Les McAlinden and Lyn Tout along with Werribee’s other masters state representatives. 88713_03 Picture: KRISTIAN SCOTT
By ADEM SARICAOGLU
WERRIBEE Hockey Club will have two representatives going to New Zealand next year as part of the Australian women’s masters hockey team.
Club president Lyn Tout will don the green and gold against our trans-Tasman neighbours in the over-55s team, while the Tigers’ senior women’s coach Les McAlinden will be their assistant coach.
Tout says representing Australia is a significant honour.
“I’ve done it a few times now and it’s always a great honour to represent Australia,” Tout said.
“It’s hard to describe. You feel very humbled pulling on the green and gold but very proud at the same time.
“You’re very determined to be your very best because of the fact that you’re representing your country and you’re playing the highest level of the sport that’s available to you.”
Tout’s selection in the national team came off the back of good form in the over-55s state team at the Women’s Masters National Championship held in Melbourne earlier this month.
Although disappointed with coming fourth in the overall competition, Tout said she played a “reasonable tournament”.
“Personally I felt that I had one of my best tournaments for a number of years,” she said.
McAlinden said he also enjoyed his experience at the national championships but is now excited about going to New Zealand with the Australian team.
“The camaraderie with the other ladies that you meet and coach against and even the players that you get to coach with from different clubs is a very good experience,” McAlinden said.
“It’s representing your country, it’s not like I’m just coaching for Werribee, I’m representing Werribee on the big stage now, playing for Australia, so it’s really exciting.
“It’s my biggest achievement so far.”
