Two of Australia’s oldest hockey clubs will continue a tradition going back over 100 years, when Sydney University Hockey Club (SUHC) takes on Melbourne University Hockey Club (MUHC) on Saturday November 23.
Sydney University defeated Melbourne University in last year’s women’s game in Melbourne, while the result was flipped in a close fought men’s encounter. This year, for the first time, there will also be a mixed social game.
Taking place at Cintra Park in Concord, Sydney, Sydney Uni Hockey Club President Ben Chiarella believes that spectators will be treated to some exciting hockey and a fierce contest.
“Both clubs are extremely excited at the spectacle of doing battle on the hockey field once again,” said Chiarella.
“Over 200 years of combined history, passion and tradition always makes for an exciting day and November 23rd will be no different.”
Suiting up for Sydney University is a host of top class players, including women’s first grade captain Fiona Tout (former NSW U18), Greta Hayes (NSW U18), Nina Khoury (Australia U21), men’s first grade captain Mark Crennan, Jackie Tran (NSW U18 and U21), Peter Kelly (Indian Super League), Tom Lobsey (NSW) and Troy Rossiter (Australian Indoor).
“We are looking at fielding the majority of our men’s and women’s premier players wherever possible and we are confident that we can take home wins in the men’s and the women’s games for 2013,” explained Chiarella.
The competition between SUHC and MUHC is Australia’s longest-running hockey club rivalry, in addition to being arguably the longest running competition between men’s and women’s teams from any field sport in Australia.
The clubs are two of Australia’s oldest hockey clubs: SUHC began in 1906, just one year before MUHC. The first game between the two rivals was played in 1909. That year the Sydney team took several days to travel to Melbourne for the match, which MUHC won. Sydney won the return game in 1910, and also won the first women’s game in 1911.
Apart from plenty of great hockey action, which starts at 11am, the day will also include a BBQ and a DJ playing throughout the day.
11am-12pm – Juniors 7-a-side
12-12:30pm – SUHC AGM
1:00-2:30pm – Mixed Social Match
2:30-4pm – Women’s 1sts
4:00-5:30pm – Men’s 1sts
