Orange trio help NSW to medals at veterans’ championships

ORANGE ladies have brought home gold and silver medals from the Australian Women’s Veterans’ Hockey Championships.

Sue Hope was part of the NSW over-60s team which claimed gold while Mel Hope and Alex Murray won silver for NSW in the over-35s.

The over-60s went through the tournament in Canberra undefeated with wins against ACT (6-0), Queensland (3-0), Victoria (2-1) and Western Australia (1-0).

The NSW ladies had a solid 5-1 semi-final win over Western Australia before downing Victoria 2-1 in the gold medal play-off.

Queensland was the only team which was able to get on top of NSW in the over-35s division.

NSW recorded wins against ACT (2-0), Tasmania (1-0), Victoria (2-1) and Western Australia (3-1) but suffered a 5-0 loss to Queensland during the round matches.

In the semi-finals NSW downed Victoria 3-2 to earn a place in the gold medal play-off.

In the final Queensland came out firing and took an early lead.

NSW were able to hit back in the second half but were unable to close the gap and Queensland won 5-2.

Sue Hope said winning gold this year was special.

“It was wonderful to be on the field this year. The last time they won gold I was injured for it,” Sue said.

“To have Mel (Sue’s daughter) supporting me in my final and then watch her run out for a final was fantastic. It was very special.”

There was a strong representation from Orange at the national championships with four more ladies lining up for Northern Territory teams.

Paula Beattie was part of the over-45s, while Pam Johnson, Lorraine Cullen and Ruth Dwyer played for the over-55s.