Nepean Win A Silver Medal at Great Barrier Reef Masters Games

BY NOEL ROWSELL

THE Nepean Hockey Association (NHA) sent two Women’s teams to the 2023 Great Barrier Reef Masters Games, with the Over 34’s finishing equal first following the preliminary rounds, before being relegated to the Silver medal on points for and against.

The NHA Over 50’s team didn’t win a medal but reportedly had a fun tournament.

The next Barrier Reef Masters Games in Cairns will be played in 2025, when the NHA will again look to enter two teams.

There was a culture shock for all when the players returned to the freezing cold in Penrith, with the weather in Cairns having been sitting at a barmy 28 degrees all week.

State trials for all State Women’s Masters teams are being held in Newcastle this weekend, with the Australian Womens Masters to be held in Perth 21st-30th September.

“It’s one of the most unique courses because it’s swirly…there’s no real artificial bollards, it’s got a natural course feel to it.”

Julian added that Augsburg has a special place in his heart, after racing there for the first time almost 13 years ago.

“I first raced in Augsburg in 2010, and we had the World Championships there last year,” Julian said.

“Augsburg is a course that we tend to know quite well, because it’s been there for 50 years, and Australians like to spend a bit of time there. It’s quite a beautiful course and it’s also a beautiful city, so it’s definitely a nice place to be.

“The course there is quite special, it’s very different to any other courses in the world, probably because it was built a long time ago.”