The Marist Hockey Club (MHC) is preparing to host the Eastgate Memorial Hockey Open tournament next weekend, marking its return after a four-year hiatus. This year, the tournament, which commemorates the contributions of Reginald and Dorothy Eastgate, celebrates its 27th edition.
MHC president Paul Fraser expressed excitement about the tournament’s revival, stating that the last event took place before the COVID-19 pandemic. He highlighted that the recent facility renovations also contributed to the delay.
The Eastgate Memorial tournament is a major event on the Fiji Hockey Federation’s calendar, being the only club-hosted event in Suva. It is expected to attract considerable participation from regional talent, with 14 teams competing from across the country, excluding Levuka. This year, eight men’s teams and five women’s teams, including the Australian Wanderers, will showcase their skills.
Among the men’s teams, Suva’s Stingers and Ventures, along with the visiting Nadi Stingers, will vie for the championship. The Marist women aim to defend their title against tough competitors like Ventures, Mates, and the Australian Wanderers, intensifying the competition.
Fraser emphasized the strength of the home team, which comprises a mix of scholarship players and key members from the junior program. He expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming tournament and anticipates thrilling matches next weekend.