Tasmanian Masters chase medals at National Championships

Tasmania’s Masters teams are making their mark at the Australian Masters Championships, with our Women’s 45+ team through to the gold medal match and our Men’s 40+ Division 1 team preparing for a semi-final.

The championships have been underway for just over a week, with Tasmanian players representing the state across multiple age groups in Adelaide and on the Gold Coast.

In Adelaide, the Women’s 45+ team finished second on the ladder after winning five of their six pool matches, capped by a 3–0 victory over Western Australia. Their only defeat came against Queensland Maroon, setting up a rematch with gold on the line.

The gold medal match takes place on Saturday 3 October at 2:00 pm Tasmanian time (1:30 pm in Adelaide), at the State Hockey Centre, Pitch 1.

Belinda Page has been a standout, leading the competition’s goal-scoring tally with eight goals heading into the final.

On the Gold Coast, our Men’s 40+ Division 1 team finished third to secure a semi-final against Victoria.

Their semi-final takes place on Friday 2 October at 8:15 pm Tasmanian time, at the Gold Coast Hockey Centre, Pitch 1. A win would send Tasmania into the gold medal match, while a loss would see them contest bronze, with both medal matches scheduled for Sunday 4 October.

There was also special recognition for teammate Helen Rackham, who was inducted into the Hockey Australia Masters Green and Gold Club in recognition of her Australian representative appearances.

Tasmania’s Women’s 55+ side finished fourth in a tough group A, but have won their past 2 matches in the consolation bracket and will contest the fifth-place playoff on Friday 2 October at 2:45 pm Tasmanian time. The Men’s 50+ side will also play for fifth place, taking on a South Australian side that they defeated 2-1.

Meanwhile, Tasmania’s Men’s 55+ and 65+ teams are in the early stages of their campaigns, with plenty of hockey still ahead.

Congratulations to our finalists and to Helen on her recognition, and best of luck to all our Tasmanian players and support staff as their championships continue!