Memorial matches highlight Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s Cancer Awareness round

The Lower Great Southern Hockey Association will hold its annual cancer awareness round this Saturday, highlighted by the Jo Burling Memorial Game.

This year will be the 22nd edition of the prestigious Jo Burling Memorial Game, played between women’s A-grade teams North Albany and Spencer Park.

The memorial is played in honour of Albany hockey stalwart Jo Burling who died of breast cancer at the age of 42.

Burling was a life member of Dumbleyung Hockey Club before she became very active in the LGSHA, coaching, umpiring and playing A-grade with Park.

She was also a regular player at country championships in Perth and was selected for WA country several times.

Park and Redbacks have had a healthy, competitive relationship over the years and after discussion between Tracey Menegola and Lorraine Benson, the memorial match was initiated in 2000.

The two sides play off annually for the Jo Burling Memorial Shield, which Park have won on nine occasions.

Redbacks have seven victories to their name while there have been five draws in the fixture, including last year when it finished 1-1.

The Kellie York Memorial Game is also part of the LGSHA’s Cancer Awareness round, played between the two Spencer Park B-grade teams.

A popular player and active member with Park over many years, York also died from cancer.

The LGSHA holds a Cancer Awareness round to honour Burling, York and all families that have been affected by some form of cancer.

The Burling and York families travel from around WA to attend the memorial games.

The Kellie York Memorial will be contested between Spencer Park Light and Spencer Park Dark at 1.30pm.

The Jo Burling Memorial between Redbacks and Park will follow that game, starting at 3pm.

The LGSHA will have raffles throughout Saturday while there will be hot meals available and the bar open.

All donations received on the day will go to Solaris Cancer Care.