PORTLAND Hockey Club’s under-18s kicked off their season on Saturday, taking on Technique in round one of the Warrnambool District Hockey Association.
Portland travelled to Warrnambool with the young side showing their class early to claim a 4-0 victory.
The under-18s were the only Portland side to take to the field on Saturday with the senior women’s and men’s sides forfeiting due to lack of numbers.
Portland Hockey Club president Britt England said it was an unfortunate start for the seniors but a solid victory for their junior side.
“Unfortunately we had a forfeit in both the senior men’s and senior women’s competition,” England said.
“Being the first game and early in the season we were just a bit short for both and so was the team we were scheduled to be playing.
“In saying that numbers are looking really good for this weekend which will get us back on track.
“The under-18s had a really good win which is an exciting start to the season for them.”
England has recently taken on the duties of coaching the women’s side while the club is still looking for a senior men’s coach.
England is excited with how her team is forming.
“We have a few women who have come back to the sport after a few years off,” she said.
“The experience will be really good to have alongside some of our younger players coming through.”
This weekend Portland women’s side take on Mariners, the men’s team will play Mariners and the under-18s have a bye.
Hookin2Hockey a big win
For the past eight weeks the Portland Hockey Club has run its Hookin2Hockey for primary school students aged 5-12-years-old.
The program is an entry level hockey initiative that introduces juniors to the game.
It has been a great turn out for the club with an average of 20 participants each session.
“The Hookin2Hockey program is always really good for the club,” England said.
“We had around 20 kids turning up for every session on the Saturday morning and they seemed like they were really enjoying it.
“We have most of them continuing on with us as well which is great because it sets the club up for the future if we can keep these kids interested in the game.”