist.
Ballarat Women defeated Essendon 8 – 0
Ballarat finished the season with a great win, defeating Essendon 8 – 0. Forwards Danielle McVeigh, Bree Day, Indi Lewis and Hannah Maloney worked hard to create many scoring chances. In the Backline Goalie Gemma Walton teamed with Claire Mckenzie, Danielle Day and Ash bed to keep the ball well out of defence. The girls look forward to the Finals commencing next week.
Ballarat moves into grand Final with a 5 – 0 win over Essendon.
Ballarat started the better of the two teams with Danielle McVeigh, Bree Day, Cristin Ruyg, Indi Lewis and Hannah Maloney running forward to create many goal scoring opportunities. Ballarat had 4 short corners before they were able to capitalise. Once the girls found the goals, they kept the pressure on leading at half time 3 – 0.
In the second half Coach Judith Yates moved Ash Bed, Claire McKenzie and Danielle Day forward, to score two more goals. Ballarat winning 5 – 0 and moving into the Grand Final next week.
Readvertisement: Hockey Ballarat Representative Coach
Hockey Ballarat Incorporated is seeking expressions of interest from appropriately qualified and experienced coach as for the position of Representative Coach. The Representative Coach will provide a vital link between the Committee of Management. The Coaching Coordinator will be expected to have direct responsibility of Ballarat’s Men’s State League 4 team, as well as provide support to other representative coaches (junior and senior) though out the year.
Hockey Ballarat has competed in state league competitions since the late 1980’s however has seen a decline in senior rankings from its high of State League 2 in 2001-2002. Hockey Ballarat is located approximately 110 kms north west of the Melbourne CBD and uses Prince of Wales Park (Ballarat) as it’s home training and playing venue. The club draws players from Ballarat teams, Ararat, and Maryborough competitions as well as some players who live in Melbourne but work in Ballarat. Initial two year tenure is offered subject to review after the first year.
For Further Information, you can download the position description or contact our Executive Officer.
2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games - Hockey Volunteers Required!
During the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne, up to 15,000 Volunteers will be appointed. Almost 50% of these will fulfil general volunteer roles, 30% sports specific roles, and approximately 20% specialist roles in the likes of IT, Workforce Operations and Medical support. It is estimated that the hockey competition will require approximately 150 sport specific volunteers. Click here for more information.
Ballarat Sport Foundation Scholarships Available
Ballarat Sports Foundation Funding Applications are currently available and applications close 1st March 2005. These are available for any athlete who has made a representative team is are designed to assist them with finances towards participation in that team. An application form can can obtained by contacting Tammy Hansford, Adminstrative Officer.
Ballarat goes down to Melbourne University in Grand Final
In front of a large crowd, Ballarat played against Melbourne University in the Grand Final of the Hockey Victoria Women’s Summer Competition.
Melbourne University started the better of the two teams with their wings running both sides of the ground and making many opportunities to hit the ball towards the gaol. Ballarat’s full backs Judith Yates and Ash Bed teamed with Goalkeeper Gemma Walton working hard to keep Melbourne University from scoring. Melbourne University had five short corner opportunities but couldn’t convert. Melbourne University pass the ball around on their forward line and scored twice to lead 2 – 0. Ballarat had its chances with four short corner opportunities but couldn’t convert.
In the second half, leading 2 – 0, Melbourne University continued to put pressure on Ballarat’s backline, creating a short corner opportunity and scoring a third goal. To Ballarat’s credit, the girls kept trying and Elizabeth MacMurry scored a goal from a pass from Tammy Hansford during a short corner. The season was an excellent learning experience for the young squad. Losing 3 – 1 in the grand final to such a skilful women’s team shows the potential of the girls in the future.
Men's & Women's Country XI Player Nomination Forms Now Available
Tournament Dates:
30th July – 6th August, 2005
Nominations Close:
Wednesday, March 30th 2005
Selection Dates:
Sunday April 3rd 10.00am – 12.30 pm
Venue:
State Netball Hockey Centre, Brens Drive, Royal Park Nomination
Fee:
$25 nomination fee applies
Forms:
Mens Country XI Nomination Form: Click Here or from Tammy Hansford
Women's Country XI Form: Click Here or from Tammy Hansford
State League Team Travels to Adelaide
The Ballarat team recently travelled to Adealaide for a 3 way tournament between Grange and Essendon Hockey Clubs as part of the Andrew Maple memorial challenge. The Weekend proved a great hit out for Ballarat and their are plans for Ballarat to host the carnival next year. Pictures from the weekend can be found here.
State League Exhibition Match: Slazenger Cup
Saturday 19th March, Ballarat’s State League side take on the Australia's oldest club, the Kew hockey club in an pre season exhibition match!
Score a FREE Slazenger Gift Pack!
The first ten people to arrive wearing an item of Slazenger clothing purchased from Lowes will win a FREE Slazenger Gift Pack valued at $150.00.
Where & When?
Saturday 19th March 2.00PM
Prince Of Wales Park: Gillies St.
Ballarat's Finest Stunned By Kew
Kew Hockey Club wrested the second annual Slazenger Cup from Ballarat's Finest combined team at the Prince of Wales Park sports complex at the weekend.
Kew won 5-0 with the stunning trio of Daniel Chang, Chris Vaughan and Steve White doing much of the damage with the sticks.
Ballarat's stand-out player was Kenny Beer across the centre while John Ford and Andre Roberts tried Valiantly to stem the tide against Ballarat's Finest.
The Slazenger Cup which was first played in 1998 was won in that inaugural year by Ballarat 4-3, but Kew proved comprehensive victors on Saturday in the re-match.
Senior Competition Update
As the commencement of the 2005 season approaches, Hockey Ballarat seeks applications for the entry of teams into the Senior Women's and Senior Men's Competitions.
Final fixtures will be provided to all clubs by Friday, 15 April 2005 along with details of the finals system.
For all the information about, Team Entry Forms, New Team based Fee Strucuture, Uniforms Policy, Player Registration Forms, Transfers and Clearances Forms, Competition By Laws, Umpiring Co-ordinator and Roster, Pre-Season Competition, Representative Teams, Senior Competition Committee, Delegates Meeting Schedule, please click here.
Focus on Junior Hockey in 2005
The junior hockey season will commence on 23rd April 2005 and run through to 19th August 2005. This year Hockey Ballarat will be running the following competitions: Junior A Girls, Under 15 Girls, Under 15 Boys, Under 12 Mixed. Please follow the links to the Start of Season Letter and Junior Entry Form. If you have any queries in relation to the junior competitions please contact Tammy on 0407 338 508.
Important Dates to Remember:
23rd April 2005 (10.00am–11.30am) – Skills clinic for U12 and beginner players.
TBA - Judith Yates Lightning Premiership.
16th & 23rd May 2005 (6.30pm-7.30pm) – Junior Country Weekend Trials.
30th May, 6th & 20th June 2005 (6.30pm-7.30pm) – Junior Country Weekend Training.
25th & 26th June 2005 – Junior Country Weekend in Melbourne.
Country Cobras Junior State Championships Nomination Forms Now Available!
2005 Junior State Championships being held from the 4th - 10th July 2005 at the SNHC
Nomination forms for the following zones are now available for Country Cobras.
Time Line for Selection Process:
Friday May 6th - Player nominations received from clubs and country associations.
Sunday May 15th & 22nd - Zone Trials
Monday 23rd May - Announcement of final zone teams
5 weeks Training - Training/Games
4th July - 10th July - State Championships
Related Documents:
Ballarat Summer Hockey Results
Ballarat was defeated by RMIT 4 - 0
Ballarat started well with Jacob Ronaldson having his best game making plenty of fast leads into the forward line. A lack of experience in the forward line meant Ballarat could not capitalise on its opportunities. RMIT moved into gear about half way through the first half with 6 short corners. Ballarat’s defence lead by Goalie Matt Miller and Craig Stewart worked hard to keep RMIT out. RMIT scored one goal and lead at the half time break 1 – 0.
In the second half RMIT was full of running. RMIT pushed the ball from defence into attack with playing running and backing up. Jack Frantz and Thomas Walton worked hard through the centre but couldn’t maintain their speed for the entire game. RMIT scored three goals in this half to win the game 4 – 0.
Ballarat defeated Melton 5 – 1
Ballarat started the game with plenty of running through Bree Day and Claire Mckenzie. Ballarat’s speed put pressure on the Melton defence and Ballarat was able to score 3 goals to take a 3 – 0 lead into the half time break.
In the second half Melton scored one goal to put some pressure onto Ballarat. Ballarat fitness gave them plenty of running with the ball opportunities. Ballarat scored two more goals through the good work of Indi Lewis and Hannah Maloney in the centre to win 5 – 1.
State Team Nomination Forms
Please note that forms are available on the Hockey Victoria website calling for nominations for:
Men's & Women's Country XI State Team
Men's Veterans Teams
U18 Men's State Team
U21 Women's State Team
Nomination forms can be found on the HV website under Forms/State Team Forms. Please return to the Hockey Victoria offices ASAP or contact Joshua Burt on 8379 4286 if you have any queries.
Transfers and Clearances
The following players have requested clearances:
APPROVED
Sue Walton (Flames to Eureka)
Katherine Bateman (Eureka to Ballarat University Bobcats)
Lincon Stephen (Golden City to Ballarat University Bobcats)
Gemma Walton (Flames to Ballarat University Bobcats)
Cath Grant (Ballarat University Bobcats to Eureka)
PENDING
None
A reminder that clearance forms must be signed by your team of origin and the team that you would like to play for. The clearance form is available from here.
State League Update: Coach Appointment and Team Manager Wanted
The 2005 State League Season is due to kick off on Saturday 16th April at 2:00 PM here in Ballarat Against Casey Cannons. Last year the spoils were shared between the two teams in their home and away encounters, but this year Ballarat will be looking forward to a more positive start to the season. For all the information about Training, Coaching, Fixtures Results and Ladders, please click here.
TEAM MANAGER:
A vacancy exisits on the Ballarat State League Team Management Committee for the position of team manager. Greg Walton fulfilled this role last season however he has increased responsibility with the West Vic Academy Program this season. Expressions of interest should be forwarded to the Executive Committe (c/o Tammy Hansford - admin(at)hockeyballarat.org.au) by Tuesday April 5th. This is a volunteer role and a position descripition can be downloaded from here.
WestVic to kick start its first season with Victory
In front of a large crowd, WestVic beat Melton 3 – 0, to kick start its first season in Hockey Victoria Under 17 Boys competition. WestVic started the game with plenty of run and ball skills. A good pre-season showed as the boys were able to pass the ball around quickly. Ballarat opened the game with two short corner opportunities in the first five minutes...[MORE]
Expressions of Interest: U21 Country Mens & Womens tours to Fiji
Following a number of successful visits to Fiji by a Victorian Country U21 mens’ team, the Fiji Hockey Federation is keen to host a visit by a young womens’ team. To this end I am attempting to guage the interest. Many of you have expressed a verbal interest before and this is your chance to get such a tour off the ground. I am sure those who have been to Singapore with the U18 team will be keen to tour again. Please download the forms from here.
Mens (EOI close Friday JUNE 3)
Womens (EOI close Friday MAY 13th)
Expanded Senior Competition Up and Running
The weekend saw the 2005 Senior competitions get up and running with a host of tight matches. The Ballarat Hockey community should be greatly encouraged with the expanded formats of the competitions this season. New teams include Ballarat Heat (Mens), Ballarat Ice (Womens) and a second Ballarat University Bobcats Womens team.
Please note that DRAFT fixtures are now available online. However, these will not be finalised for another couple of weeks due to unknown availability of Prince of Wales Park resulting in a delay in the fixturing of WestVic Academy U17 games. Consequently, Womens games scheduled on Friday or Monday Nights and Men's games scheduled on Friday Nights, Saturdays and Monday Nights are not yet confirmed. The mens is most affected and players and team delegates should check back here on a week to week basis for changes that may occur.
Junior Competition Fixtures Now Online!!!
Junior Fixtures are now available on line. Their season starts tommorrow night. Please visit Fixtures Results and Ladders Sections or click here.
Reminder: Country Cobra State Championship Nominations Closing Soon
A reminder that Nominations for the Junior State Championships U13, U14 and U15 Country Cobras team closes soon. For the entry forms and more details, click here.
Notice of Special General Meeting
DATE: Monday 16th May 2005
TIME: 7:00pm
PLACE: Aquinas Catholic University Torney Room 1200 Mair Street, Ballarat
There will be three proposed amendments to the By-Laws to be voted on:
1. “A player who plays a finals match with one team may not play with any other team in that finals series unless the Executive Committee decides special circumstances exist”
2. Inserting Paragraph 2.4 which will read “any team which has not paid fees as directed by the Executive Committee will forfeit that match”
3. Paragraph 2.2 of the bi-laws be amended to change to read “any player who has an outstanding debt with Hockey Ballarat may not play any finals matches until those debts are paid”.
A copy of the most recent version of the by-laws can be found here.
Changes to by-laws approved at SGM
All three proposed changes to the by-laws have been passed at the special general meeting held on Monday night at Aquinas.
3 selected for Country Cobras
Hockey Ballarat wishes to congratulate John Ford and Hannah Maloney for their selection in the U15 State Championships to be held at the State Hockey and Netball Centre. In addition, Indi Lewis has been selected in the U14 girls side. Well Done!!!
Provisional Ground Allocations and Umpries needed for JCW
GROUNDS:
Hawthorn/TEM Under 13 Boys & U15 boys
Footscray Under 14 Girls, Under 16 Girls
Essendon As required
State Netball & Hockey Centre Under 17 Boys, Under 18 Girls
UMPIRES:
As per previous tournaments. Each Association team entered in the Championships must supply an umpire for the game before theirs. Should you be interested please email admin(at)hockeyballarat.org.au.
TEAMS:
As a result of the recent trials, teams will be announced shortly.
Vets Competion at Senior Mens Country Week
If there are any veterans looking for a game at the Senior Country Champs please give email their details to Mike Nelson this week and he'll see what he can do about organising a game during the Queens birthday weekend.
Expression of Interest Forms Available - Juniors Country Victoria Sides
Forms for nomination into the Country Hockey - Junior Development Squad are available from here and should be submitted by June 17th. Tour venues – U13 Boys and Girls (Canberra), U14 Boys and Girls (Adelaide), U15 Boys and Girls (Hobart). These tours will occur during the week Sept 26 – 30. Details of costs are still to to be confirmed. Form is available from here.
In addition, U17 Boys and U18 girls are encouraged to nominate for tours to Singapore. This tour costs approximately $2000. (Cost includes travel, accommodation, breakfast, transfers, insurance). Form is available from here.
Veterans Meeting at Country Carnival in Melbourne
There will be a meeting of interested players on Sunday at the Country Championships in Melbourne. Meet at 1:15 in the bar - you all know where that is! Firm commitments to availability need to be known at this meeting, as team entries & accomodation etc need to be finalized now. To help you make your mind up, a $100 deposit is required at this meeting from those intending to play in Woolongong.
So far, 18 players have registered an interest with me, with another 10 possibles. Past experience tells us that we need more than 30 'definites' in order to enter 2 teams.
Costs
The following are approximate costs for a player
* Travel to/from Woolongong ??
* Team Fee $200-$250 (This covers team registration, after match drinks, momentos, best player awards, training fees, physio etc.)
* Uniform (if you don't already have) $200
* Accomodation - $50 per night = $700 for 2 weeks
* Living Costs - $500?? - depends on how much you drink and/or eat out
* TOTAL - probably approx $2000 for the lot.
For those who have not joined a Vic Country Vets team before, please consider taking part - don't underestimate your skills! Please let email Frank.Farnsworth(at)alcoa.com.au if you have any queries.
Judith Yates Lightning Premiership
Format for this years competition is a Round Robin competition – team finnishing first wins. 8 minute games. Proposed Schedule.
Friday 17th June
U/15 girls 4:30 – 7:30pm – games at 18 X 8 mins
Saturday 18th June
8:30 – 10 :30am Junior A -10 games X 8 mins
10:30 – 11:30 – U/12 6 games X 8 mins
11:30 – 12:30 – U/15 boys 3 games X 15 mins
"Worlds Best" Hockey Clinics Ballarat 28th June
A series of "World's Best" Hockey clinics will be run throughout the country during June/July with a clinic in Tuesday Ballarat 28th June .
Participants can register by downloading an application form here
Coaches including Jamie Dwyer, Angie Skirving, Matthew Wells, Nikki Hudson and Steve Mowlam will be in attendance to teach the skills of the "World's Best".
Extract of Memo regarding Exectuvie Officer Hours
Hockey Ballarat Executive Officer, Tammy Hansford can be contacted on matters of Hockey Ballarat business during the following hours:
* Monday: 1-3pm & 4-6pm
* Tuesday: 9am-12noon
* Thursday 1-3pm
Tammy check her emails daily so any matters that arise outside of these hours should be emailed to her and she will be able to deal with them upon opening her email.
Tammy is a part time employee of Hockey Ballarat and has a specific position description that outlines her duties within her 10 hours of work a week.
The full memo can be downloaded from here.
Umpires & Officials Needed - Junior State Championships
The Hockey Victoria Officiating Committee (HVOC) are seeking nominations for a number of roles at the Just Hockey Junior State Championships being held between Monday 4th - Sunday 10th July at the State Netball Hockey Centre.
The Just Hockey Junior State Championships are the premier competition for junior hockey players in Victoria, teams are selected for each of the five zones in three different age groups: U13, U14 & U15 boys and girls. State and Representative teams are picked from these Championships.
The championships are held during evenings Monday to Friday and all day Saturday and Sunday.
Nominations are sought for the following positions at this event:
* Tournament Director
* Technical Officials
* Umpires Manager
* Umpires
If you would like to take part in this event, please contact Lauren Dick via email at ldick(at)hockeyvictoria.org.au to register your interest.
HV Level 1 NCAS Coaching Course
A Level 1 Coaching Course will be held in July/August over four Wednesday evenings at the SNHC.
A registration form is is avaiable from here. Please be advised applications close Friday 8th July.
U16 Australia wide carnival 28th Sep to 1st Oct in Hobart
Expressions of interest are required for approached to enter a team in the U16 Australia wide carnival 28th Sep-1st Oct to be held in Hobart. This is in addition to the program of the U15 girls who will be in Hobart the preceding week. The timeline is short for nominations with selections planned for the Junior Country Championships with one additional session if required. The preparation for this tour will occur during July/August. Nomination forms are available from Micheal Nelson mpnelson(at)bigpond.net.au It is expected the cost to be in the vicinity of $600 plus uniform. The nomination fee will be refunded if there is insufficient interest in the team
Final Preparations for Junior Country Week
All the information concerning this season's Junior Country Week can be found here. This includes information on departure & transport, uniform requirements, accomodation, cost, current team lists, indeminity & information forms, competition notes from Hockey Victoria, and ground locations.
FIXTURE:
A draft fixture (Current at 12:00 Thursday) can be downloaded from here.
Club Challenge
The first annual Club Challenge Lightning Premiership has been arranged at Prince of Wales Park Ballarat on Sunday 10th July 2005 starting at 10 am.
It is a full field tournament with Mens, Womens and Mixed competition. For more information call Cameron 0403 959 769 or email camstewart1(at)yahoo.com.
It costs $50 to enter an team, (payable on the day) and can be entered via email. Entries close on Thursday 7th July.
The flyer can be downloaded from here.
Australian Sports Camps - School Holiday Hockey Camp
Australian Sports Camps School Holiday Hockey Camp @ the State Netball Hockey Centre
June 27, 28, 29 & 30th
Travis Brooks - Olympic Gold Medallist will be in attendance as Head Coach for the camp.
Book your place now to come and be a part of the action with top quality coaches at the Commonwealth Games venue. For more information please call Australian Sports Camps on 1800 671 808 or visit www.australiansportscamps.com.au for a brochure.
Billets Required For Canadian Hockey Tour
During the school holidays, a touring group from Canada will be visiting Ballarat. Should you be available to provide billeting out some of the team, please contact Michael Poulton on m.poulton(at)ballarat.edu.au or on 03) 5327 9657
Call to upgrade hockey facilities
BALLARAT'S junior hockey players will suffer if current playing facilities are not upgraded, Australian Hockeyroo co-vice captain Nikki Hudson said yesterday.
The two-time Olympian said the ageing sand-based surface at Prince of Wales Park would impede development, and prevent youngsters from competing at higher levels.
"It does hinder you a bit with what you're doing," she said.
Hudson said a water-based facility, which could cost around $750,000 and is rare in country centres, was the critical in advancing players up the ranks.
"It's what you need to take a step forward."
However, Hockey Ballarat president Sue O'Brien defended the 11-year-old surface, saying it met the needs of its 450 registered players.
"At the moment, we're concentrating on our junior development programs, and establishing competitions for our juniors in all of the age-groups so they can develop at their own rate," she said.
She added Ballarat's strong presence in representative teams indicated players were capable of adapting to varying conditions.
Ballarat hockey star off to titles
Ballarat hockey star Jack Lewis flew out on Monday for the Australin U18 Hockey Championships in Wollongong.
The tournament runs from today to Saturday, July 16. This is Lewis second state team selection this year. He also was chosed to play in the Vic U21 team.
At just 17, Lewis is provinf to be an exceptional hockey player - being named in the Australian under 16 team in 2004.
The defender, who play for MCC in SL1, is tipped to be one of the players of the future.
Jack Lewis gains Silver in U18 Australian Championships
Local Ballarat Hockey Star Jack Lewis has come away from the Australian Hockey Championships in Wollongong NSW with a silver Medal. The Vics lost to WA 4-2 in the final.
Updated Photo Galleries
Attached are links to some updated photo galleries from this season. With the mid season break over, it will be good to get back into the swing of hockey tonight and this weekend. There are many challenges ahead, can the the State League Boys survive relegation, how will WestVic continue to improve to succeed in it's finals campaign as well as all the action from the local competitions. Dont forget that you can always submit your photos or articles to webmaster@hockeyballarat.org.au.
Local Competition: Flames vs Ice
Country Coaching Clinic with Niki Hudson and Jamie Dwyer
2005 Local Men's Competition: Strikers Vs UOB Bobcats
Senior Competition Finals Details
The finals series for this years finals will be conducted as:
- Womens involves top 4 teams at end of home and away season and compete over 3 weekends.
- Mens involves top 3 teams at end of home and away season and compete over 2 weekends.
Please not that non financial and non registered players will forfiet their right to particiapate in these matches.
Saturday - 27th August
Women's Semi Final 1: 1 v 2 - 3:30pm
Women's Semi Final 2: 3 v 4 - 5:00pm
*Final Round Men's Home and Away Season held this weekend.
Saturday - 3rd September
Men's Qualifying Final: 2 v 3 - 2:00pm
* 1 has week off.
Women's Qualifying Final: Loser Semi Final 1 v Winner Semi Final 2 - 3:30pm
*Winner Semi Final 1 has week off.
Saturday - 10th September
Men's Grand Final: 1 v v Winner Qualifying Final - 1:00pm
Women's Grand Final: Winner Women's Semi Final 1 vs Winner Womeb;s Qualifying Final - 3:00pm
Hockey Ballarat congratulates its State Representative Players
It's been a fantastic year for junior players making country and state representative teams. Congratulations to:
Tim Weidenier for making the Victorian Country U/17 team to play in Singapore.
Cristin Ruyg for making the VSSSA (Victorian Secondary School Sports Association) U/16 state team to play in Canberra in August.
Hannah Maloney, John Ford and Mat Miller for making the U/15 Country Cobras tour to Tasmania.
Indi Lewis for making the U/14 Country Cobras team.
Emma Ruyg who has (Victorian Primary School Sports Association) team to play in Toowoomba in September.