N.Z. invited to Cup festival

Press, 2 September 1986, Page 42

N.Z. invited to Cup festival

By

KEVIN TUTTY

The New Zealand men’s and women’s hockey teams have been invited to play in a four-nation tournament in Perth in January which will be part of the America’s Cup festival of sport.

The Australians invited three nations — the Netherlands, the United States and the Soviet Union — to send their men’s and women’s teams to the tournament from January 10 to 14.

The Netherlands have declined and the Soviet Union will not make a decision until October. The Americans have ac-

cepted, and New Zealand has been asked to fill the gap left by the Netherlands. Accommodation costs and part of the international travel will be met by the organisers, but the chairman of the New Zealand Hockey Association, Dr Bruce Penfold, said there was still a substantial amount the New Zealand association would have to meet. New Zealand has accepted an invitation to play in Argentina in March, and its funds had been ear-marked for that tour.

“At the moment we will have to ask for a player

contribution for the tour to Argentina, and we would also have to ask for one for the Australian tournament,” Dr Penfold said. “Having to make two contributions would probably mean several players would be unavailable. But we will be surveying players for their views this week.” Dr Penfold said another important consideration was whether players could afford time off work twice in two months. The N.Z.H.A. will discuss the invitation with the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association before it makes a decision.