Clare, in an extraordinary display of skill and high work rate, earned a place in the squad chosen in Wagga last weekend.

Playing with second division Dubbo, she had to really shine with the majority of players being chosen from first division sides.

Those who’ve seen Clare in action and know her high commitment to training had no doubts the selectors would get it right. Clare will now be working to fine tune in all areas with NSW state selection coming up in two weeks.

Excellent effort Clare!

But it doesn’t end there. Following on from Andrew White’s selection in the under 17s boys regional squad to play at the International Hockeyfest in July, we also have Laura Butterworth and Jamie Buckmaster in the equivalent girls team.

Nicole Coutanche has been named shadow player.

These three girls’ success comes on the back of the selections after they played with Dubbo in Parkes on Mothers Day.

Added to Briony Jonkers selection in the Western CHS team, that is six representative successes in six weeks! Congratulations to all!

Advanced Hockey Squad: As they say, the proof is in the pudding. Three of these top performers, Andrew White, Laura Butterworth and Clare Watt, have been training extremely hard under the guidance of our very own state level coach, Mr Graham “Dinga” Bell.

This advanced training is open to anyone who would like to join but it does require a high level commitment to fitness and skills work.

If you’re a moaner or groaner, this level of training is probably not for you. You need a positive attitude to working hard and not giving up, you must be open to feedback and be prepared to meet the challenges set.

While the workload is challenging, the camaraderie amongst the small but growing squad is very high.

Each player pushes the other to strive for improvement. Overnight success is not the goal here!

Andrew, Laura and Clare have trained stringently in all temperatures over a 2½ year period before starting to reap the rewards of their efforts.

Dinga has other squad members working hard towards their goals as well. The group contains players of varying ages.

If anyone is interested in joining this advanced squad they should discuss this with Dinga.

At present he is one of the freelance shadow coaches on under 15s and runs a skills based session for under 11s on Tuesday afternoons.

The advanced squad trains on Wednesdays.

Graham’s expertise not only lies with the coaching of players at state level but he himself was one of the longest standing goalkeepers for NSW so he has a wealth of knowledge (and training) to impart to any interested goalkeepers out there.

Of course, for those of you who want to improve your hockey but aren’t quite as serious as that, we also cater for you.

Under 15s coaches, Vicki Camps (Smash), Samantha Dunk (Glass), Justin Smith (Elders), Sharon Falconer and Warren Banks (ANZ); under 11s - Melissa Gourlay and Maxine Sanford, along with freelancer Brenda Hannan are all happy working with their various charges. Regular commitment to training and participation is strongly encouraged at all levels.

More men arriving each week: We had to mention, with great pleasure, the number of new men joining each week. It’s not just the steady increase that has been nice but the actual calibre of gents we are receiving.

Dads, brothers, husbands, partners – it is all good. When the mixed competition was first created there was a fair amount of trepidation but it continues to move from strength to strength.

This year, in particular, we are welcoming many new faces and the best part is they are all nice fellas (not forgetting all the great girls).

It is appreciated the bibbed males’ PUSH ONLY rule requires going against natural inclination to hit and many men have to consider their size and speed when affecting tackles on smaller players, but guys - you’re doing a great job! Please keep up the good work!

Hockey is so much the better for our combined efforts.

Whilst on the subject of the men, thanks to those guys that are coaching. Dinga has been with us for some time but having Justin Smith and Warren Banks join in coaching juniors brings a wealth of new ideas and styles. The association, both boys and girls can only benefit from this involvement.

A number of guys also carry their weight in umpiring roles too, thanks especially to Anthony Clarke who always makes himself available.

It’s much appreciated on those more challenging games.

And to all the ladies keeping all these blokes in line and on time, and doing all the things women do in an association such as ours - you’re very much appreciated too!

Under 11s players: that are also playing under 15s are required to fulfill their 11s commitment. It is important to continue to compete at a level where “you are the top of the heap”.

This builds confidence and self-esteem, develops leadership to younger players in the age group, and helps develop positioning, skills and rules knowledge. You become a better all-round player if you have the opportunity to grow within your own age group.

We are very excited that we have such an eager band of under 11s transitioning to under 15s, but up there you are at the bottom of the heap. Relish your time as the “big” people and ensure you do under 11s before your 15s games. Play in two divisions for the price of one!

This weekend’s draw

Minkey: 11.30am

Under 11s: 11.15am Big Macs Green vs Nuggets Yellow, Fries Blue vs Cheeseburgers Red

Under 15s: 12.30pm Field 1: Cowra Glass vs Cowra Smash Repairs (umpire: Aussie Hotel), Field 3: ANZ Arrows vs Elders Red (Umpire: Canowindra)

Seniors: 1.45pm Field 1: Railway Hotel vs Canowindra (Umpire: Townhouse Hotel), Field 3: LJ Hooker vs Aussie Hotel (Umpire: The Valley Hotel)

3.10pm Field 1: Townhouse Hotel vs The Valley Hotel (Umpire: Railway Hotel/LJ Hooker)

BYE: Elders Big Reds

Canteen under 15s - Cowra Smash Repair and seniors - Railway Hotel.