Roll up for a fast-paced game

Iain Hyndman | Wednesday, August 8, 2012 7:36

ON THE MOVE: The annual Wanganui Invitation Roller Hockey Tournament delivers to action-hungry spectators. PHOTO/FILE

Bragging rights and pride are up for grabs in the annual Wanganui Invitation Roller Hockey Tournament this weekend.

Hosted by the Wanganui Roller Hockey Club, this season's event has attracted 14 teams from throughout the North Island and includes three women's teams, one of which is local.

Club chairman David Dench said teams from Wellington, New Plymouth, Auckland and Wanganui would compete from Friday night through to Sunday afternoon.

"There's no trophy as such, it's pretty much bragging rights and pride the sides are competing for. But it is a fast-paced game and an excellent spectator sport, so we are hoping the Wanganui public will turn out at the Jubilee Stadium at Springvale Park to watch over the three days of competition," Dench said.

"We are especially pleased there are three women's teams entered this year. We've been trying to promote the sport and give it a higher profile lately, particularly the women's division. We haven't had women's teams for a few years."

The roller hockey season runs between March and October and Wanganui has a successful tradition in the sport.

Games begin at 7.30pm on Friday and on Saturday run from 8.30am through to the evening, while play will begin at 8.30pm on Sunday and finish around 4pm.