Parkes hockey players have returned home from the Masters World Cups in Cape Town, South Africa, and Auckland, New Zealand, celebrating incredible successes and showcasing their talent on the international stage.
Representing Australia were Ian Westcott (Over 45s), Denise Gersbach (Over 50s), Maureen Massey (Over 70s), Dusty Powter (Over 55s Australian A team), and Casey Miles (Over 35s Australian A team).
Lee Hodge, also from Parkes, served as assistant coach for the Over 55s women's team.
Although Mandy Westcott (Over 55s) had to withdraw due to illness, her spirit was undoubtedly with her teammates.
Results from the October and November titles:
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Ian Westcott - Over 45s (Cape Town)
Ian Westcott played a pivotal role as a striker in the Over 45s men’s team.
Competing against 13 teams for the World Cup and three teams in the International Masters Cup (IMC) competition, the Australian side went undefeated.
They triumphed in the gold medal match, defeating South Africa 5-1 to be crowned World Cup champions.
Ian contributed four goals throughout the tournament, solidifying his position as a key player.
Denise Gersbach - Over 50s (Auckland)
The Over 50s women’s team, featuring Denise Gersbach in midfield, had an impressive campaign.
The team went undefeated in pool matches but narrowly missed the final after a 1-0 loss to Argentina in the semi-final.
They bounced back in the bronze medal match, defeating Chile 2-1.
Denise’s composure and skill were evident as she contributed a goal during the tournament.
Maureen Massey - Over 70s (Auckland)
Maureen Massey’s Over 70s women’s team delivered a thrilling performance to claim the World Cup.
After an undefeated tournament, the team faced England in the gold medal match.
Following a nail-biting 0-0 draw in regular time, Maureen played a crucial role as goalkeeper during the sudden-death penalty strokes.
Her heroics helped secure a 4-3 victory and the World Cup title.
Dusty Powter - Over 55s Australian A team (Auckland)
Competing in the IMC division, the Over 55s Australian A team, including Dusty Powter, had a strong campaign.
With two wins, a loss, and a draw in the round matches, they earned a place in the gold medal match but fell short against England IMC, claiming a well-deserved silver medal.
Casey Miles - Over 35s Australian A team (Cape Town)
In Cape Town, Casey Miles and her Over 35s team which she captained, faced fierce competition.
After two wins and three losses in pool matches, they claimed the IMC competition gold medal with a dominant 3-0 victory over South Africa.
Lee Hodge - assistant coach (Over 55s women, Auckland)
As assistant coach of the Over 55s women’s team, Lee Hodge contributed to their strong showing in the World Cup.
The team finished their campaign with a decisive 3-0 win against Scotland in the 5th/6th playoff match.
Looking ahead
All players relished the intensity of the World Cup competitions and cherished the opportunity to represent Australia.
Casey, Ian, Denise, Mandy, Dusty, and Maureen were also named in the Trans Tasman squads after their outstanding performances at the National Championships earlier this year.
The final Trans Tasman teams will be announced this week. Should they be selected, these athletes will take part in the Oceania Trans Tasman Challenge in Cairns, continuing their exceptional hockey journeys.
Congratulations to all the Parkes representatives for their remarkable achievements at these international events.
