Every year, Valley RFC Hockey gathers to celebrate the legendary Fabian Gregory in a tournament that combines the competitive spirit of sports with the whimsical chaos of a carnival. This year's tournament did not disappoint, proving once again why we celebrate in Fabian's name: we honour his passion, dedication, and unrivalled love of a good golf visor.

The tournament boasted a huge turnout. Nine teams and spectators arrived in high spirits and decked out to the nines in fancy dress. The theme, of course, as always, was to showcase the best their countries of origin offer. If you’re from the UK, I guess that means Greggs Pie Shops and the Spice Girls!!

If there were an award for Best Costume (Mental note for next year already made!), it would historically go to Patrick Perry. His costumes never fail to impress and range wildly between the flamboyant and the absurd. This year, however, even Pat’s full Posh Spice regalia could not hold a candle to Luke Groth’s Australian Life Saver getup (or lack thereof!) Some things, as the saying goes, cannot be unseen.

Despite the weather, the atmosphere was electric, and DJ Sinner-G made sure that the Valley grounds were rocking with his beats, keeping the crowds moving and the energy levels soaring.

It was a busy schedule of hockey, with consecutive international matches. The only other thing competing for attention was the weather! To protect our sponsored ONLY vodka and trophy collection from the rain during a Monsoon Warning, we set up the Valley tents. However, the tents had different plans and tried to make a break for it during the first game. They hurled themselves across four pitches, before crashing into the boundary fence and scaring the pants off a couple Hockey players. Teams shrugged off the mid game interruption and went straight back to winning the game. Hockey players - 1. Tent – 0.

Amidst the laughter and the antics, there were serious moments of sportsmanship and competition. We celebrated the immense season that was 2023/2034, recognised top performers and contributors to the Hockey Section, and the tournament culminated in a thrilling all-South African final. In a fitting tribute to Fabian, it was South Africa that ultimately emerged victorious and helped raise the trophy high—after removing Patrick Perry’s labels on the trophy!

This year’s Fabian Gregory Country of Origin Tournament was everything the Hockey section stands for, a perfect blend of celebration, competition, and sheer, unadulterated fun.

Congratulations to all our Award Winners

Women’s Trophy Winners ?

Player of the season - Elzet

Players’ Player - TY

New Player of the season - Jess Lim

Top Goal Scorer - Audrey

Most Improved - Pip

Young player of the season - Anya

Women’s Prize Winners ?

Best Defensive efforts - YY

Vet / Master of the year - Etch

Men’s Trophy Winners ?

Player of the season - Alex G

Players’ Player - Kit L

New Player of the season - Mary (aka Chris F)

Top Goal Scorer - Jono H

Most Improved - Alex D

Young player of the season - Zac P

Men’s Prize Winners ?

Best Defensive efforts - Eason C

Vet / Master of the year - Pat P