The Marist Hockey Club (MHC) is preparing to reintroduce the Eastgate Memorial Hockey Open tournament, scheduled for next weekend. Now in its 27th year, the event honors the legacy of Reginald and Dorothy Eastgate.
In an interview with SUNsports, MHC president Paul Fraser expressed excitement about the tournament’s return after a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the event was also delayed by necessary renovations to the facilities.
The tournament is set to kick off on the evening of Friday, September 27, and conclude on Sunday, September 29. As a key event on the Fiji Hockey Federation calendar, this tournament is notable as the only club-hosted event in Suva, attracting significant participation from talent across the region.
“This year, we will have 14 teams from around the country, except for Levuka. This is the largest tournament we’ve had in the past, and it feels great to bring it back,” Fraser stated.
The competition will feature eight men’s teams and five women’s teams, including the Australian Wanderers, adding an exciting international element. The men’s division will include clubs like Suva’s Stingers and Ventures, along with visiting team Nadi Stingers, all vying for the top honors. Marist, the reigning champions in the women’s category, will face strong rivals such as Ventures, Mates, and the Australian Wanderers, heightening the competitive atmosphere.
Fraser emphasized that the host men’s team is eager to make an impact, showcasing a mix of scholarship athletes and core members from the junior program. “It is exciting, and we look forward to a thrilling tournament next weekend,” he added.