FORMER international umpire Dave Gentles and current Australian Country under 21 women and Western Region Academy of Sport head coach Wayne ‘Wally’ Gaynor will be on hand to watch over the Western Premier League gala day at Orange Hockey Centre on Saturday.
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During the gala day’s three men’s premier league matches, and one women’s clash, Gentles and Gaynor will pass their knowledge on to aspiring players and coaches.
Gentles will umpire the first game of the day, Orange Wanderers versus Lithgow Zig-Zag, alongside Orange’s Adam Cowden, while Gaynor will host discussions throughout the day on advanced game analysis, for the more knowledgable coaches and players.
Orange Men’s Hockey chairperson Beth Shea said beginners won’t be left out either, with prominent members of the local hockey community conducting similar seminars on basic umpiring, advanced umpiring and “hockey made easy”.
“There will be something for everyone on the day,” Shea said.
“It’s a big day, there will be a barbecue as well.”
The gala day coincides with the gold anniversary of a continuous men’s competition.
“This year the men are celebrating 50 continuous years,” Shea said.
“We have invited some people to come for the gala day. Dave is going to come out of retirement and umpire a game for us. He’ll also run some advanced umpiring discussions during the other games.
“Wally Gaynor will work on the fist two games. He will do some advanced game analysis. So players and coaches can sit and talk with him about the game they’re watching.
“We’re hoping for support from the whole hockey community.”
The first game starts at 1.10pm, while in the gala day’s other games Lithgow Panthers take on Souths at 2.35pm, Parkes United play St Pat’s at 3.55pm and in the women’s game, Ex-Services clash with Kinross-CYMS at 5.15pm.
