UGSHA Warriors player Sarah Wiese competes in World Masters Hockey 2024 World Cup in Auckland

Upper Great Southern Hockey Association player Sarah Wiese showcased incredible athleticism at the World Masters Hockey 2024 World Cup in New Zealand last month. The event featured 120 teams across 38 countries with Wiese among the 2000 competitors who descended on North Harbour and Lloyd Elsmore Park to face off in four pool games and two play-offs from November 7-16. The Warriors A-grade premiership player was selected to compete in the Over 50’s Women’s Australian IMC team by a panel of judges when she competed at the 2023 Hockey Australia Masters National Championships held in Perth. Playing Argentina first, who won 3-0 as Australia IMC failed to match their speed and intensity, Wiese said the game was a “step up in tempo”. Argentina went on to win the competition’s gold medal in the Over 50’s women’s division, Wiese said. It was a close fight against New Zealand with the score sitting at 2-1, New Zealand leading for most the game. Wiese said it could have been anyone’s win as the teams drew equal in attack and goal chances, but the Aussies could not hit the target. A lucky last shot that slung over the goalkeeper’s head secured New Zealand’s 3-1 victory. Australia IMC’s first win of the competition was against the USA where Wiese played striker rather then her usual mid-field position which shook the game up. Despite the different role, Australia IMC was ruthless in their attack, winning 2-1. Their next game swung in South Africa’s favour from the get-go, resulting in a 2-0 loss. “We should’ve been able to beat them but they were better on the day,” Wiese said. “They had an exceptional keeper and organised defence.” Wiese and her teammates claimed a second 3-1 victory in the last game against Canada. Both sides were running out of legs as the nine-day competition was coming to a close which left room for a slow pace and mistakes, but Australia IMC pushed ahead and ended triumphantly. Wiese said the experience was amazing. “Especially the opening ceremony, all those Latin countries just singing their songs. “It was like 2000 people on a hockey turf from all different countries. “And it was lovely because you’re just in that hockey bubble. “I have really enjoyed the challenge of playing hockey at a higher level and met some wonderful like-minded people along the way.”