Local fans were stoked to see Hockeyroo Mariah Williams play at home on Saturday.
A good crowd of almost 900 were treated to top class hockey in Parkes on Saturday when several Kookaburras and Hockeyroos were playing in the first ever Hockey One match in a regional centre.
“It was just fantastic. We had a good crowd and quality games,” said event manager Ian Westcott.
The second match of the day featured local star Mariah Williams playing for NSW Pride. She gave her local fans lots to cheer about as her team beat Canberra Chill 6 – 0. In the men’s game Canberra Chill came out on top with a 3 – 0 win.
The men’s and women’s matches were the final games for the second season of the Sultana-Bran Hockey One League and decided the make-up of the final series.
Mariah said before the match she was a bit nervous as usual, but it was great to be playing at home. She was handing out signatures before and after the game to young players who were very excited to meet her.
Ian said Parkes Hockey Incorporated had received lots of positive comments from the players and from Parkes supporters. World Hockey Player Award recipient Jamie Dwyer, who was guest speaker at a Celebration of Hockey dinner on Saturday night, said in his speech what a great event it was and that these competitions should be held in more regional centres.
Mariah Williams with two fans.