The Marist Hockey Club (MHC) is preparing to host the Eastgate Memorial Hockey Open tournament, set to take place next weekend. This marks the tournament’s 27th year and pays tribute to Reginald and Dorothy Eastgate.
MHC president Paul Fraser expressed his enthusiasm, stating that the long-awaited return is finally here following a four-year hiatus due to COVID-19. Additionally, he mentioned that renovations to the facilities contributed to the delay.
The 27th Eastgate Memorial tournament will kick off in the evening on Friday, September 27, and conclude on Sunday, September 29. As a key event on the Fiji Hockey Federation calendar, the tournament is the only club-hosted competition in Suva, attracting significant participation from regional talents.
Fraser noted that 14 teams from across the country will compete, with the exception of Levuka. He highlighted that this is the largest tournament in recent memory, particularly exciting as it makes a comeback. This year, the tournament will include eight men’s teams and five women’s teams, featuring the Australian Wanderers for an added international dimension.
In the men’s division, notable clubs such as Suva’s Stingers and Ventures, as well as visiting Nadi Stingers, will contend for the championship. On the women’s side, defending champions Marist will face tough competition from Ventures, Mates, and the Australian Wanderers, elevating the intensity for all participating teams.
The host men’s team aims to make a strong impression with a mix of scholarship players and experienced members from their junior program. Fraser concluded with anticipation, looking forward to an exciting tournament next weekend.