Training, facilities boost hockey

PAPUA New Guinea’s success at the Oceania Intercontinental Hockey Fives has been attributed to improvements in training and facilities, says national women’s team coach Sapau Tapo.
Tapo said PNG were fortunate to play the first match on the newly-built hockey complex in Rockhampton.
He said PNG were now used to playing on artificial turfs as a result of improved sporting facilities in the country.
“It was a new surface in Rockhampton and we were fortunate to play the first match Tonga and it was a milestone for us,” he said.
“Playing on artificial turfs over the last three years has seen our skill and fitness levels improve significantly.
Playing on artificial turfs is obviously different compared with playing on grass.
“It has helped us to play structured at the Rockhampton tournament so it is a good improvement.”