Gosford back up from Sydney commitments with 9-1 win over Wests in opening round of Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League

The three-time defending premiers trounced Wests 9-1 at Wyong in Sunday's season opener after the player-coach joined at least half-a-dozen of his Magpies teammates for a 4-all draw with the Norwest Strikers in the state capital on Saturday.

"It was nice to get a good result first up and we were pretty lucky because most of the guys backed up after playing in Sydney yesterday," Alexander, who lined up for Adelaide Fire in last year's Hockey One tournament, said.

NSW Pride representative Ehren Hazell and Jake Wigham both claimed hat-tricks for the hosts while Brinley Gallagher, Hugh Wickert and Alexander also found the back of the net.

In Sunday's other game debutant Lukas Gremm and Seb Rollings both scored second-half goals to see Souths overcome University 2-0 at Newcastle International Hockey Centre.

"We went down, but it was promising to see we are moving in the right direction after the last coupld of years. Still a long way to go though," University coach Ben Brown said.

Norths had the bye and Maitland withdrew from the competition earlier this month.

In the opening round of Newcastle District Women's Hockey Association premier league at Broadmeadow on Saturday reigning champions Oxfords played out a 0-all draw with Gosford, Kiahani Abell and Madi Webster produced last-quarter goals for Souths in coming from behind to defeat a Kasey Cocking-led Central 2-1 while Cindy Peady bagged four as Regals thumped University 10-0. Tigers had the bye.

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