Upper Great Southern Hockey Association strongly represented at Hockey Australia Country Challenge in Albany

The Upper Great Southern Association had a healthy representation in the WA country women’s and men’s hockey teams competing at the national championships in Albany this week. Four UGSHA players are part of the women’s and men’s squads that are facing off against teams from across the country in the Hockey Australia Country Challenge that runs from August 6 to 13. The competition comprised teams from NSW, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and the Australian Defence Force, along with hosts WA. All Blacks Hockey Club representative Liam Sweeney and Warriors Hockey Club’s Nick Corner are in the WA men’s side. Zeta O’Rourke (All Blacks) and Emily Ballantyne (Warriors) are representing their clubs in the WA women’s team. It is Corner’s first selection in the WA men’s side, while Sweeney has previous State country experience. Ballantyne has also played in the tournament previously, and O’Rourke is representing WA for the third time. The UGSHA cohort said they were thrilled to have the opportunity to compete at a tournament close to home. Ballantyne, 24, said it was exciting to play alongside a fresh group of players. “It’s been great; we’ve got quite a lot of fresh faces in the team this year,’ she said. “I’ve been lucky enough to go away a couple of times before. “We’ve had a lot of girls from a lot of different associations this year. “Just to have the girls out there getting the new experience and reconnecting with some of the girls you’ve been with before and seeing us all come together, it’s been a good experience. “I’m pretty lucky. My dad’s parents are actually from Mt Barker, so being this close to their home has been quite nice for them to be able to watch some really high quality hockey.” O’Rourke said the experience of playing in a State squad had been great. “I look forward to playing a high level of hockey with great people and learning some new things,” the 35-year old said. “My husband and kids have been down to watch. Sweeney said the men’s tournament was a tightly contested competition. “I think the competition seems pretty even this year,” the 22-year-old said. “It’s a great experience down here. “I’ve been away a couple of times now which is really good; there’s some quality competition. Corner, 23, said he had been impressed with the level of competition. “It’s been a really good experience so far but it’s been really challenging,” he said.