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PUBLISHED WED 13 OCT 2021

The legend-laden Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cup teams have been finalised for the historic first-ever tournament, with the eight coaches across the men’s and women’s sides picking their squads after an exciting draft night at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University.

The women's coaches kicked off their selections first, with Highlanders coach Alison Reick calling in the big guns early, selecting former Hockeyroo Jayde Taylor with the first selection of the draft, with the 2012 London Olympian providing a strong defensive presence for the side.

Seven-time Jackie Pereira Top Goal Scorer Award winner Chantelle Ciallella was Nicole Serefini's first pick for the Suns, opting for a damaging attacking presence for her side to build around.

Outbacks Coach Temeka Curley opted for the legend who holds the honour of the tournament's name, Kobie McGurk, while Tammy Cowan for the Breakers selected UWA Hockey Club legend and former Hockeyroo Shayni Nelson to lead her side.

In the Bevan George Cup for men's Masters, it was Trid Woodhouse who selected first for the Highlanders, selecting Fremantle Cockburn's 400-game legend Darryl McCormick to lead his line-up to victory in the tournament.

Former Kookaburra Chris Ciriello selected another former Kookaburra in Tim Deavin for his first selection; a two-time Olympian, Champions Trophy and multiple World League winner, Deavin will make his claim for pick of the bunch, providing a running option across the field.

Westside Wolves Hockey Club legend Edward Welch was selected with the Outbacks first pick by Allan Colthart.

Breakers Coach Phil Marshall selected former Kookaburras squad member Ian Burcher with his side's first pick, teaming him up with another former Kookaburra and Olympic gold medallist Grant Schubert who will be sure to provide a potent attacking option up front.

The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cup kicks off next Friday, 22 October at Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University, with entry to the legendary tournament free for all. For full fixtures, click here.

FULL TEAMS BELOW:

 

 

DETAILS

WHAT: The Bevan George and Kobie McGurk Cups – 9-day tournament period featuring 35-50 year old (30-35 for women) Masters hockey players

WHEN: 22-31 October 2021

WHERE: Perth Hockey Stadium at Curtin University

WHO: Former and current elite-level hockey stars, local players and more from WA’s rich Masters Hockey community

FIXTURES

 

PUBLISHED THU 07 OCT 2021

Two composite teams selected from current and former state players across the Over 50s to Over 65s age groups fought out two very competitive hockey games last weekend to celebrate the 2021 Masters Hockey season and to acknowledge the end of a tumultuous season which saw the Australian Masters Championships cancelled.

Along with a large contingent of WA State Master’s players from a variety of metro clubs, were players from Lake Grace, Peel, Bunbury and Busselton who made the effort to get to Perth to play in this inaugural event.

Tammy Cowan, WA Masters State Over-40 Coach and Jo Sgro, the Over-55s Coach. prepared their teams well, with both teams firing up from the starting whistle.

The first game saw WA Black take the lead with Anna Taylor scoring a great breakaway goal set up by Julie Waddell. WA Gold replied with a classic field goal from the top of the circle by Deb Whiting, to draw the game at 1-1.

Going into Day 2, WA Black controlled much of the first half and again scored first with a penalty corner goal from Robin Himbeck, a long-term Australian Masters representative player.

WA Gold however, managed to shift the impetus of the game in the second half and replied with a strong rebound goal by Sally Dare to make the final score once again, a one all draw (to draw the series).

Credit should be given to the four goalkeepers who shared duties across the two games to make multiple saves to keep the crowd on their toes.

The quality of the hockey was evident and enhanced by the even-handed umpiring of Cheryl Murphy and Dave Ferguson.

The winning team, was left to WA Master’s Hockey icon Laurie Packham (Australian representative from the 1960’s), to decide who should win the Challenge Cup with WA Black taking the honours. Players agreed that the format of composite teams worked well and hope that the Challenge Cup will become a regular event.

It was heartening to see the Over-65s age group so well represented with eight players, most of whom have played Masters Hockey at State and Australian level numerous times. All players and spectators were amazed at the prowess of three players, Janice Arcus, Karen Allan and Pattie Davis who are still playing strong at over 70 years of age.

Both teams got together for lunch on Saturday and a sundowner on Sunday following the games to share stories and celebrate being part of a state master’s hockey community.

Team Managers, Pat Scott and Sharen Mitchell kept teams organised and the sponsors, Emergency Triage Services, helped keep players safe through ambulance, physio and emergency medicine services via Star Physio and St John Ambulance.


GALLERY