The 2026 Tasman Tigers District women’s team and Tasman Boars District men’s side to compete at the National Hockey Tournament in Wellington from 12-20 September have been named.
The women’s side will compete in the tier 2 championship after winning the tier 3 title last year, while the men will take part in tier 3.
There are seven Marlborough players in the women’s squad – Grace Davies, Taylor Duffy, Charlotte Westend, Yvonne Boyd, Pip Lunn, plus the Large twins Maddie and Millie, who are classed as Origin players due to the fact they now play in Canterbury.
Half the side hail from Nelson - Rebecca Kersten, Jess Kelly, Sophie White, Amy O’Neil, Maia Williams (Origin), Ella Robertson, Alexa Bryant, Vicki Whitmore and Georgia Allardice.
West Coasters Molly Williams (Origin) and Alice Winter complete the 18-strong squad, which has nine players returning from their successful 2025 campaign.
The Tigers have a couple of warm-up games planned.
They take on Wellington in Nelson, a new fixture with a previously-contested Nelson v Wellington trophy at stake, then head to Christchurch for their annual pre-tournament games against the Barracoutas at Nunweek Park.
The team will be coached by Denise Lloyd and Blair Walker, with Claudia Clark as the manager.
Denise says she and Blair are excited by the team’s potential.
“We have good strength across the board this year,” she said, “we can’t wait to get everyone together.”
Men's team
The Boars are also a mix of experience and youthful energy.
Marlborough are represented by David Mehlhopt, Eli Kepes and Grant McMillan, all previous Tasman reps.
The side is dominated by Nelson players, namely Toby Bowden, Carl Quinn, Ben Harris, Carlos Kershaw, Jack Waddell, Jay Martin, Jay Quinn, Oscar Perrott and Elijah Graham.
Ian Gurden and Sean Gibson come from the West Coast while Riley Peauafi and Will Nichol are guest players.
Coach is Jared Jones with Allan Matheson and Kirsty Jones in management.
Next weekend there are warm up games vs Wellington in Nelson and then the Boars head to Christchurch for their annual pre tournament games against the Beavers and South Canterbury at Nunweek Park.
There are two more players to be added to this team.
