Chasing gold on the turf

The ACT women’s and Queensland men’s teams claimed top honours at the ADF Hockey National Carnival.

Held in Nowra from April 9 to 19, the carnival comprised a nine-a-side format.

Limited preparation time meant team members – many of whom had travelled from around the country – met days before the competition, but they adapted well.

The ACT women secured victory against NSW after a tense final that tested their composure.

NSW scored a game-tying goal in the dying minutes, but the ACT reset and refocused to win the overtime shoot-out.

ACT midfielder FLGOFF Lauren Nohreiter said the closing moments of the match were among the most demanding of the tournament.

“You think you’ve won it with two minutes to go, and then they score. Suddenly, the adrenaline spikes and everyone gets frantic,” FLGOFF Nohreiter said.

“Even when you’re ahead, you never know when the game can turn, so you have to stay switched on.”

LS Paige Cooper, who played on the Rest of Australia team, said the inclusive nature of the competition allowed players of mixed experience levels to support one another and step into leadership roles.

“Everyone was willing to help each other improve and we rotated the captain role so people could get that experience,” LS Cooper said.

“It didn’t matter how long you’d been playing – everyone contributed.”

In the men’s competition, Queensland defeated NSW to claim the title.

The carnival supported the local Nowra community, with canteen sales raised during the tournament dedicated to local junior hockey participation through the Shoalhaven Hockey Club.

Several players who were in the finals were selected for the ADF representative team, including FLGOFF Nohreiter and LS Cooper, who will compete at the Australian Country Championships in Bendigo later this year.

Three players – LTCOL Richard Bremner, WOFF Dianne Hall and CPL Gareth Hoddinott – were inducted into the ADF Hockey Association’s roll of honour for their outstanding service to the association.

Additionally, two members – WO2 Shayne Buenaobra and FLGOFF Andrew Nash – were given life memberships for their exemplary service and commitment to the association.