Mid West struggle in hockey Country Week tournament in Perth

Geraldton and Mid West hockey associations sent a smaller group of players than their female counterparts who played earlier this month to compete at last weekend’s Country Week tournament in Perth. Geraldton was represented by a division one team, with disappointing results against other teams from around WA. The team sadly could not muster a win with four losses, finishing fifth in their group. GHA representative Warwick Sullivan said there were still some positives despite the poor results. “Whilst we didn’t manage to get a win on the board, strong performances from stalwarts Jayden Valenti, Ted Kerr and Kyle Avery led the way whilst young guns Jack Watters and Ben Ingle worked hard in the forward and half line,” he said. “The game against Eastern Goldfields was very hard-fought, Geraldton only going down 2-1 from an after-siren short corner.” Sullivan spoke on the importance of Country Week to players and hockey in the state as a whole. “Country Week is important to regional hockey because it bonds us as an association, bringing together players who don’t normally get to mix on or off the field.” “But in a bigger way, the country championships are important to Hockey WA. The number of regional players that grow up and move in to the Perth competition is enormous, and Country Week is a big piece of the puzzle in terms of keeping the sport vibrant in the regions,” he said. After winning the championship in style in 2021 (and many times prior) the side had big shoes to fill, and with the tournament changing dates and moved away from the long weekend, the GHA struggled to field a side in a comp where they would usually send multiple teams. Sullivan was hoping for a more successful result next time out. “The GHA is proud of our performance despite the low numbers and tough opposition, but look forward to a return to form in 2023, hopefully with three teams in the mix over the long weekend,” he said. The results for the men’s team Game 1 v UGSHA Lost 3-0 Game 2 v LGSHA Lost 1-0 Game 3 v Bunbury Lost 6-2 Game 4 v EGHA (Kalgoorlie) Lost 2-1