Round 12 Preview

Minkey players to take the field
Wimmera Hockey Association’s littlest stars will take to the field this weekend when they play the annual Minkey Competition.
Minkey games will be played on the junior field at Davis Park in Nhill on Saturday while the association’s nine round twelve matches will be played on the main oval.
Over 60 ‘mini-hockey’ players will represent all six clubs in the association including Yanac, Nhill, Kaniva, Warracknabeal, Dimboola and Horsham. Eight teams will compete in two pools, playing 12 round-robin games, each consisting of two nine-minute halves. There will be six players from each team on the field at a time.
Matches will be played starting from 12pm and finishing at approximately 2.30pm.
All participants will receive a ‘goody bag’ including some vouchers from businesses.
Each club will supply umpires giving some junior umpires a chance to develop their skills.
The theme is fun and participation with umpiring not too strict so as to allow the games to flow and the kids to move freely and enjoy, although still gaining some knowledge of rules and experience of match-play.
There will be no finals played at this level, with the focus on participation. This year’s organiser Joanne Wheaton said ‘everyone’s a winner for having a go’.
Not only are these youngsters quite cute and entertaining to watch on the field, they are also the future of this association.
The average age of players is nine with the competition mostly primary school based. The Wimmera association is encouraging young players to join in and have fun. Joanne believes you have to have lots of juniors in order to sustain senior teams in years to come.
Minkey training and playing helps youngsters build confidence, learn some positioning and make friends, as well as have fun.
Most clubs are trying to build on their junior bases by developing minkey programs within their clubs. This annual competition is a good way to come together and practice what they have learned.
In the main arena at Davis Park, on field one from 11am, Warriors will play Bombers.
Thunderbirds play Warrack Women, who will be determined after last week’s loss.
Yanac and Kaniva women will enjoy an even match.
If Hoops are still suffering a shortage of players due to injuries then their match against Nhill Men could be very even.
On field two from 9.30am junior teams Leopards and Revengers have the early start.
Kangaroos and Raiders will do battle.
Top two women’s teams Dimboola Women and Highlanders could have a very interesting match.
Tigers and Kaniva Men will play fast and hard.
Hurricanes have come off a good win last week and will be tough against Dimboola Men.
- Rachel Clark