BRENDAN LINES
RENMARK Hockey Club could be without an A grade men’s team unless a plan to enter a combined, Renmark-Mildura team goes ahead.
Club secretary Rebecca Keynes said the plan may help the club’s struggling numbers.
“There may not be one (a team) this year depending on numbers,” she said.
“We haven’t got a coach yet at the moment either.
“We are looking at options on having a combined side. We did have some players from Mildura coming over to play, but we don’t know if that is an option or not yet.”
Mrs Keynes said the club’s situation was not solely due to COVID-19.
“It could be a little bit about that, but also just changes in the ages of people and lack of volunteers that are available with their time,” she said.
“Some have gone off to university, so some of our younger players have moved on to Adelaide.
“We still have quite a few players who are keen, but finding a coach is a hard thing.
“It’s a big commitment for someone to make.
Riverland Hockey Association president Tim Vivian said the local competition was “not alone” among country regions facing challenges.
“I know there’s a few players in Mildura and I’ve spoken with the association secretary over there,” Mr Vivian said.
“They’re fighting similar battles with what we are here, when it comes to player numbers in a dying association.
“Although it would be nice to combine, the distance is obviously a problem.
“But there is a contingency of players looking for a game. I can’t see why the association can’t support that.”
Mr Vivian said the association will work with Renmark to avoid a three-team competition.
“We’re very much in favour of them doing everything they can,” Mr Vivian said.
“I think the other three clubs would support that, knowing what the women’s competition went through last year.”
Mrs Keynes said the plan will help the club’s preference of filling a true A grade side.
“Our ultimate goal is to have an A grade side,” she said.
“We are able to put in a B grade team. However, we’d rather have A grade players playing in the A grade competition rather than have a couple fill ins come from the B grade, because we like to challenge them (A grade) to the best of their ability.”
But should Victorian players be unable to pick up their sticks for Renmark, Mr Vivian said a combined A and B grade side should be explored.
“There was a lot of talk going around that they couldn’t fill a B grade side without an A grade side,” he said.
“And we’ve looked into that and said ‘no’ we want people to play hockey.
“If it comes down to putting in a B grade side not an A grade, then that’s better than nothing.”