Wagga’s open hockey teams travelled to Narellan and Moorebank for the annual Field State Championships and did themselves proud in Division Three to both finish up in fifth.
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The open women’s team were given a baptism of fire in Narellan, going down 8-2 to Dubbo in their first round game with Ashleigh Yan scoring two goals.
The margin decreased in their second game against Coffs Coast but defence remained an issue in the 6-1 defeat.
Wagga’s third match on Saturday against Grafton was abandoned, handing both sides one competition point and giving the open women’s side some breathing room ahead of their next round of fixtures.
The break proved fruitful as Wagga came out firing on Sunday, blasting past Tamworth 3-0 before suffering a 4-0 defeat at the hands of North West Sydney in their final game of the day.
The Wagga women finished on a high note on Monday, edging Tamworth in a 2-1 thriller.
Meanwhile, the open men’s side were beaten 5-0 by Sydney East in their first game before notching a 4-3 win over Far South Coast to keep their championship alive.
Sunday proved a more difficult day at the Moorebank Hockey Centre as Wagga struggled in a 13-0 loss to Sydney South.
Sydney East piled more goals on the open men’s side later that afternoon in 7-1 loss but Andrew Sinclair’s goal gave Wagga fans something to cheer about.
Monday’s final game proved one of Wagga’s best as the men found their form, blasting past Metro South West in a 6-1 win to end the championship on a high.
Open men’s player Sam Arnold said the team struggled at times under new rules but noted an overall improvement.
”There were new regulations like playing quarters and how field goals are scored, so we were constantly adjusting to that,” he said.
“I think it was a good tournament and we won more games than last year.
“Everyone got through without too many injuries, so now it’s all about building for next year.
