THERE must be something in the water in Busselton.
Five local underwater hockey juniors have been selected to play for the Australian team in July’s trans-Tasman event in Tasmania.
Jade Boyle, Anika Keall, Jade Smith and Ella Croft will line up for the under 19 women’s side while Bailey Annear has been selected for the under 19 men’s.
Joining them on the road to national selection is Jane McMahon who will join the Australian master’s women’s side at the 19th world championships in South Africa later this month.
“The sport is really growing at the moment with a lot of swimmers and divers finding it to be a lot of fun and a great workout,” McMahon said.
“WA has a great record for dominating the other states at the national championships and the Australia side will be out for revenge against New Zealand in July.
“The Busselton Underwater Hockey Club has been running for three years and has already had 10 players make a state side.”
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The sport sees each player don a snorkel and flippers and with a small hockey stick in hand, work a puck around the pool floor and into the goals.
Games last 30 minutes with six players from each side on the court and four more on the bench at any one time.
McMahon said the Busselton club thrives on keeping the game fun and family friendly.
“We have a wide range of ages among our players and the sport it easy enough for a competent swimmer to learn,” she said.
“It is great to see some of our older students teaching and mentoring our younger players.”
In the lead up to July’s event, the players have been training six nights a week and took the opportunity to thank the City of Busselton and the Geographe Leisure Centre for their support.
McMahon said the club always welcome new players with juniors and beginners meeting at the centre on Thursday night at 6pm with an adult game starting at 7pm.
For more information contact Pete Croft on 0419 933 097, Jane McMahon on 0404 089 029 or visit Busso Barnacles Underwater Hockey Club on Facebook.
