Crookwell was represented by 27 players entering two teams, the first in the over 35s division and the second in the over 50s division.

The over 50s first game on Friday, played in great weather conditions, was against Illawarra. We won this game 1-0. Goal scorer was Annie Reeves and best and fairest for the match was Kathy Clements.

The second game on Friday was played against the Southern Highlands and we lost this game 1-0. Best and fairest for the match was awarded to Jenny Hall.

The oldies were up early on Saturday morning due to an 8am game.

With frost on the ground and a cool breeze blowing, we played Wagga Wagga on a very ordinary field (up hill, down dale and slanted). We won the toss and took the down advantage, but Wagga proved too strong, having the downhill advantage in the second half defeating us 2-1. Goal scorer was Kathy Clements and best and fairest for the match went to Meg Jones.

The over 50s second match on Saturday was played against Southern Highlands which we lost in controversial circumstances 2-1. (Crookwell had two goals disallowed). Goal scorer was Sharon Fahey and best and fairest went to Anne Reeves.

The third and final game for Saturday saw the over 50s play Wagga Wagga again on a not much better field than before, yet in warmer conditions. In this game we held them to a 1 all draw. Goal was Lucy McDonald and Lucy also took out the best and fairest award.

Friday and Saturday games saw a few injured players, but with Saturday now finished the old, the young and the wounded headed back to the motel to get ready for the night ahead.

We went to the local hotel where we enjoyed Thai and Aussie tucker and the attire for the night was ‘Mad Hats’ and ‘Crazy Socks’ and mad hats there were, pot plants, chickens, tiaras and flashing glitter hats to name a few. After a welcome and an initiation to the new players, fines were then handed out, which gave one and all a good laugh. With a live band playing it was time to dance the night away and keep the stiffness at bay.

Sunday morning rolled around far too quickly, but we knew this was our final day with the over 50s playing their last game of the tournament. The over 50s team played against Illawarra in a fun-filled, good sportsmanship game and came away winning our final game 2-0. Goal scorers were Anne Reeves and Lucy McDonald and best and fairest went to Sharon Fahey.

Their tournament had come to an end, finishing third, a great achievement. Well done! The ‘young uns’ were holding together well despite having a few injured players.

A special thank you is extended to the following people: Maree Laverty as our bus driver, Kathy Robertson over 35s manager, Mandi Smith for her secretarial skills, Graeme Reeves and Brad Marf as number one supporters, bag carriers, water boys and much more, Katie Nolan over 50s umpire and the 27 players for a fun filled weekend of hockey.

The team; (Back) Kathy Clements, Meg Jones, Sharon Fahey, Janet Haynes, Janelle Johns, Lucy McDonald, Jenny Hall. (Front) Maryanne Smith, Anne Reeves, Sheree Rice, Catherine Dooley, Kathy Collins, Maree Laverty, Jenny Hall.