HOCKEY NSW has postponed the men's over 55 championships set down for Taree this weekend due to the latest COVID-19 outbreak in Sydney.
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The decision was made earlier today (Thursday June 24) by Hockey NSW Masters.
A total of 23 teams were to contest the three day event, starting today and finishing on Sunday. Manning had entered two sides in the championship, a division two team coached by Phil Walters and a division three outfit coached by Barry Joyce.
David Allen from Hockey NSW Masters hopes the championship will now be held at Taree from July 16 to 18.
Mr Allen said seven of the 23 teams are from areas that have been listed as COVID hot spots.
"We also have players from country areas who now live in Sydney but go back to play for their 'home' associations in these championships,'' Mr Allen explained.
"We try to get all our State championships finished by now. In fact, this weekend would have been our last for this year. We then concentrate on the Australian championships to be held in Newcastle, Wyong and Maitland in September.''
Manning Hockey only confirmed in early April that the Taree Hockey Centre was right to host the championships after flooding in March caused extensive damage to two of the three synthetic surface fields and also the clubhouse.
Meanwhile Manning Netball has been advised the State Junior Championships would not be proceeding. Three Manning teams, under 12s, 13s and 14s were scheduled to leave this morning.
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Manning Netball president Janine Kennewell said today Netball NSW had postponed the junior championships which were to be held this weekend in Penrith. Mrs Kennewell was one of four umpires from the Manning who were to officiate at the championships.
Officials met with the State Minister for Sport on Wednesday afternoon.
Mrs Kennewell said a new date is yet to be advised.
The Manning teams started training for the championship last November.