Broncos Take Out Hacker’s Cup

The 24th annual Hacker's Cup, hosted by the Lower Burdekin Hockey Association on Saturday, September 23, saw around 40 passionate players take to the field for a fun day of grass hockey. In a remarkable turn of events, the Broncos, leading the way for their NRL counterparts, clinched victory, adding to the day's excitement.

The carnival was designed to introduce new players to the sport of hockey through a 5-a-side competition on modified fields.  Teams are mixed gender with novice hockey players, or hackers, a hot commodity.  A number of teams also use junior players in their roster, helping to ensure that the future of the sport is in good hands.

The windy conditions were welcomed by players to combat the effects of a sunny, cloudless sky.  Fields were green and lush, with the unpredictability of ball movement on grass proving to be a challenge for some of the experienced turf and indoor hockey players.  

Although the day was physically challenging with all teams playing in at least four games, the spirit of friendly competition was evident all day.  The Darcy Duggan Memorial Award for Spirit of the Carnival (introduced in 2014) acknowledges the player who epitomises the friendly, fair and inclusive hockey player we all strive to be.

Results

A Division Winners – Burdekin Broncos

B Division Winners – Thunder

Best and Fairest Female – Ashley Green and Lynette Wheeler

Best and Fairest Male – Westley Darwen, Wesley Glover, Mark Nicolaides, Bradley Sibson

Goal Hog – Westley Darwen

Spirit of the Carnival – Matthew Gardner

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B Division Winners, Thunder