Hong Kong team debut at Bay's feast of hockey

The Hong Kong women's hockey team were mixing with other teams in the Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey's Affiliates tournament at Park Island in Napier last night. They will play the Hawke's Bay women's team at Park Island at 6pm tonight. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey is officially under way, with teams from as far afield as Hong Kong in town for the first tournament of the event.

A gathering of teams was hosted at Park Island in Napier last night, ahead of the opening games of the Affiliates Tournament today.

Hawke's Bay Sports Events and Education Consortium event director David Nancarrow said it was a chance for the teams to mix and mingle before competition.

"This year the tournament is boosted by having the Hong Kong women's team, which is great. They are here for the first time."

The Affiliates Tournament leads into the Hawke's Bay Cup tournament, beginning next Saturday.

Eight international teams will vie for the cup, including newcomers the US women's team, who arrived in the region yesterday morning.

Australia, China and Japan are all due to arrive today.

The tournament kicks off this Saturday, with China and India clashing at 1.30pm. The Black Sticks women's team will play their opening match of the tournament against Japan at 7.30pm.

Meanwhile, Hawke's Bay women's team striker Tinesha Carey said her team were gearing up to take on Hong Kong at 6pm at Park Island tonight.

"We're really excited for this year, it's always a good tournament. We're keen to see what [Hong Kong] are like."

The second annual Hawke's Bay Festival of Hockey runs from today until April 19, with more than 80 games hosted at the Regional Sports Park and Park Island.

For tickets and further festival information, visit the website www.hockeyfestival.nz.