Hockey: Trans-Tasman Masters do battle

Whangarei Hockey Centre is hosting the Trans-Tasman Masters Challenge, which held its opening ceremony yesterday afternoon. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Intense rivalries will be heating up the turfs as the Trans-Tasman Masters Challenge is played at the Whangarei Hockey Centre this week.

The bi-annual event sees seven men's and six women's age groups between 35+ to 65+ each playing a three test series, so there will be plenty of action to be seen from Tuesday to Saturday.

The New Zealand squads, which were selected in November, include 10 Northlanders with another five named as non-travelling reserves so we can expect to see the local players get some good game time during the week.

Hockey Northland CEO Grant McLeod said hopes are high for a good showing.

"Traditionally we have been quite strong in [the master's age group], we have some people with good longevity and it's cool for them to come and play in their home of hockey, so I hope they perform well and enjoy it," he said.

McLeod admits it will be tough for the home sides but hopes they get some support from a good Northland crowd.

"I think the Aussies might hold some whip-hand a bit, with their player numbers they tend to have a little bit better teams, especially in the lower age groups," McLeod said.

"It should be a pretty good rivalry so we are looking forward to some good hockey."

McLeod said having the tournament in Whangarei gives great exposure to the region.

"We are hosting 39 masters test matches in the course of six days, which is quite a lot, so that's a bit unheard of around here."

"The visitors will get an opportunity to see a bit of Whangarei and also the region of Northland because they will have rest days and they won't be training between tests too much."

Entry to the Whangarei Hockey Centre is free all week with games played between 10am and 4pm from Tuesday through Saturday.