Margaret River inline hockey competitors tackle east coast titles

A squad of Margaret River inline hockey competitors have spent the week in Queensland flying the flag for WA.

Eight members of the South West sporting community joined the WA team at the Inline Hockey Nationals Championships at Brisbane’s Skate Paradise Roller Skating Rink.

The competition was still going as the Times went to print, with a mixed bag of results.

The WA Masters Men division faltered against Victoria 4-0, while the senior side lost 3-1 in the first round at the weekend.

The stakes improved on Monday when the masters defeated Tasmania 5-3 in WA’s first inline hockey interstate win since 2010.

Margaret River Rollersports vice-president Declan Lyne said the interstate competition was a long way from the club’s humble roots training in a carpark in Vasse.

“Now we’re over east with eight players from the South West representing the State against the most professional athletes on an Olympic-sized, purpose-built hockey rink,” he said.

“After recording the first win for the State in over a decade, it’s just insane to be a part of and watch the sport grow, and what an opportunity for all the boys involved.”

Team manager Jacque Ashworth said such opportunities for regional rollersports wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Margaret River Lions.

“Last night’s win may as well have been the gold medal for us,” she told the Times.

“The vibe is high and we are coming home the biggest winners.”

The competition wraps up this weekend.