Come Friday, July 28, the Parkes hockey fields will be swarming with hundreds of female master hockey players from around the state.
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This year marks the third year out of seven that Parkes will host the Women's Masters Southern State Hockey Championships.
From July 28 to July 30, up to 61 teams – totalling about 1000 people – will descend on the town to compete over the three days in 10 different divisions.
Parkes has five teams entered in the championships.
Parkes 1 will play in the Over 35s Division 1 and are looking for their third-straight NSW title, after winning the state championship in Bathurst in 2015 and being named joint champions with Northern Beaches at the Northern state championship in 2016.
Parkes 2 will play in Over 35s Division 3, while Parkes 3 will play in the Over 35s Division 4, Parkes 4 in the Over 40s Division 2 and Parkes 5 in the Over 45s Division 2.
“The women are crackers, they always have a great time at the championships,” Parkes Hockey president Aaron Huppatz said.
“They hang around after their games for a talk, it’s a really good atmosphere.
“And it’s great for the town – all accommodation in Parkes and Forbes is booked out and it brings about $1.2 million into the local economy.
“The women really enjoy themselves and they spend their money too, which is great.”
Parkes’ two hockey turfs and all of its grass fields will be occupied during the championships.
Parkes 1 will play all of their games on turf, with all other Parkes teams playing on the grass fields.
Huppatz said Parkes Hockey Incorporated has been very busy this year preparing for the event.
It will be all hands on deck over the course of the weekend to ensure a successful carnival.
“All of our volunteers will be coming together to help out,” Huppatz said.
“We’ll have barbecue tents and soup kitchens, we’re going to be showcasing what Parkes has to offer.”
The Parkes 1 team members include: Amy Thornberry, Cherie Johnstone, Denise Gersbach, Jane Grosvenor, Jane Mattiske, Janelle Thompson, Lee Hodge, Leigh Rogers, Mandy Westoctt, Naomi Spark, Rochelle Smith, Tracey Chambers, Tracey Harrison, Wendy Huppatz and Wendy Rix.
Parkes 1 will play on Friday at 1pm, 5.55pm and 8.40pm; Saturday at 8am, 1.30pm and 4.30pm; and Sunday at 12pm, with the final played at 2pm.
Team members for Parkes 2 include: Cherie Simpson, Cindy Nutley, Deanna Dollery, Erica Quade, Fran Dixon, Janelle Ross, Karen Ross, Kath Moore, Kriddy Murray, Kylie Butler, Michelle Yeo, Renee Page, Sally McPherson and Tracy Hambridge.
Parkes 2 will play on Friday at 12pm and 2pm; Saturday at 8am and 3.30pm; and Sunday at 9am and 12pm, with the final at 2pm.
Team members for Parkes 3 include: Carina Pettit, Carla Ash, Chantel Waser, Debbie Byrne, Donna Payne, Gina Spratt, Karina Sullivan, Kelly Spedding, Kerrie Kennedy, Kristy Collins, Lisa Clarke, Mel ten Cate, Sandra Tildsley and Sommer Tanswell.
Parkes 3 will play on Friday at 1pm; Saturday at 10am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm; and Sunday at 10am and 12pm, with the final at 2pm.
Team members for Parkes 4 include: Emma Manks, Justine Morrisey, Kel Willot, Kelly Westcott, Leanne Miles, Louise O'Leary, Lyn Cassell, Megan Hornery, M'Lissa Ross, Sharon Deen-Moody, Sharon Scott, Sheridan Kirk, Tammy Tanks and Tracie Sams.
Parkes 4 will play on Friday at 12pm and 4pm; Saturday at 9am, 11am and 2.30pm; and Sunday at 8am, with the final at 2pm.
Team members for Parkes 5 include: Alison Freeman, Jo Besant, Jodie Dunn, Kathrine Blackstock, Lynne Bourke, Maureen Massey, Michelle Godwin, Michelle Hansen, Pat Cooke, Rachel Rice, Sharen Campbell, Sharon O'Brien, Shona Amor, Sue Cooper and Sue McGrath.
Parkes 5 will play on Friday at 12pm and 4pm; Saturday at 9am and 12.30pm, with semis and finals at 9am and 12pm on Sunday.