2017 will see Beaches Hockey Club field 2 teams, Urunga Hockey Club field 1, and Norths Hockey Club, Bellingen Hockey Club, and Southside Hockey Club enter a joint venture called the Barbarians. 

Round 3 of competition saw the Barbarians take on Beaches Green. Both teams played excellent hockey for the full 60mins. 

Beaches’ midfield was the big difference between the two teams on the night however, feeding quality ball into their strike forward line. 

The Beaches’ marksmen found their target several times including a cracker from midfielder Kieran Marshall, roofing the ball past Matt Geall in the Barbarians net. 

After their halftime talk, the Barbarians took to the field refocused, firming up their defence and creating some quality attacking opportunities down the pitch. 

Beaches’ defence proved to be too strong for the Barbarians’ attacking raids though, keeping the new venture scoreless.

Full time: Beaches Green 8, Barbarians 0.   

“The move into Division 1 and Division 2 men’s hockey has been a really positive move for Hockey Coffs Coast” said Phil Jackwitz, Hockey NSW’s Regional Coaching Coordinator. 

“Every club has stepped up to meet the needs of local hockey and as a result, junior hockey now has an improved pathway for the development of our male youth. 

“There are plenty of talented boys and young men hockey players with great potential here on the Coffs Coast and now they can play in a local competition where the best play against the best. 

“The move has also attracted plenty of interest from men out there who once played hockey that are looking to return to the game. These are exciting times.”

Visit Hockey Coffs Coast for more information on how to join a club: www.hockeycoffscoast.com.au/home/