The Marist Hockey Club (MHC) will host the long-awaited Eastgate Memorial Hockey Open tournament next weekend, marking its return after a four-year hiatus. Celebrating its 27th year, the tournament pays tribute to the contributions of Reginald and Dorothy Eastgate.
MHC president Paul Fraser expressed excitement about the event’s comeback, noting that the last tournament was held before the COVID-19 pandemic. “Now, we are set to return after four years to host the most-awaited hockey tournament,” he said, adding that facility renovations also contributed to the delay.
The Eastgate Memorial tournament will commence on the evening of Friday, September 27, and conclude on Sunday, September 29. As a key event on the Fiji Hockey Federation calendar, it is the only club-hosted tournament in Suva, attracting participants from across the region.
Fraser revealed that 14 teams from around the country will compete, excluding Levuka. “This is the biggest tournament in the past, and it feels so good to have it back,” he stated. This year, the tournament will feature 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 will battle against visitors Nadi Stingers for the top honors. The defending women’s champion, Marist, will face tough competition from Ventures, Mates, and the Australian Wanderers, elevating the stakes for all teams.
The host men’s team has a mix of scholarship players and members from the junior program, aiming to make a significant impact. “It is exciting, and we look forward to a thrilling tournament next weekend,” Fraser concluded.