Dubbo’s open women’s side is determined to be competitive and surprise some of the powerhouses at this weekend’s Hockey NSW Indoor State Championships.
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The team heads to Goulburn on Friday for the three-day tournament and for the first time ever Dubbo will be competing in Division 1.
That means taking on the state’s best sides and also some national players but team manager Kate Corcoran said her side is ready for the occasion.
“It’s very exciting and I believe it’s what any good hockey player strives to play,” she said.
“It’s where you want to be and you want to have the best players coming at you. The girls are nervous but they’re up for it as well.”
The Pat Mould-trained Dubbo side has been placed in Pool B, alongside the imposing Illawarra South Coast 3, Nepean 1, Metro South West 2 and Northern Sydney and Beaches.
The first fixture is against Metro South West 2 on Friday evening.
“It should be exciting but it’s a challenge at the same time,” Corcoran said, before speaking about what differentiates indoor from outdoor hockey.
“Fitness plays a large part of indoor and it’s a lot more strategic because there’s less players on at one time.”
“There’s certain plays and it’s a game where every player has to stand up and own their position and their part of the game.
“There are so many more touches of the ball in indoor and it’s a fast and exciting game.”
The Dubbo side is stacked with talent, led by the likes of Alex Waters, Courtney Hogan and Australian Country representative Emma Corcoran while promising young goalkeeper Sammy Lincoln is expected to be kept busy between the posts.
While Dubbo may not possess the all-round or individual talent of other sides, Corcoran said it’s big benefit is the fact the bulk of the side has been playing together for years.
A number of the younger players have come through the age groups together while almost the entire side plays outdoor Premier League Hockey together.
“Their structure and trust in each other is really outstanding,” Corcoran said.
“You can really see those different dynamics out there and see how it all works.
“I believe we’ll be competitive and we’re going to be against Australian indoor players but it’s all what we’re aiming to be one day.”
Dubbo takes on Metro South West 2 at 6pm on Friday evening.
In terms of other western hopes, Bathurst will be in Pool A of Division 1 while Orange and Parkes are both in Pool B in Division 2.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
