Hockey season’s start hit by Covid-19
Defaults and deferrals as clubs stricken
Saturday, April 2, saw the start of what looks to be an interesting hockey season for us all. As we prepared for our first game of the season, the messages slowly started coming in of players and coaches having to isolate due to Covid.
It was clearly not just affecting our team but others too as our Satherley Logging Ladies Reserves team had their game deferred when their opponents were unable to get a full side together.
Our Mark Boys Men's Prems teams got the call earlier that day that their opponents didn't have a full team and took a win by default.
Our Unichem Ladies Premier team took to the field for the first time in the top division with a fairly new team. They quickly realised that this is a different level of play than they're used to but held strong and worked really well together. Even though superstar goalie and player of the day, Tyla Martel managed to save a number of attempts at goal, the game still resulted in a loss for our ladies, against defending champs Havelock North Prem ladies.
Although it was a tough game to begin the season, they are confident and excited for where the division will take their hockey.
Our NZ Trellis Men's Reserve team also started the season with a number of players missing and new players joining the team.
They played against Te Awa Scinde which resulted in a more defensive approach in the first half. As they got used to playing together, the approach changed and there were more attempts at goal. Unfortunately the opposing team's goalie managed to save those resulting in a loss for the team. Central played an impressive game with Liam Wilson voted as Player of the Day.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our sponsors for their continuing support; Mark Boys Builders, NZ Trellis, Unichem Waipukurau, Satherley Logging, Vet Services HB, Copperpot, Centralines and Stevenson & Taylor. We look forward to working with more of our incredible local businesses. We are looking to promote even more local businesses, so should you be interested in sponsoring any of our teams or the club in general please contact Louise at centralhc@outlook.com
Keep an eye on our Facebook page (Central Hockey Club) for upcoming games as well as results. This Saturday, April 9, our Unichem Women's Premier team have a home game at Centralines Sports Park. We encourage all our supporters to come on down to watch the action.