Tassie under-18s in good touch

T A S MANIA’ S u n d e r - 1 8 hockey teams have both performed strongly on day five of the national championships in Launceston.

The girls produced their best performance of the tournament, racing to a 2-0 lead at halftime against highly rated Victoria.

However, that advantage evaporated in the second half and the girls drew 2-2 with their more fancied opponent.

Girls coach Ilene Carr was delighted with her team’s effort, particularly with striker Julia Gunn who was awarded the team’s first Hockey Australia player of the match award.

“We scored two well executed goals from Philly Bridley and had the Vics under the pump for all of the first half and our 2-0 lead was warranted,” Carr said.

“We kept up the pressure in the second half, however Victoria stepped up their game and we just weren’t able to convert our opportunities.

“Julia was lively and a real handful as Victoria struggled to handle her pace, while Georgia Williams made a number of well-timed tackles and Philly’s finishing was very good.”

It was better news for the boys when a late Josh Brooks penalty stroke goal stole a come-from-behind 4-3 win against South Australia.

The boys had trailed SA 3-1 inside the final 20 minutes but stormed back to be level pegging, with goals to Ben East and Harvey Bessell.

Despite being without injured forward Josh Cummins, the hosts finished strongly with Brooks sealing the win just three minutes from the final siren.

The results mean Tasmania’s boys finished third in Pool B and will now meet NSW for fifth position at 5.30pm tomorrow.

The girls finished fourth in Pool A and will meet NSW at 4pm for seventh position in the 10-team competition.

Today is a rest day in the under-18 tournament.