Three Geraldton hockey stalwarts key in helping WA claim gold for women’s over-50s team at Masters titles

Geraldton was represented at the recent Hockey Australia Women’s Masters Championships, with three familiar names playing key roles in a golden week for the WA’s over-50s team. Local stalwarts Dirranie Kirby and Lyndsay Daw shared duties as the team’s goalkeepers, while Charlene Miller guided the side as coach in the tournament, which ran from September 26 to October 4 in Hobart, Tasmania. Together they helped steer WA to an undefeated run through the pool matches and ultimately a thrilling gold medal victory over Victoria. For Kirby, who was also named team captain, pulling on the black and gold carried special meaning and it was an “extra special honour” to be named captain. WA opened their campaign with a strong 2-0 win over Tasmania, Kirby keeping a clean sheet in the first half before Daw stepped into the net to close out the match. The momentum continued with a 3-0 victory over the ACT, both keepers making key saves in a game where WA’s forward line fired with confidence. South Australia provided sterner resistance, holding WA to a 0-0 draw despite heavy attacking play. The team’s resilience shone through in their next three outings. They defeated New South Wales 2-1 in a gritty contest, backed up with a 1-0 win over Victoria, and rounded out the round games with a 2-1 victory against Queensland. That run left them undefeated and top of the table heading into the gold medal showdown. The final against Victoria was a classic. WA trailed 2-1 late in the first half, but rallied to level at three-quarter time before striking early in the last quarter to seal a 3-2 triumph. Both Kirby and Daw were instrumental in the defensive line, pulling off crucial saves as Victoria pressed hard in the dying minutes. After the win, Kirby summed up the achievement with pride: “Feeling amazing! What a week. Highlights were going through the tournament undefeated, coming back from 2-1 down in the gold medal game, playing with a champion team that believed in each other and the game plan, and executed it to perfection. What an amazing team to lead.” Daw echoed those sentiments, reflecting on both the hockey and the camaraderie. “Still on cloud nine and so proud to have been a part of this team at this tournament ... we backed each other and celebrated the small with the big wins,” she said. Daw also looked to the future, with her sights already set on what comes next. “On the last day in Hobart I was fortunate to attend a GK clinic with Rachael Lynch, the former Hockeyroo goalkeeper and Olympian. I want to build on the lessons learnt there in preparation for trials in April for the 2026 Women’s Masters Championships and continue the success I’ve had with Saints,” she said. Adding to the celebrations, Kirby was presented with the Theresa Nicholson Team Contribution Award for WA’s over-50 side, recognising her leadership and commitment across the tournament. She has also been named as a reserve goalkeeper for the 2026 Masters World Cup in Rotterdam.