Jo leads the way against Aussies

PETER JONES

Being given the honour of captaining her country helped soothe the pain of a series loss to Australia for Marlborough hockey player Jo Jones.

The Trans-Tasman Challenge Masters series staged at Nga Puna Wai in Christchurch during the first week of May was Jo’s fifth outing in the national uniform, prompting the NZ over-45 team’s leadership group to give her the skipper’s role.

“It was a bit of a surprise,” said Jo. “I actually thought it should have gone to one of the other girls, but it was certainly an honour to lead the team and an amazing experience.”

Jo had previously represented NZ four times at over-40 level, at World Cups in Canberra and Barcelona, plus Trans-Tasman series in Whangarei and Gold Coast.

After a three-year Covid-enforced hiatus, the biennial threetest series against our Tasman rivals returned this year and Jo was back in black, being named in the over-45 side, alongside fellow Marlburian Tash Veltman.

The pair’s selection followed strong performances for the Tasman Masters side, who picked up a silver medal at the National Masters tournament in Tauranga. That tournament was preceded by a North v South series, both events serving as trials to choose the national team for the Trans-Tasman showdown, which was first held in May, 2000.

The 2023 edition was the biggest to date, including nine men’s and seven women’s age groups. Hosting alternates between NZ and Australia, with 2023 the first time it had been staged in Christchurch.

The women’s over-45 side made the best possible start to the tournament, beating their Aussie counterparts 1-0 in the opening encounter. However, their hopes of a series win were dashed over the following days, losing the sec- ond test 3-0 and the decider 6-1. The Aussies came prepared, their contingent included 19 support staff, compared to just two in the Kiwi camp. While disappointed not to manage a series win, Jo relished the atmosphere, both on and off the turf.

Fitness plays a major role in achieving longevity at international level and Jo works hard to maintain that side of her preparation.

The Awatere-based grape-grower comes to town for three gym sessions each week, uses club games and trainings for hockey-based