Rep sides push for silver at states

HOCKEY: The Toowoomba Hockey nursery is back in full swing.

Players have recently returned home after a strong showing at various state championships, with the U18s boys (division one) and the U18s girls (division two) bringing home silver medals.

Regional hockey and coaching manager Matt Cook said the strong showings were a reward for their efforts against the metro centres.

“It was a really great couple of days with the boys on the Gold Coast and the girls in Brisbane,” Cook said.

“The boys performed really well. They went through the group stage undefeated and qualified for the grand final where they faced the Gold Coast.

“It was a good effort and highlights the significant improvement in the culture of the team.

“They went down in a nailbiter 4-3. They gave it their all and showed a big improvement over the past 12 months.

“Tom Campbell was named player of the tournament which was a nice individual honour for him.

“The division two girls lost their final in a shootout and finished second. It was great to make the grand final, and while it’s never easy to lose in a shootout, there’s a bit of talent there and some good young players stepping up.”

The boy’s result in particular has Cook excited about the future of the local program and the direction it’s heading,

“This is an incredibly talented group of boys here,” he said.

“Tweed border didn’t send a team and there were a number of athletes on the Gold Coast, so it was almost like two regions against Toowoomba.

“There are great coaches and clubs developing players, putting them in a position to build and grow, and hopefully follow suit.”