We had a great start to our McDonalds Cup with the Green Big Mc’s vs Red Cheeseburgers and the Yellow Nuggets up against the Blue Fries.

Green Big Mc’s 0 v Red Cheeseburgers 3

Red Cheeseburgers - What a well fought out match! Tara Sanford opening up the scoring from the whistle with a one of two goals, great effort. Wolfgang, Katie Brown and Maddie Jones putting a tremendous team effort, defending with great ability and attacking with energy. Wolfgang also scoring, putting the Cheeseburgers in front 3 nil. Encouragement award going to Maddie Jones for her never say die effort.

Green Big Mc’s - Natalie Camps and Julian Garling gave a dynamic performance in both the forwards and backs. The Big Mc’s worked well as a team, Alyssa Hindmarch, trying her best in every position, giving a great performance overall. Well half time came begging as we were all tired and hot, after a 5 min break Mackenzie Gooley came out with a huge second half, big defensive tackles and never giving, throwing herself in all direction. Mc Donald’s Encouragement award for the Big Mc’s going to Julian Garling. Great Effort, Guys.

Yellow Nuggets:3 v Blue Big Macs:3

A superb game by Yellow Nuggets and Blue Big Macs with a good start to the Mc Donald’s Cup. Big Macs had a good start to the game, quickly snapping up 3 goals in the 1st half. Brodie Farrell-Gray for the Blues gave Nuggets a run for their money, giving it everything he’s got and making some excellent tackles, not letting Nuggets get past him. Good runs and teamwork by Matt Gourlay and Sarah White. But Nuggets came back in the 2nd half scoring 3 goals to even the score. Dynamic Newton Duo, Wade and Abby working extremely hard using their teamwork to get past Big Macs defence. Players of the week went to Wade Newton for Nuggets and Brodie Farrell-Gray for Big Macs. Bravo! Everyone played well. (Reporter : Brody)

Don’t forget that Graham Bell (Dinga) is now holding a training session on a Tuesday afternoon between 4pm-5pm to promote and teach our future hockey players tactical skills. I would encourage all to attend. This would allow us on a Saturday to split into four teams of approximately 5-7players and hold a McDonald’s Cup. See you all at 11.15am.

U/15’s:

ANZ 3 v Cowra Glass 1

Cowra Glass: Glass had a good game on the weekend, all showed glimpses of their brilliance. They started out strong with Ben Jones and Haylie Wright (miss “I don’t know how to play Centre Half”) leading the team strongly. Dana Hannan started the scoring with a great goal, supported by Bianca Garling, Matt Ryan and James Garling. Jamie-Leigh Gourlay showed some moments of brilliance up the front and in the middle, with Peta Sharkey holding the fort in the backs firmly. Thomas Baker did well in goals and we hope to see him on as many weekends as possible. Joel Watt did well from half time and although tired from soccer nearly scored us winning goals. Julian Garling and Tara Sanford our little pocket rockets, played beautifully and showed a few of the older kids how it’s done. Thanks heaps guys and you can play any time. Goal scorer: Dana Hannan. Best players were Jamie-Leigh Gourlay, Tara Sanford and Julian Garling.

ANZ Arrows: Let’s start by saying ‘Well done, ANZ”. This week you found the key to playing as a team and we are proud to say the proof is in the final score. With newcomer Nicholas Banks having a blinder of a game scoring the first goal, followed by Kyle Hannan scoring a stunning second and last but not least, Chris Williams drove the ball into the back of the net to make the final goal. All players had an exceptional game this week and deserve a pat on the back. However, only one player can receive the player of the match and this week it was earned by Alex Cassidy as he proved that he can play his position outstandingly without complaint. Best players were Alex Cassidy, Nick Banks and Chris Williams.

Elders Red 2 v Cowra Smash Repairs 0

Elders Red: Goals: Mitchell Gray 1, Andrew Francis 1. Best players were Mitchell Gray, Daniel White and Beth Johnstone.

Seniors:

Railway Hotel 3 v The Valley Hotel 2

Railway Hotel: Big match up today between Railway’s crew of young and old and the newly formed Valleys with fitness average age somewhat in Valleys favour. And with a couple of gun umpires the match got underway. Railway, uncustomary, scored first with a crisp goal from Carmel Dalton after a good build up from mid-field to front. Valleys hit back quickly and the score was one a piece. Some good match ups between the men today with Spoon Falconer, Jack Nobes and new Railway man Andy Howarth giving it to opposing Todd, Rick & TJ who were equal to the task. Both attacks were keeping fullbacks under pressure and GKs had plenty of work to do. Our Skye Pratt was on the receiving end of a penalty stroke and threw herself at everything after that. Onya Skye, another great game from you. Carmel, on fire today, put away a second goal with good support from forwards Maree Dykes, Kyle Hannan, Jack and Toby Nobes. Jack was called upon to work the midfield with Andy and Spoon, creating plenty of ball for the forwards. Brenda rolled back to fullback with Annie M.I.A. and combined with Jo Nobes and Marion Rose to slow down the pesky opposition as much as possible. Maz & Jo seemed determined to spend as much time vertical as horizontal with a number of right side plays leaving both players eating grass. And the best part - they got the free hit! Valleys kept up the pressure, and with the score levelled at 2-all, a short pass from Brody Hannan (on for brother Kyle) inside the 25 to Toby on wide left wing, delivers a brilliant ball hard along the back line across the face of goal to a flying Carmel coming from right wing to crack it in with no angle to play with. The banging cage resounded throughout the field. What an absolute cracker to finish. Railway came away 3-2. Best players were Andrew Howarth, G. Falconer and Carmel Dalton.

The Valley Hotel: Valley’s showed that V is for valour this week with a hard fought loss against Railway. This was a great spectators game with both teams equally matched throughout the game. Everyone played exceptionally well. Stacey Reed made a great come back with her 1st game this week keeping tabs on a ruthlessly lethal Carmel Dalton (you are a star) - everyone can learn from her athletic prowess and incomparable dignity and shining personality on the field. John Clarke and Andrew Francis, our juniors, were also superb in the adult arena. Elka Johnstone, Terena johns and Todd Duffey were faultless in keeping the midfield tight while Terry Johns was magnanimous in defence. We were unlucky to lose a key player for 10 min which affected our chances (head up girl you’re the best). Thanks to Railway for an absolute cracker of a game - a fine effort from all on the field. Best players were Todd Duffey, Elka Johnstone and Ricky Williams.

Townhouse Hotel 6 v Aussie Hotel 1

Townhouse: Well at last - a full contingent plus reserves - what a luxury! Welcome to our new comers, Jainee Ryan, Allen Hartwigg and Tim Tarrant. Though they were not familiar with our style of play - nearest to the ball hits it - they melded in perfectly. Di Clark was back where she belongs - in goal and playing the role superbly. Our young ones, JL (she’s a big girl now mum and we can call her that) and Emma Francis covered a lot of ground making huge in roads on Aussie’s defence and backing up when us oldies couldn’t run any more. Grant Platt made his presence felt with 2 goals and he was ably assisted by Dodee Ryan with 2 and the same for Alex Gourlay. Well done one and all. Best players were Jamie-Leigh Gourlay. Alex Gourlay and Dodee Ryan

Aussie Hotel: Goal scorer - Kristy White. Best players were Kristy White, Kim White and Henry Velvelt.

Elders Big Reds 3 v Canowindra 1

Elders Big Reds: Goal scorers - Justin Smith 1, Gabe Rowston 1, Jane Woodhouse 1. Best players were Gabe Rowston, Mitchell Gray and Sara Janssen.

Canowindra: Goal scorer - Clayton Velvelt. Best players were Bronwyn Troy, Anthony Hamer and Hayden White.

Representative News - On Sunday 11th May 5 Cowra girls travelled to Parkes to join with Dubbo District and compete in the U/18’s Western Conference carnival - Grace Bryant, Emily Williams, Jamie Buckmaster, Laura Butterworth & Nicole Coutanche. The girls played 4 games for the day and the results were as follows: Orange 2 – 0 Loss, Parkes 1 – 0 Loss, Lithgow 2 – 1 Win (Nicole scored one of these goals & Jamie helped to set up the other) & Bathurst 4 – 0 Loss. This was an outstanding effort considering that the girls had never met the Dubbo girls before this day. The Cowra girls should be very proud of their efforts on the day and also their level of sportsmanship, they represented Cowra District Hockey Association extremely well. Jaime, Laura & Nicole were all nominated for selection in the Western Conference Team. Jaime & Laura were selected & Nicole was named as a Shadow player. They will Travel to Sydney during July to compete at HockeyFest where they will be joined by teams from the Netherlands, Canada, England & Australia. This is an outstanding effort and proves that Cowra Hockey has many talented players. Good luck at HockeyFest.

Cowra Hockey’s representative success continues with Clare Watt snapped up for the U/15’s Girls HALF-STATE squad. Clare, in an extraordinary display of skill and high work rate, earned a place in the squad chosen in Wagga last weekend. Playing with second division Dubbo, she had to really shine with the majority of players being chosen from 1st division sides. Those who’ve seen Clare in action and know her high commitment to training had no doubts the selectors would get it right. Clare will now be working to fine tune in all areas with NSW State selection coming up in 2 weeks. Excellent effort CLARE! But it doesn’t end there. Following on from Andrew White’s selection in the U/17’s boy’s regional squad to play at the International Hockeyfest in July we also have Laura Butterworth and Jamie Buckmaster in the equivalent girl’s team. Nicole Coutanche has been named shadow player. These 3 girls’ success comes on the back of the selections after they played with Dubbo in Parkes on Mother’s Day. Added to Briony Jonkers selection in the Western CHS team that’s 6 REP successes in 6 weeks! Congratulations to all!

Advanced Hockey Squad. As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Three of these top performers, Andrew White, Laura Butterworth and Clare Watt, have been training extremely hard under the guidance of our very own State Level coach, Mr Graham “Dinga” Bell. This advanced training is open to anyone who would like to join but it does require a high level commitment to fitness and skills work. If you’re a moaner or groaner this level of training is probably not for you. You need a positive attitude to working hard and not giving up, you must be open to feedback and be prepared to meet the challenges set. While the workload is challenging, the camaraderie amongst the small but growing squad is very high. Each player pushes the other to strive for improvement. Overnight success is not the goal here! Andrew, Laura and Clare have trained stringently in all temperatures over a 2½year period before starting to reap the rewards of their efforts. Dinga has other squad members working hard towards their goals as well. The group contains players of varying ages. If anyone is interested in joining this advanced squad they should discuss this with Dinga. At present he is one of the freelance shadow coaches on U/15’s and runs a skills based session for U/11’s on Tuesday afternoons. The Advanced Squad trains on Wednesdays. Graham’s expertise not only lies with the coaching of players at State level but he himself was one of the longest standing goalkeeper’s for NSW so he has a wealth of knowledge (and training) to impart to any interested goalkeeper’s out there.

Of course, for those of you who want to improve your hockey but aren’t quite as serious as that we also cater for you. U/15’s coaches, Vicki Camps (Smash), Samantha Dunk (Glass), Justin Smith (Elders), Sharon Falconer & Warren Banks (ANZ), U/11’s - Melissa Gourlay & Maxine Sanford, along with freelancer Brenda Hannan are all happy working with their various charges. Regular commitment to training and participation is strongly encouraged at all levels.

More men arriving each week: We had to mention, with great pleasure, the number of new men joining each week. It’s not just the steady increase that has been nice but the actual calibre of gent we are receiving. Dads, brothers, husbands, partners - it’s all good. When the mixed competition was first created there was a fair amount of trepidation but it continues to move from strength to strength. This year in particular we are welcoming many new faces and the best part is they are all nice fellas. (Not forgetting all the great girls.) It is appreciated the bibbed males’ PUSH ONLY rule requires going against natural inclination to hit and many men have to consider their size and speed when effecting tackles on smaller players, but guys - you’re doing a great job! Please keep up the good work! Hockey is so much the better for our combined efforts.

Whilst on the subject of the men, thanks to those guys that are coaching. Dinga has been with us for some time but having Justin Smith and Warren Banks join in coaching juniors brings a wealth of new ideas and styles. The association, both boys and girls can only benefit from this involvement.

A number of guys also carry their weight in umpiring roles too, thanks especially to Anthony Clarke who always makes himself available. It’s much appreciated on those more challenging games.

And to all the ladies keeping all these blokes in line and on time, and doing all the things women do in an association such as ours - you’re very much appreciated too!

U/11’s players: that are also playing U/15’s are required to fulfil their 11’s commitment. It is important to continue to compete at a level where “you are the top of the heap”. This builds confidence and self-esteem, develops leadership to younger players in the age group, and helps develop positioning, skills and rules knowledge. You become a better all rounded player if you have the opportunity to grow within your own age group. We are very excited that we have such an eager band of U/11’s transitioning to U/15’s, but up there you are at the bottom of the heap. Relish your time as the ‘big” people and ensure you do U/11’s before your 15’s games. Play in 2 divisions for the price of one!

This weekend:

Minkey: 11.30am

U/11’s: 11.15am Big Mc’s Green v Nuggets Yellow

Fries Blue v Cheeseburgers Red

U/15’s:12.30pm:

Field 1: Cowra Glass v Cowra Smash Repairs, Ump: Aussie Hotel

Field 3: ANZ Arrows v Elders Red, Ump: Canowindra

Seniors; 1.45pm

Field 1: Railway Hotel v Canowindra, Ump: Townhouse Hotel

Field 3: LJ Hooker v Aussie Hotel, Ump: The Valley Hotel

3.10pm Field 1: Townhouse Hotel v The Valley Hotel Ump: Railway Hotel/LJ Hooker

BYE: Elder Big Reds

Canteen U/15 - Cowra Smash Repair Seniors - Railway Hotel