WARWICK Hockey Centre’s first international test earned praise from fans, players and officials after two sold-out fixtures between the Hockeyroos and Spain.
The teams played the second and fourth matches of a four-test series at Warwick, drawing 1-1 in front of about 600 spectators on January 18 and 0-0 before more than 700 fans on January 21.
The Hockeyroos claimed the series one game to nil after winning the third encounter 3-2 at Perth Hockey Stadium.
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READ NOWThe opening fixture at Guildford Grammar School was 1-1.
Spain coach Ady Lock said the experience of playing at a community facility was “brilliant”.
“We travel around lots of places throughout the world and I would say the way we have been looked after at Warwick Hockey Centre including the facilities is a credit to (Whitford Hockey Club),” he said.
“We have felt like we are home with everything we need to train and compete and that’s made it a fantastic trip.”
West Australian Kathryn Slattery, who stood in as Hockeyroos captain for Sunday’s match, also spoke favourably of the $6.3 million facility.
“Warwick has been great, (the Whitford Hockey Club) have been so good to us,” she said.
“We’ve had great crowds – two sell-outs – so it’s a really good atmosphere with the kids loving it down here.
“It’s a great surface so it’s really positive for hockey in WA.”
Joondalup Mayor Albert Jacob said it was an honour for the City to host the Hockeyroos and Spain.
“I am delighted with the positive feedback that has been received for the Warwick Hockey Centre,” he said.
“I was fortunate to attend Thursday’s match and the atmosphere and excitement around the venue was truly memorable.
“We would certainly love to see more international hockey action in Warwick in the not-too-distant future.”
Whitford Hockey Club president Len Collier said the club enjoyed a “terrific opportunity” to host international matches on its home turf.
“It was great to see the centre bursting at the seams on both evenings to watch top level hockey from two of the best teams in the world,” he said.
“We would like to thank both teams for their willingness to interact with the fans, especially our juniors.
“I also thank over 40 of our club members who volunteered their time so freely.
“The venue stood up well to the volume of attendees and offered great views of the game from any vantage point.
“With the facility and our club’s organisation of the games receiving compliments from the teams and Hockey Australia, we hope that this will be the first of many international games at Warwick.”
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