Some of the region’s best men’s hockey action was on show at the New England Hockey Centre, UNE, on Sunday.
The Tamworth Men’s Hockey Subaru Super Stix, sponsored by Peel Valley Machinery, is a new trial competition, pitting four top men’s teams from the Tamworth and Armidale districts. Run independently of local competitions, the elite competition does not (at this stage) have a cup or trophy at it conclusion, just bragging rights. The games are being played equally between Armidale and Tamworth.
The first grade men’s hockey players from both sides of the range are applauding the concept. Captain of Tamworth’s Souths United team, Rob Smith, and Guyra Captain, James Abbo, both said that the trial competition has provided great game experience and variety for some of the strongest hockey teams in the region.
The Guyra and Souths United sides were very evenly matched in their clash on Sunday. It may have been a friendly game, but every man gave their all, like the Guyra team’s Rick Ambrose, who went off injured twice. After a scoreless first half, Aaron Aldridge scored for Souths United 10 minutes into the second half. Matt Jackson responded with a goal for Guyra. It looked to be a fitting one-all draw, when Souths United scored in the final seconds. The decisive goal was hit by Neil Woods, but ultimately came off the Guyra keeper’s boot, making the end result 2 – 1 in South United’s favour.
In the previous game, Armidale Ex-Services went down to an in-form Tudor Wests (Tamworth) side, two goals to five. Luke Evans scored two for Tudor.
The final round of the joint Tamworth/Armidale trial hockey concept will take place in about a fortnight.
Story: Gary Fry
