National hockey league to conclude in Bendigo

THE country’s best field hockey players will be in Bendigo in November for the finals of the Sultana Bran Hockey One League season.

On 19 and 20 November, the semi finals and grand final will be held at the Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex.

The second season of the national league features seven men’s and women’s teams from Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Perth, New South Wales, and Tasmania.

Hockey One general manager Andy Crook said it’s important to get the growing league into as many communities as possible.

“To have the best four teams in the women’s and men’s Sultana Bran Hockey One League vying for the respective trophies over an action-packed weekend in Bendigo is a huge coup for the sporting community in the region,” he said.

“The league is still in its infancy, and we are keen to trial this format for the finals series to see how it goes as there is a lot of potential and prospective benefits in it.

“We thank the Victorian Government, City of Greater Bendigo, and Hockey Victoria for their interest, enthusiasm, and support in holding the finals series in Bendigo.

“Bendigo has a strong hockey and sporting community, and I am sure they, together with travelling supporters of the competing clubs, will create a fitting atmosphere for the league’s main event.”

Bendigo’s hockey facilities have previously hosted an international event in 2017 which saw the Kookaburras and Hockeyroos face off against other nations.

City of Greater Bendigo manager of tourism and major events Terry Karamaloudis said the municipality is well suited to host the finals series.

“We are very excited to be hosting the top teams in men’s and women’s competitions at our world-class Bendigo Regional Hockey Complex,” he said.

“Our passionate sporting community are in for a treat watching all the action from the best of Australian hockey in this new format finals series.”