Motueka roller hockey players win gold medals at national champs

November 8th, 2011

The re-birth of Roller Hockey in Motueka has commenced with a successful weekend at Jubilee Stadium in Whanganui by two Motueka youth, Tiegan Maru and Brodie Maru, earning gold medals in the Bronze (Under 17) and Peewee (under 12) divisions at the 2011 National Roller Hockey Championships.

Both Motueka South School students had competed in two other tournaments earlier in the year as part of the Wellington Club and had really taken to the sport.

Tiegan started strongly in the first Peewee match against Wanganui, scoring three of the four goals that saw the Wellington team take the first match 4-1. Throughout the tournament Tiegan picked up several goals across the two divisions and added strength to the Wellington side, breaking through the opposition and finding the back of the goal net.

Not to be outdone by his older sister, Brodie also shot two successful goals in the later part of the tournament but regardless of giving upwards of six years in age at times his speed and agility proved to be a constant niggle defensively against the opposition.

You often hear the saying that "it is their blood". On reflection, it is not surprising that the Maru children have taken to the sport of roller hockey, with both parents having been involved in the sport for a number of years. Jody played for the Motueka Club throughout the 90s and gained selection for the New Zealand ladies team, and Brent headed the coaching of the Motueka Club whilst also undertaking NZ Youth selector, manager and coaching roles over a 12 year period as well as the holding the role of Vice President of Roller Hockey New Zealand.

The Maru siblings were not the only Motueka players competing at the National Championships - they were joined by Ryan Soper, now living in Australia's Northern Territory, who returned to play within the Wellington Senior Men Division 2, winning a silver medal.

Ryan joined a team that included former Motueka players, now resident in Wellington, Trevor Moore (junior) and sister Ester Moore, whilst older brother Daniel Moore, also now living in Wellington, is now a starting member of the Wellington Senior Mens 1st Division team who also gained silver at this year's national championship.

The Motueka Club has a history of training New Zealand representative youth players, with the club holding National Youth Titles throughout past years. Whilst the Club has been somewhat in recess for about the past six years, we are now ready to recruit and rebuild a team of Motueka players.

Roller Hockey is a five-a-side (four players and a goalkeeper) sport played on skates. Unlike the inline hockey game where a puck is used, Roller Hockey uses a ball and stick. The origins of the sport come from England where the sport is widely played.

Brent is the first person to point out that the commitment required from players and parents who wish to compete nationally is huge. Motueka remains the only club in the South Island, so travel to tournaments is always a challenge. But it is not just the high performance players the club is looking for, they are keen to rebuild the sport of roller hockey at all levels.

That means calling on older players who might just enjoy a social hit around. Perhaps you have tried roller derby and you are wanting another excuse to put on your skates, or if you have tried a number of other sports and just haven't found one for you yet, why not give roller hockey a go?

And to remove any barriers to giving it a go, Jody is quick to point out that the club can supply skates and sticks, so all you need is some time and a willingness to give it a go. Although the national competition is now concluded for the year they are keen to hear from anyone wanting to try the sport.

For the interim they will collect names and numbers and if they can get 12 players interested the club will get a social league up and running over summer. Anyone interested should contact Jody at the Motueka Recreation Centre, phone .

Here are some photos taken at the National Championships in Whanaganui.

Brodie Maru (in gold)	Tiegan Maru breaks the Wanganui defence
Former Motueka player, Daniel Moore keeps out of reach of the New Plymouth defence. Daniel now plays for the Wellington 1st Division Mens team who won Silver at the 2011 National Champs. Daniel also coaches the Wellington Peewee and Youth teams.	Former Motueka player, now living in Northern Teritory, Australia Ryan Soper returned to take up a spot in the Wellington Senior Mens 2nd division team, gaining silver medal.
Brodie and Tiegan Maru (in gold)

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