Margaret River underwater hockey players Maybelle Barr and James Iredale have headed to Rotorua in New Zealand to represent Australia in the Trans Tasman Underwater Hockey Competition and Bi-annual Age Group Games this week.
The homegrown hockey stars are both competing in the Australian Under 18s teams, where they will compete against their New Zealand counterparts alongside some of Australia’s brightest athletic talents.
Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club Clare Forward said both Barr and Iredale were assets to the local club.
“James and Maybelle assist regularly with the Friday night junior game, coaching to mentor and inspire new and younger players,” said Ms Forward.
“James has played for several years now and his career has so far had him representing Western Australia for four years in the U15s and U19s divisions at the Australian National Underwater Hockey Championships.
“He also won Most Valuable Player at the 2018 Nationals final.”
Iredale’s sister Natalie is also a talented underwater hockey player and has represented Western Australia and Australia as a star in the centre forward position.
Like Iredale, Maybelle Barr began playing in the club’s junior games that run each Friday at the Margaret River Aquatic Centre.
“Maybelle showed enormous promise from her very first game,” said Ms Forward.
“Maybelle has competed in U15s at the three previous Nationals, this is her first time competing overseas and in a higher age group.”
Ms Forward said the club had gone from strength to strength thanks to dedicated members and passionate players of all ages.
“In the 15 years it has been introducing locals to the amazing game of underwater hockey, the Margaret River club has produced many State and National representatives including two players – Jasmine Mann and Jane McMahon – who won a silver medal earlier this year as part of the Australian Masters team in the 2018 Underwater Hockey World Championships.”
The club is currently recruiting new players and Ms Forward said the group would love to see some new faces at the games which run three times per week.
“The club would also like to thank the Augusta Margaret River Shire and the Margaret River Recreation Center for their support of the club and it's development,” she said.
For more information on Margaret River Underwater Hockey visit www.facebook.com/MargaretRiverUnderwaterHockeyClub/ or call 0404 046 059.
Nicky Lefebvre
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
I am a journalist, photographer and content creator based in the beautiful Margaret River wine region, covering all aspects of our community including local news, sport, entertainment and events, as well as providing a platform for our readers to share their voices direct from regional Australia.
