Association president Debbie Monck said she has had preliminary discussions with Hastings representatives concerning the 2019 competition. However, as yet there is no firm commitment about sides from Hastings again playing here.

Ms Monck stressed that this is to be expected.

“Our new season doesn’t start until April,’’ she said.

“Clubs are only starting now to get organised.’’

Last year men’s and women’s sides from Port Macquarie contested the Manning division one competition. Port Thunder finished runners up to the all-conquering Chatham in the men’s grand final. Australian Schoolboy representative Wade Harry scored four goals in Chatham’s 5-1 victory.

Port Dolphins were beaten 3-2 in the women’s final by Chatham. Town took out the division one women’s premiership.

Ms Monck understands the Hastings competition-proper won’t start until after Easter, while Manning will be underway from April 6. She doesn’t know if this will impact on plans for Port sides to play here.

“If travel or anything else is an issue we’d like to hear from them to see what we can sort out,’’ she said.

Five sides were involved in the men’s and women’s division one competitions last year.

Related:

Ms Monck said the association is confident the Port clubs will return this year. If that's the case there will be further discussions on how the format of the division one competitions. 

Last year Wingham and Sharks combined in the men’s top division. Ms Monck said there was a mixed response to this merger.

Clubs will nominate teams by March 12.

“We’ll have a better idea then of how the season will look,’' Ms Monck said.

The season will run until grand final day on September 21. The association will also host the NSW under 18 girls championships from May 10 to 12. 

Ms Monck said Manning Hockey enjoyed a busy 2018 highlighted by the third turf field coming into play and extensions to the clubhouse being completed.

Meanwhile Ms Monck was returned as unopposed as president at the annual meeting.

Michelle Collier is the vice president with the long serving John Surtees again secretary.

However, the association is looking for a treasurer following Doug Davidson’s decision to step down.

Dylan Turner, Kevin Haigh, Lyn Turner and Shane Green are board members, with some positions still to be filled.