Wimmera hockey players ready and raring to go

Wimmera hockey players are eagerly looking forward to Saturday when they resume competition a year and a half after the 2020 season was abandoned.

The first round of the Wimmera Hockey Association 2021 season will be at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal and competition will be slightly different to recent years.

Along with the expected social-distancing requirements, there will be two fewer teams and teams will play with nine players on the field, down from the usual 11. The absence of Dimboola in under-16s and Warracknabeal in the women’s competition, has introduced a bye into both divisions.

The action hits off at 11am, Saturday with a replay of the 2019 women’s grand final between reigning premier Yanac and Dimboola Roos.

Of most interest will be Dimboola’s line-up, which will feature several former Warracknabeal players after an agreement to allow the latter club’s players to continue to be involved despite not fielding a team in its own name.

In the other women’s game, Kaniva might prove to be a surprise this season as one of the few teams to have plenty of players on its roster.

It takes on Nhill Thunderbirds, which can field a mix of youth and experience but might also struggle for numbers.

Horsham Jets have a bye.

Open competition will still feature three games per round with no bye, and the nine-players-per-side format should lead to even contests.

It is hard to imagine Yanac Tigers falling far off the pace.

Their first-up opponents, Dimboola Burras, have been close to a grand-final appearance in recent seasons and will look to go one better this year.

An intense rivalry between Kaniva Cobras and Nhill Rangers will ensure this game will be fiercely contested regardless of personnel. Warrack Hoops will be missing at least a third of its 2019 grand final team, creating an opportunity for the next generation of players to step up.

Horsham Hurricanes have struggled to field a consistent starting team for some years, so the pressure for players this season will not work in their favour.

This should still prove to be a closely fought match.