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A local hockey team is breaking all sorts of barriers as it takes part in the North Harbour Division 2 Men’s competition.
Most local club teams travel to Albany to practise. However, this one was formed for players that live near the Hibiscus Hockey Millwater turf, so they can train closer to home.
Another aim was to bring younger players into the men’s game.
The resulting team – Hibiscus Dairy Flat Division 2 Maroon – turned out to be a family affair, including five father/son combinations, with three of the sons in Year 9. Player/coach Merv Huxford’s son-in-law is also in the team.
The players’ ages range from 13 to 72 years.
Huxford says while it’s a great opportunity to play with family, and learn from each other, the combination has been a mixed blessing, with more draws and losses than wins so far.
“Having such young players has made it very difficult against teams who typically are filled with players aged 17 to 45,” he says.
“The younger guys should have more agility and fitness, but the grade is very competitive with most other teams having school kids several years older and that bit stronger. While hockey is a non-contact sport, having smaller players can be a disadvantage due to strength, and the occasional ‘intimidation’ on the ball.”
The game versus Takapuna on August 7 in Albany resulted in a
2-1 loss to the local side, “by a controversial goal in the
final minute”, Huxford says.
The finals are at the end of this month.
