O’NEILL MUST IMPROVE BEFORE TEST SPOT GOES ...

TOWNSVILLE’s hockey veterans proved their skills are still as sharp as ever with a hard- fought 2- 1 victory over Ipswich in yesterday’s Over- 40s final at the Queensland Men’s Masters State Championships.

The home side was forced to overcome a late comeback from Ipswich after they found the back of the net with five minutes left to play, but Townsville’s defence held strong.

Townsville captain Peter Walker described Masters tournaments as “last man standing” as injuries take their toll, but he said their aching bodies didn’t feel so bad after claiming the trophy.

“The beers taste a bit better in the end,” Walker said.

“Finals don’t happen too often so when they do it’s nice to win them and getting Townsville back on the trophy after a couple years is even better.

“I think in Masters it’s effectively last man standing. We had a couple injured and it was tough.” CONTINUED:

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Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS STICKING AROUND: Townsville’s Brett Maff and Ipswich’s Craig Owen battle for the ball during the grand final of the Queensland Masters Hockey Championships.