Nelson Bay Hockey Club conducted its annual grand final day at the Salamander hockey fields on September 7 in gusty conditions.
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There was a great turn out of players for the last day of Minkeys, with quite a few players demonstrating that they were ready to move up to the under 11s competition when hockey competition returns in 2020.
In the under 11 decider, Barracudas and Primemovers finished at 1-all after extra time, with Primemovers declared champions after finishing higher on the pointscore ladder.
It was another close tussle in the under 13s between Barracudas (pointscore leaders all year) and Hotshots, who recorded the upset of the day winning 2-1.
The under 15s was won by Barracudas over Warriors through a penalty stroke in extra time after the teams were also locked at 1-all at full time.
In the seniors Warriors and Hotshots remained locked at 1-all at full time and after golden goal extra time. Both teams dropped four players, but after nearly another hour of end-to-end attack and defence, the match was stopped and the teams declared joint major premiers.
Best and Fairest awards were presented to Primemovers - Jasper Gippell; Barracudas - Melinda Anderson; Taipans - Dan McKay; Warriors - Sam Osborne-Zorbas; Hotshots - Nick Churchill; Overall - Nick Churchill.
100 games - Wayne Anderson; Metta Henderson Award for 'Greatest Contribution to Junior Hockey' - Ian McLeod; Jeff Young Memorial Award for Club Person of the Year - Cathy Churchill
This year the club focused on the development of players and increasing the retention rate of teenage girls by establishing a mentoring program under the guidance of Roxanne Gwyn-Kabayama. "The aim of the program is to connect the girls to the more senior players and allow the girls to feel more confident and supported when they are attending games."
The club for the first time also offered a rebate on club fees to all girls aged 12-18 who registered to play for the 2019 season as part of the mentoring program.
Hockey NSW ran an umpiring clinic at the club with the top NSW state coach, the result of a competition that the club won. Robyn Leggett attended the special night, where she spoke about her journey to become an Olympian. She shared some wonderful stories and was very inspirational.
Nelson Bay is one of the strongest around and the only one to increase registrations - a big nod to the club growing numbers against intense competition from the newer sports that are attracting large numbers of girls away from their traditional choices of hockey and netball.
As a feeder club for the Hornets, a common interest between both clubs has been formed and is expected to continue for years to come.
The club was also fortunate to have Kate Jenner, a NSW coach and Australian representative, attend a goalie clinic and spend time developing the skills of Bay juniors.
There was also a big contingent of representative players from the Over 35s men's, over 40s ladies, who won at the Masters tournament in Bathurst, under 18 boys, under 15 boys and under 13 girls. The club also participated in the annual Maitland Carnival, where Nelson Bay again performed well under trying conditions.
At the junior presentation day, all new players received a plaque, acknowledging their 2019 season, runners up and winners. Coaches' certificates were awarded to team players, most improved and most consistent players. A free barbecue rounded out the day. The seniors presentation was held at the Port Stephens Yacht Club.
"What a season for Nelson Bay Hockey Club, it is so good to see the confidence levels increase in the kids and adults as their skills grow."