In uncomfortable conditions above 30 degrees celcius the NSW men’s side – coached by Bathurst’s Jaden Ekert and featuring Riley Hanrahan in the playing squad - recorded a thumping 7-0 win over South Australia in their tournament opener.

Bathurst players Sarah Watterson, Kristy Ekert, Maddy Boyce, Kelly Baker and their NSW team mates picked up an encouraging 3-all draw against a strong Queensland outfit.

When the NSW men found a goal within the first minute of their match against SA it was a sign of things to come.

NSW went out to a 3-0 lead at half-time.

Following a 20 minute dry spell in front of the SA net for NSW a goal soon opened the floodgates.

The women’s match between rivals NSW and Queensland lived up to expectations.

Queensland took the lead 26 minutes into the game before NSW hit back from a penalty corner then the field to jump to a 2-1 lead.

NSW looked set to enter the break with a lead but a penalty corner one minute before the break allowed their opponents to square proceedings back up.

Both sides exchanged goals late in the second half to finish at 3-all.

On Monday the women’s side had the bye and will next play South Australia on Tuesday.

NSW men faced Australia Defence Force on Monday night and on Tuesday will have the bye.