Margaret River players travel to Northern Territory

The competition was organised by ex-Margaret River resident and underwater hockey club stalwart Denise House, who established the first Jabiru Underwater Hockey Club in 2018 after relocating to the Northern Territory with her family.

Six Margaret River players flew and drove to Jabiru to participate in the competition at the local pool, as well as experiencing the beauty of Kakadu.

The club members joined players from Queensland, the ACT and New South Wales as well as the hometown NT players.

"If it wasn't for the players committing locally and from afar, there wouldn't have been any competition," explained Denise House.

"This event was a year in the making. It was great fun and a step forward to getting underwater hockey up and running in the Northern Territory.

"The sport is hugely popular in WA and attracts a tourism element to the area."

Margaret River player Clare Forward said the tournament was exciting for everyone.

"It was fantastic to play in an exotic location and meet players from other parts of the country," she said.

Clare Gleeson, president of UWH WA and longtime Margaret River club member, organised a demonstration game in Darwin the day before the Jabiru competition to raise awareness of the sport and introduce locals to the game.

Margaret River UWH has a record number of 9 juniors and 9 adult members heading to Sydney in January 2020 to represent WA in the Nationals.

Junior membership at the club is growing considerably with very high numbers at Friday junior games, indicating the sport is increasing in popularity around the region.

Those interested in taking part or finding out more about the sport can visit www.facebook.com/MargaretRiverUnderwaterHockeyClub or contact Club President PJ McGovern 0407 387 662.