Local hockey heating up at 2020 season halfway point

Due to COVID-19, Goulburn's senior hockey competition was truncated to nine rounds in the first division women's competition and eight in the men's and women's second divisions.

Though these adjustments, along with health regulations such as social distancing and registering upon entry to the complex, have been comprehensive, Goulburn District Hockey Association media officer Tammy Grady said players and spectators have adhered well.

"Everyone's done what we have asked of them with relatively little disruption to the competition or to spectators," Grady said.

"There's been minor changes of habit, they've got to enter through the top gate and exit through the other ... and everyone's using the complex attendance QR code, it's all gone pretty smoothly."

Taralga currently sit on top of the first division women's ladder, with three wins and a sole loss from their four matches so far. This Wednesday will see an exciting first-versus second clash between Taralga and Ajax Colts, who trail the leaders by only two points.

Meanwhile, Ajax White Colts and Crookwell Ninja are tied for first place in the women's second division, with seven points apiece.

As fate would have it, these two will also battle it out for top spot this week, on Saturday August 22.

The Colts Soldiers and Gordon Hornets currently lead the men's second division competition, with 10 and eight points respectively.

There is a significant berth between the top two sides and Tableland Thunder in third in this division, but the Thunder will have a chance to bridge the gap somewhat when they take on Fireflys this Saturday while the Soldiers and Hornets play.

Due to the initial fear that there would be no winter season in 2020, Grady said there is a palpable sense of relief and enjoyment among the players.

"It's been really positive, people are happy to be back on the turf playing the game they love without having to wait another 12 months," she said.

"The seniors are still competitive, but the majority of them are just happy to be on the turf."

In such an unpredictable environment with only a fraction a normal season to be played, the focus this year is more on development for the junior sides.

"Every game gives them something new to work on," Grady said.

There has been a similar drive for improvement among Goulburn's most senior players too, Grady said.

The Goulburn senior men's and women's team, who play in Canberra's Capital League competition, have performed well so far in the season.

"I know the Capital League coaches are happy with their progress, their combinations, and their teamwork," she said.

Full results, draws, and ladders from the Goulburn District Hockey Association local competitions can be found here.

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