GLOUCESTER has a strong tradition of punching well above its weight when it comes to the sport of hockey, a fact demonstrated by recent events.
In late September, for the second year in a row, the Gloucester Public School boys’ hockey team finished on top at the NSW PSSA hockey knockout competition under the coaching of local teacher Hayden White.
In the last week of October, Gloucester’s Sebastian House helped NSW claim the gold medal at the School Sport Australia Under 12 Boys’ Hockey Championships.
As goalkeeper, Sebastian conceded only three goals across six games, with the NSW team being undefeated in the Championships.
“Sebastian stood up well when under pressure, defending 12 penalty corners over the week, including four against Victoria and four against Western Australia, as well as turning away multiple shots on goal,” the team coach said.
Jarrah Baker from Gloucester High School was selected in the NSW State Team at the NSW Under 14 National Championships in Canberra in early October, with NSW finishing fourth overall.
“Competing at the national level has given our Gloucester players access to additional training opportunities with leading coaches across NSW,” said Gloucester Hockey Club secretary, Jo Charlier.
Not to be outdone by the youngsters, Gloucester Panthers’ men’s hockey players Bruce Snape and Larry Mercer also helped NSW win gold at the Men’s Masters National Championships for over 75s in mid-October on the Gold Coast.
Snape has been selected to play in the 2027 Trans-Tasman Hockey Australia Masters Team for men over 75 years of age.
Gloucester’s Karen White also participated in the Women’s Masters National Championships for over 60s, winning a silver medal in Adelaide.
In early 2027, Gloucester hockey will receive a further boost when the new state-of-the-art all-weather multi-sport facility at Gloucester High School is ready for play. In the meantime, summer social indoor hockey is on at the Gloucester Recreation Centre on Friday nights, with juniors from 5pm and seniors from 6pm.
“Considering the state and national success of our local players, there has never been a better time to be part of hockey in Gloucester,” Charlier added.
“Hockey is truly a sport for all age groups.”
By John WATTS
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