History Article

President's Hockey

Northern History | History
 
The idea of Presidents hockey came about during the winter 1995 when a group of retired players agreed that they missed each others company - they and their spouses didn't get together often enough and needed an 'excuse' to do so!

Merv Trezise and Murray Down decided in early 1996 to ring around the recently retired Premier One and Two players to gather interest in forming a squad.

They discovered there were many who were interested in playing on a regular basis, on the condition that there were no practices!

The executive was comfortable with the proposal and so a President's team was formed and entered in the regular competition. The foundation players were; Wayne Dyer, Bruce Horsfield, Murray Young, Willy Kennedy, Wilhelm Bartholomeusz, Phil Potter, Warren Goff, Merv Trezise, Murray Down, Brian Manton, Grant Nicholas, Brian Nicholas, Steve Millar, Nev Gajadhar, Warren Lane, and Rob Greer - Wilhelm was the only person on this list intending to play in 1996.

The idea was an instant success with many player's families turning up to watch and participate in after-match festivities.

The standard of hockey was good and all the players enjoyed the competition. Over half of the original team are still playing today, and in keeping with tradition, many of the newer players have joined after retiring from Premier One and Two.

Over the years it has been necessary to run a large squad because players have had other priorities (family commitments or golf) and injuries always add to the toll of those unavailable for selection.

Frequently part-time players were called in to fill a spot and it was a thrill for several Dad's to play alongside their sons. Youngsters lucky enough to take the field were Ray and Nick Goff, Sundep Gajadhar and more recently Terry Down.

For many years the team was sponsored by Jay's Bar in Johnsonville. We were grateful for Merv's efforts in obtaining this support which was realised through money for subs, club shirts and track tops.

In the early years a roster was developed to oversee the provision of a pack of stubbies to be consumed immediately following the conclusion of each match. Although other teams took some amusement in this ritual, the association did not share their sense of humour, and after the pressure went on the practice was discontinued.

Some years the Umpires Association was unable to supply referees to all grades, and it was necessary to provide our own. We all took turns at reffing 2-3 half-games a year, but it was still extraordinary the lengths some players would go to in order to avoid the task! One player got his brother to do it for him while others threatened to not show up on the day.

Special mention must be given to Mike Heath who, although not a player, frequently took the pressure off the players by filling in with the whistle.

2003 was a huge year in which we used no fewer than 24 players. It was frequently difficult to field a full team but somehow we always managed.

During that year we utilised what must be a record seven goalies; Bruce Horsfield, John Nicholson, Dave Roper, Patrick Bryant, Jonothan Forgeson, Grant Nicholas and Brett Down.

No matter where the ground was, or what the weather conditions were, Rex was there with his stopwatch and (usually) insightful half time comments.

The team's two 'best and fairest' trophies have been it's most treasured and contested possessions. There have been a large variety of people asked to select the winners each week, ranging from umpires, spectators, and injured players through to wives and Rex himself!

One heavily debated point after each game is who won the points, and the calibre of those who awarded them. In 2005 four team members represented Wellington at the Master's Tournament in Tauranga: Jono Mackie, Pete Thomas, Arthur, Mahon and Steve Millar - congratulations!

The year also sees the team off to a good start, progressing up to Premier Three after winning Reserve One in 2004 and performing well in the grading competition.

Written by Murray Down.
 
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