Seven hockey masters players from Parkes have been announced in NSW teams to play at the Australian titles in September and October.
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And something that’s rarely seen for the town, the selection also includes one Parkes member being appointed a NSW manager.
Four women and three men have been selected for the men’s and women’s NSW sides, vying for golden glory at the 2018 Masters Australian Hockey Championships.
Representing the NSW women’s team will be Parkes goalie Maureen Massey – who’s represented the state for nine years now – in the Over 65s age division, and striker Denise Gersbach in the Over 45s, who has also been appointed team leader.
2018 will be Gersbach’s 11th year playing with NSW.
Parkes defender Jane Grosvenor – who’s attended six national titles – will represent the NSW Blues team in the Over 45s, with Donna Payne as the Over 45s manager.
This will be Payne’s first time managing a state side and she’s very excited for the challenge ahead.
Defender Lee Hodge was initially selected as a shadow player in the NSW Over 40s but has since been chosen for the South Australian Over 40s side.
This year will be her fifth Australian championships.
The selections are the result of trials held on June 16 in Newcastle.
Ian Westcott and Laurie Wakefield have been selected for the Over 40s and Over 45s NSW men’s teams respectively, following their state championships in Newcastle at the beginning of July.
Wakefield has also been appointed vice captain.
Meanwhile Over 70s midfielder Noel Johnston will play for NSW.
The men will head to Lismore to compete from September 21 to October 6, while the women will play in Bunbury and Busselton in Western Australia from September 27 to October 6.
More than 1800 participants will make their way to Lismore for the Men’s Masters and more than 1500 leading master female hockey players will head to the City of Three Waters for 10 days of hockey action.
