Hockey: Four Nations highlight for Blake Park

Stacey Michelsen (Black Sticks) breaks past two Argentina players in the Four Nations final.

It has been a year to savour for the Tauranga Hockey Association.

The completion of the multi-million dollar project to install two world class playing turfs was the catalyst for a succession of highlights that culminated in hosting the Four Nations international women's tournament between the Black Sticks, USA, Korea and Argentina.

The event took place despite massive flooding caused by 111mm of rain the night before but the weather was kind for a succession of highly successful events held at the top class facilities at Blake Park.

Tauranga Hockey's general manager Clyde du Toit says 2013 has been an outstanding success.

"We opened the new turfs with the New Beginnings Hockey Festival on April 6," said du Toit.

"That was a fantastic day with our littlies right up to our premier men and women playing. We were fortunate that our three Black Sticks Gemma Flynn, Sam Charlton and Rosie Keddell came down from their training camp to be at the opening and Steve Graham was there as well.

"The Four Nations was two weeks later and was a huge success despite the weather. But we got four games of hockey on and it showcased the differences of our two turfs that we have the flexibility of being able to play in different conditions."

Tauranga had a good representation in the inaugural Midlands Regional Under-18 men's and women's teams, with the men winning gold. Hamish McGeorge, Fran Davis and Amy Robinson were selected for the New Zealand Under-18 team.

Tauranga Under-18 girls won gold at the Under-18 Association Tournament for the first time and a number of local players represented Midlands at the National Masters Tournament.

Bayleys Otumoetai Premier men's and women's teams both won the Midlands Intercity Competition - the men for the first time in more than 10 years and the women for the fifth straight year.

The hockey centre also hosted the opening round of the National Hockey League, when Midlands took on Auckland, and the Mayhill Cup secondary schoolboy tournament won by Bethlehem College. Finally the massive AIMS Games arrived with 56 boys and girls teams competing.

Du Toit is encouraged by the rapid growth in playing numbers over the last year, particularly in the key younger age groups.

"We have had a growth in playing numbers from 2083 to 2203, or 5.8 per cent, which is really exciting. This is mainly in our primary and intermediate age groups which is really great as that is the foundation for the years to come. That's down to our in-school programme through Kiwi Sport funding that Sue Furmage runs for us and Frankie Trani, who is our Coach Force officer, are really getting into the schools and doing some really good work exposing primary school kids and teachers to the game of hockey.

A major upgrade of the lighting is under way as part of the second phase of the turf upgrade. The lighting will be increased to 500 Lux on both the turfs which is closer to the level to host night internationals.

Summer Hockey League got under way last week on Monday and Wednesday nights and runs until mid-December.

Du Toit would like to see more tertiary aged adults taking up hockey and says they will work hard with tertiary institutions to achieve this. But overall he could not be happier with how the year went.

"My goal is to make the Tauranga Hockey Centre an international venue that can be enjoyed by players and spectators alike," said du Toit.