Mid West hockey set for a big boost with official opening of the ‘world class’ turf at Iluka Stadium

Local government officials have shown their support for Mid West hockey, turning out at the Iluka Hockey Stadium ahead of this week’s Festival of Hockey and official opening of the turf upgrade. The $840,000 project was delivered on budget and on schedule, largely thanks to the support of Mike Bowley, the Midwest Sports Federation chairman and his team over the past three years. Deputy Mayor for the City of Greater Geraldton, Jerry Clune was in attendance. The City played an important role in the project providing a self-supporting loan to the Geraldton Hockey Association and guiding the 10-year financial plan of the project. Midwest regional manager for Iluka Resources, Courtney Ackland, said the company also had a significant role as major sponsor for the stadium, providing long-term stability to the GHA and hockey in the Midwest. The stadium will have its official opening this weekend, commencing with the Perth League games between Reds (Aquinians) and Hale. This will be a top of the table bout with State, international and local Midwest talent on show. Over 100 visitors from Perth are expected to visit the Midwest over the weekend. Meanwhile in week three of the local men’s A-grade competition, Casuals defeated Yacht Club 5-1 on Friday night. Dan Golding scored two goals for Casuals while Paule Stobes, Gus Osborn and Tedd Kerr scored one each. While Michael Evans scored a mere consolation goal for Yacht Club. Later that night, Australs played Murchison and came out on top 1-0, after a goal from Kyle Rainer. On Saturday afternoon, Saints beat Rovers 3-0. Adam Burrows scored a double for his side and Jack Hoskins added another. In the women’s A-grade, Cardinals and Australs faced off on Friday night with a close match that finished 4-3 in favour of Cardinals. Gemma Dix scored all 4 goals for Cardinals, while Australs’ Dale Cleary, Eleasha Donovan and Sienna Norgett chipped in one goal apiece. In the following match, Murchison played Swans and won 3-0. Grace Royce, Holly Carter and Bianca Clarke all got on the score sheet for Murchison. In the men’s A-reserve, Casuals secured a 3-1 win over Saints on Saturday afternoon. Angus Grant, Zak Williamson and Sam Owen shared the goals for Casuals while Karl NG added one for the Saints. Yacht Club produced a dominant display against Rovers, winning 4-0. Sunni Hunt had a good day in front of goal scoring twice, while Jay O’Sullivan and Dean Schwarz completed the rout. In the women’s A-reserve, Saints Black beat Swans 4-0 on Thursday night, two goals from Lisa Norris putting the match out of reach for Swans. While Amy Williamson and Charlene Miller scored one each. In the other game of the week, Cardinals edged a tight match against Australs, coming out 1 -0 victors. Meg Cinnani scored the winner for Cardinals.