Having fun fuels dominant run for ladies in their premiership streak
IF you take a look at all the lengthy sporting dynasties over the years – hard work, dedication and sacrifice are the key ingredients to success.
The St Mary’s C-grade women’s Darwin Hockey Association team have a different priority which works for them – fun.
The team have won a staggering eight successive prem- ierships, prevailing 2-0 over Waratah Red in the 2016 grand final.
“There’s a great camaraderie in this team and we have a lot of fun,” captain Sue Auld said. Auld is 57 and first picked up a hockey stick at the age of six, and playing with some good friends has helped keep her in the game.
“We’ve had the same coach – Leigh Lockley – during that time, and his encouragement and enthusiasm has been awesome,” Auld said. “A lot of people have come and gone, but myself, Karen Byrne and Mini Edwards have all played in that 10-year period.
“Fun has been the bottom line, as well as commitment to each other and the team.”
After winning nine titles from 10 grand finals in the past decade – and enjoying it so much – why would Auld want to step away from the sport she loves? Even after picking up a painful injury this year, she’s keen to play on next year.
“I got a fractured shoulder bone which put me out for six weeks, and it was tough sitting on the sidelines watching everyone else play,” Auld said.
“If I keep playing, it’ll depend if I can stay injury-free.”
Auld said her team will be looking for a new coach for 2017, with Lockley to take some time off.