The Marist Hockey Club (MHC) is gearing up to host the Eastgate Memorial Hockey Open tournament next weekend, marking its return after a four-year hiatus. This year’s tournament, commemorating Reginald and Dorothy Eastgate, enters its 27th edition.
MHC President Paul Fraser expressed his excitement during an interview, noting that the last tournament took place before the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the long-awaited return of the highly anticipated event. Fraser also mentioned that renovations to the facilities contributed to the tournament’s delay.
The 27th Eastgate Memorial tournament kicks off on Friday evening, September 27, and will conclude on Sunday, September 29. As a significant event on the Fiji Hockey Federation calendar, it stands out as the only club-hosted tournament in Suva, attracting talent from across the region.
Fraser indicated that 14 teams will participate, excluding teams from Levuka. This year, the tournament features eight men’s teams and five women’s teams, including the Australian Wanderers, adding an exciting international element.
In the men’s division, local clubs such as Suva’s Stingers and Ventures, along with visitors Nadi Stingers, will compete for the top prize. The women’s defending champions, Marist, will face tough competition from Ventures, Mates, and the Australian Wanderers.
The Marist men’s team aims to make a strong impression this year, composed of a mix of scholarship players and seasoned members from the junior program. Fraser concluded by expressing anticipation for what promises to be an exhilarating tournament next weekend.