Caroline Springs is looking forward to the challenge that awaits in Hockey Victoria’s Vic League 2 women’s competition.
Having gone through their inaugural season undefeated on the way to the F-grade pennant premiership, the Springers have been promoted up several grades this year.
Springers’ coach Ron Shadbolt said it was a challenge and they were looking forward to stepping up as many of the playing group have already played at this level and higher.
“To be honest, we probably should have been in this competition last year,” he said.
“The pace is a bit quicker and the competition will be a lot stronger.
“Our early practice matches have been against state league 1 sides and been more than competitive.
“It’s a good challenge and I think we’ll be middle of the table, towards top four.”
Shadbolt said they had kept most of last year’s playing group and added a couple of players with Vic League experience.
Shadbolt, who coached both women’s teams last season, will share the coaching duties of the top side with Francesca Lennie.
Bethany Sproal and Alexandra Grant-Taylor will coach the club’s second women’s side which will remain in the metro competition.
Shadbolt said they decided to keep their second side in the metro competition as a number of new players were starting out and he wanted to give them the chance to develop.
The second side also won a premiership last season.
“We’ve separated the players into two groups with their different requirements and skill levels and appointed coaches for both groups,” he said.
Shadbolt said they were still looking for new players for this season, for women’s, men’s and juniors.
They have about 20 under-10 and under-12 players and would like to get to 30 before the season starts.
The men’s side is playing in metro A north west this season.
The Springers’ women’s Vic League side starts their season on April 14 against Melton.
