New-look line-up for Dalefield

Last year's runners-up Dalefield will be fielding a new look team in the Wellington premier division women's hockey competition of 2007, that is if they have a team at all.
Inquiries yesterday suggested that no fewer than nine members of the side who lost 3-1 to Eastern Hutt in the 2006 decider will be out of the reckoning, either through retirement or leaving the district.
They are stalwarts, sisters Janeen Bruce and Tania Scott, who have retired, talented youngsters Taasha Henson, Wendy Hull, Sophie Wickens, Laura Crawford and Carla Burt,all of whom have moved to other provinces, and two overseas players who have returned to their homelands, Kerry Stewart to Ireland and Thandi Grebe to South Africa
Which leaves just Ana Playle, Jesse Davies, Alice Davies, Sara Crofoot and, possibly, Olivia Pearce as the only players from the 2006 squad available again.
Compounding the present situation too is that the Dalefield will also need a new coach with Kim Henson on the "not available" list as well.
He is willing to help out if required but a desire to follow the fortunes of his own children in the sport means he won't be committing to the role on a fulltime basis.
Henson said the loss of so many players at the one time was unfortunate but with so many of last year's team being college players who were at the end of their secondary school studies it was always likely to happen.
"A lot of those girls have been with Dalefield for three seasons and being of similar age meant they were probably to leave at the same time,' he said. "It's just one of those things you can do nothing about."
The loss of senior players like Bruce and Scott was described by Henson as a "big blow".
"It's very hard to replace the experience and knowledge players of their calibre provide," he said. "They are the ideal role models for the youngsters and that's something you need when you are playing in such a tough competition."
Henson said it would be a sad day though if Dalefield were unable to field a premier division side.
"It's been a tremendous boost for Wairarapa hockey to be represented at the level and we need to do everything we can to ensure we are there, even if we have to accept that we might have a season or two of rebuilding ahead of us,' he said.