Spencer Park and North Albany celebrate the lives of much loved hockey stalwarts Jo Burling and Kellie York

The Albany Hockey Stadium was festooned in pink balloons as players, supporters and families remembered two stalwarts of the game in the Lower Great Southern Hockey Association’s Cancer Awareness Round. The Jo Burling Memorial Match is contested annually by Spencer Park and North Albany in the women’s A-grade while much-loved Park stalwart Kellie York is honoured in the B-grade clash between Spencer Park’s Light and Dark sides. Both women lost battles with breast cancer. On Saturday, North Albany won the 25th contest in Burling’s honour. Originally a Dumbleyung player, she became a popular bastion of the LGSHA, coaching, umpiring and playing in the A-grade for Spencer Park. North Albany captain Jayne Tweddle said her side’s 2-1 win was “more emotional than a grand final” and it was “simply an honour to play this game in Jo’s name”. The B-grade match remembered York, who died in 2008. Her daughter Janae Minett said her mum brought energy, laughter and determination to everything she tackled. “Hockey was Mum’s passion, her community and her joy,” she said. “Cancer took mum and Jo far too soon but we’re not just remembering their battles, we are celebrating their lives. “We are honouring two incredible women who gave so much to their club and the sport. “This round is a tribute to their strength and a reminder of the importance of awareness, support and community.” The stands were full for the matches and families of both women cheered from the sidelines.