Tara Murray
Despite not having played a full season in two years, Melton Hockey Club has seen an increase of numbers this season.
The committee has been working hard behind the scenes to try and ensure that things are running as smoothly as possible.
Mustangs chairperson Matthew Simpson said they were all excited for this season.
“The hard working members of the club have driven the sport in the local community and this has resulted in the club having good growth,” he said.
“With the past two years of not having any full seasons we have seen the member numbers drop off across hockey as a whole but Melton Hockey Club has gained new members which has allowed us to fill three men’s teams, two women’s teams and six junior teams.”
The club’s top men’s side is again in Vic League 3, while the women’s team is in Vic League 2.
The club has been working hard to attract juniors to the club as they look to expand that program.
“The club assisted HV in the School roadshow program, we were able to get out to six primary schools in our area which led to a great turn out of 40-plus children for the club’s Hook In 2 Hockey program,” Simpson said.
“The Hook in 2 Hockey program is now completed with our Stick 2 Hockey program commencing soon.
The junior players are also having an impact at a higher level with 10 trying out for the Junior State Championship teams.
Three members have been selected already, while some others are still in the selection mix.
On the weekend, the men’s Vic League side suffered a 3-1 loss to Latrobe Valley in Churchill after a bye in round one.
The Vic League women’s side lost to Casey, 6-0. The Mustangs sit 0-2 to start the season.
