Published on: 2 May 2014





Fifteen boys competed in the Melbourne Grammar School International Hockey Tournament during the Term 1 holidays. The School’s biennial hockey tour, a precursor to the start of the PSA season, coincided with the inaugural tournament in which Christ Church finished fifth.

The group, led by Teacher in Charge of Hockey and Firsts Coach Brendon Noble and Seconds Coach Neil Saggers, competed over five days against 12 teams from across Australia and New Zealand.

Mr Saggers said the team, comprising Years 11 and 12 boys from Christ Church’s Firsts, Seconds and Thirds, finished third in its pool of six and fifth overall. “The boys performed really well and played lots of hockey,” he said.

One of the highlights of the tournament included a close game against strong opposition from Westlake of New Zealand. Christ Church managed a 1-1 draw against the team, who went on to win the tournament.

The group’s accommodation, a hotel off St Kilda Road opposite the Shrine of Remembrance, allowed it to take advantage of the Tan track for a running session and St Kilda Beach for a recovery swim.

The boys enjoyed two days of relaxation in Melbourne before heading home. Over the week the group went to two AFL games at Etihad Stadium and the MCG, and saw the Western Force play at AAMI Park. Dining out around the city, along with ten pin bowling and laser tag at the Crown complex were among other recreational highlights.