Community
17 October, 2022
"Gazza´s Goss: Beach hockey has Greg looking bronze!"
THE ‘Sandy Sticks’ beach hockey tournament has become a regular event on the Douglas Shire Calendar.
As well as providing a fun weekend for both locals and visitors, the game of hockey, in general, has found a forever home in Far North Queensland, thanks to the efforts of local enthusiast Greg Mill.
Greg, from Port Douglas, has just returned from the Gold Coast where the Australian National Men’s Masters Hockey Championships were held a week ago.
Teams attended from all around Australia and covered the age groups from 35 up to 75. The standard was very high with a large number of ex state and international players competing.
Greg coached the over 60’s Division 1 team, who managed to get through the playoff rounds without a loss. They went on to play Western Australia in the semi-final and after being in control for half the match, unfortunately had three players suffer injuries, eventually losing 2-1.
The team then played off against arch rivals NSW and scored a goal with a minute to go, to take the bronze medal.
Now back on home soil, or sand, Greg is preparing for some Sun, Sand, Music and Beach Hockey action.
Playing hockey in sand might seem like an impossible task, but if you’ve ever watched a game or had a go yourself, like I did a couple of years ago, then you’ll know it’s definitely fun.
From October 22 to 24, the third Sandy Sticks Festival is taking place in beautiful Port Douglas and is a must see for all sports fans.
A beach hockey team is made up of five players (mixed teams) and an official match lasts 16 minutes. Players run in their bare feet and the sandy playing surface certainly adds a new dimension to the game, providing a real test of the players’ individual skills and teamwork.
The ball is in the air for much of the game creating spectacular airborne tackles and dribbles, plus acrobatic displays from the keepers. On average there are 30 shots at goal in a match, so plenty of action is guaranteed.
The official start of the Sandy Sticks Beach Hockey Festival is on Saturday 22nd of October for junior players and then Sunday 23rd for adults, kicking off from 8.30 am on Four Mile Beach. The finals and championship presentations will be at the end of the day.
There will also be a welcome function on Saturday night from 6.00pm at the Tin Shed for players, families and supporters.
If you fancy a try, there’ll be a number of practice pitches laid with sticks and balls available for all-comers. Everyone is welcome to register a team or simply just watch the action.
Teams will be coming from throughout Queensland, plus the first international team from Sierra Leone.
To register or find out more, contact greg@beachhockeyaustralia.com or call 0481086056
I’m off to polish my stick, so for now it’s Gazza signing out!
Send your stories to gazza@cairnslocalnews.com.au
