What started off as simply a thought bubble to promote hockey in the country has developed into one of the red-letter events on our sporting calendar.

The annual Masters in the Bush hockey tournament started Friday with Country, State, and National champions converging on Pioneer Park for three days of fun and fierce, but friendly competition, and Dubbo Hockey Association President Tracey Hardie-Jones, is more excited than ever.

“This is the fourth year the very popular tournament has run, attracting players from all over Australia,” Tracey said.

“Players and supporters not only enjoy the hockey, but enjoy what Dubbo has to offer with restaurants and tourist attractions,” she added.

Tracey and her “girls” have been enthusiastic participants in events all over the State and their infectious love of the sport has led to the foundation of an event that keeps growing.

“The Masters in the Bush tournament has attracted a lot of publicity over the past four years.

“We now have a waiting list for another team in as our complex with one turf can only hold 15 teams,” Tracey says, with planning to build another synthetic field.

This, she believes will take the tourney to another level again.

“We are talking with Dubbo Regional Council, the State and Federal Governments, and Hockey NSW about funding.

“Our hockey family is pro-active, and we realise that to grow the game we need at least one more field,” Tracey added.

The Masters in the Bush tournament has been recognised by NSW Hockey and presented with award for its innovative excellence.

The tournament hits off Friday night, March 15, and runs through to the finals on Sunday at the Pioneer Park Hockey Complex in West Dubbo.