Gisborne's high-performing hockey umpire brings up her century

TONNE OF TESTS: Gisborne's high-performing hockey umpire Amber Church achieved a significant milestone in her career this month, when she chalked up her 100th test in an officiating career spanning 13 years. File picture

Gisborne hockey's Olympic and World Cup umpire Amber Church marked her 100th international game this month when she officiated in the fourth and final transtasman test between the women's Black Sticks and the Hockeyroos.

Church officiated in all four tests in the series, which Australia won 2-0, with two tests drawn.

Hockey NZ posted on its social media site: “Massive congratulations to Amber Church on her 100th test match officiating — a very special achievement for one of the best in the game.”

The achievement came 13 years after Church's first test match in Nelson.

“Amber completed her 100th in front of a great home crowd,” the post said.

She will receive a “gold-coloured whistle” to mark the occasion, and the presentation will most likely happen at the next World Cup event in July.

“It feels pretty surreal, to be honest, to reach 100 internationals,” Church said.

“It was really special to be able to do it in front of a home crowd, and my family were there for it too, which was extra special.”

Church said it was humbling to get so many text and email messages and phone calls congratulating her on the milestone.

“I really appreciate all that support.”

As for the future?

“I'm enjoying what I'm doing, and I still think I've got something to offer.

“As long as that feeling remains, I will keep going.”

The next Hockey World Cup will be played in Spain and the Netherlands, and Church will be based in Spain.

She will travel from Spain to the UK and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she will umpire.

“This will be my first Commonwealth Games and I am very excited about it.

“Comm Games have always been an extra-meaningful event for New Zealanders and I am really looking forward to being there.”