Queenstown hockey sides are shaping up for another tough season in the Central Otago women's competition starting next month.
After bowing out in the semifinals last year, the Queenstown women's team is looking for redemption and has recruited four new players for the 2013 season. The women started fitness training last month for the 12-week season and last year's successful coach Brendon Martyn has began coaching sessions before the opening pre-season match, on May 4.
Queenstown captain Ruth Peddie said the fitness sessions had been beneficial. The team was enthusiastic to begin the six-team competition, she said.
''Flash [Martyn] has really been punishing us at fitness already.
''I'm just excited to getting back into it.
''We only lost two games last year and one of those was the semifinal.''
Miss Peddie said although the team had lost a few of its forward line from the 2012 season, it had also gained some strong recruits.
''We're definitely drafting in some strong players, but we are losing some really strong players, too.''
This season, Queenstown will feel the loss of left inner C. J. Maxwell, centre forward Linda Williams and one of last year's standout halves, Sarah Gaston.
However, stalwarts Theresa Wallace, Kylie Smith, Hope Bates and Peddie will be the glue that holds the side together in 2013.
The new players - Caroline Pearce, Loren Hrynkewycz, Fe Smith and Katy Loader - have all come from the social summer hockey season, which ran over six weeks from January.
The Wakatipu women's side has also begun training and the physical side will be looking to improve on last year's season.
The side is not short of experience, as it includes New Zealand over 50s Masters captain Judy Nelson and several Queenstown Masters.
Queenstown Women
Gilly Hindlay, Tee Wallace, Katy Loader, Ruth Peddie, Jen Daly, Kylie Smith, Sarah Watson, Caroline Pearce, Loren Hrynkewycz, Laurel Breen, Sharleen Cornelius, Hope Bates, Fe Smith, Renee Shaw.
Wakatipu Women
Judy Reid, Sue Tait, Judy Nelson, Wendy Sherlock, Sandra Stuart, Kay Gambles, Vic Morrison, Andie Lowery, Fiona Lattimore, Avril Guihen, Bridget Goldman, Deb McKercher, Jenna McKenzie, Claire Weaver.
