Downs goes down fighting in opener
FIELD HOCKEY: A late chance to steal a draw has gone begging as the Darling Downs suffered a heartbreaking 2-1 loss to the South Coast in their opening game of the Queensland School Sport 13-19 years boys Hockey State Championships.
After trailing 2-0, a deft touch from striker Carter Mogg with 2.11 on the clock gave the Downs a slice of hope.
With time winding down, the Downs were awarded a penalty corner with just seconds remaining, but were unable to capitalise.
“I thought we did alright. Our talking and communication between each other and attacking wasn’t the best. Just the basics,” Mogg said.
“We’ll improve more in our next games. I think it was just first-game nerves.
“It was alright (to score a goal). I meant to go to the post, but it went through the middle, touched one of the sticks and nutmegged the goalkeeper so it was pretty good.”
The St Mary’s College product is in his third year of representing the Downs and has been playing hockey in Toowoomba since three years of age.
“I play for Norths in Toowoomba. I play in the Js and Agrade, and then I play in Brisbane for Bulimba in division two and the J boys,” Mogg said.
“It would mean a lot to be selected. I haven’t made a school sports side. I made the shadow for Queensland Schoolboys U16s last year, but hopefully going for it this year.
“I’ve made Queensland for the U15s and U18s squad.”
Action continues at the Toowoomba Hockey Association tomorrow. The Downs play their first game at 10.10am.