Mt Eden hockey club hits 100

This year Mt Eden Hockey celebrates its centenary, after being founded in 1912. 

It was then that the late Mrs W.Fuller (nee Prothero) formed the club, at a meeting in Cromwell Rd, Mt Eden - adopting the colours brown and purple.

The doyen of Auckland ladies' hockey, Miss Pearl Dawson, joined the club in 1915, becoming captain and coach in 1917, a position she held for many years. She later became president.

The archives refer to the 'flying five' from Mt Eden: Pearl Dawson as left wing, Mavis Butland, Girlie Lowe and Dot and Iris Hamlin.

The photo shows the premier team in 1981 at Melville Park. This includes Miss Dawson, who continued to attend matches well into her 90's. She was a life member of Mt Eden.

Stalwarts of the club include Margaret Chappell (umpire), who was a New Zealand player, and played for Mt Eden and Auckland for many years.

Former player Betty Griffen is currently the patroness, and at one stage Betty had 12 of her grandchildren playing in Mt Eden junior teams.

Alison Davidson is still playing club and masters hockey, and is a long time organiser of the Mt Eden Junior teams.

Back in 1981 the club had three teams - it now has 27, comprising men wome and juniors, and 300 players.

WHAT: Mt Eden Hockey Club centennial celebrations

WHEN June 2.  Reunion games are being held at the Auckland Grammar turf:

Reunion Women v Mt Eden Youth Girls

Reunion Men v Mt Eden Premier Men

Evening dinner at Alexandra Park, with guest speakers, and release of the Centenary film and booklet.

MORE INFO Click the Mt Eden site here.

* This sports report was sent in by Alison Davidson. If you have a sports event or story, please send it in through the content box at right.