Relaxing trip home helped clinch title
A CHANCE to return home for a weekend of much-needed rest and relaxation has led Townsville hockey star Hannah Astbury to a national championship.
Astbury stood between the sticks for the Queensland side, proving an immovable wall as the side went on to clinch the gold medal in a 2-1 thriller against Victoria.
It was Astbury’s second gold medal in the under-21 age group after winning in Sydney three years ago, while she has also claimed two bronze and two silver since getting a start in the age group as a 15-year-old back in 2014.
Astbury starred for the Queensland side throughout the tournament, only conceding five goals in six games and keeping three clean sheets. She also captained the side on three occasions, including in their 4-0 semi-final shutout of Australian Capital Territory.
“I am very proud of this, it hasn’t really sunk in just yet,” Astbury said. “We never really like to think of ourselves as the favourites but we were confident.
“Queensland has been pretty dominant on the hockey field for some time. I got to captain the semi-final win, which was pretty special. Especially being my last year in the age group, it was great to have that honour.”
While she might have been a dominant force between the sticks, Astbury refused to take the credit for the team’s success in Lismore, NSW.
“I am pretty happy with how I went, but I honestly didn’t have a lot of work to do,” she said.
“I credit the whole team with limiting the opposition’s scoring opportunities. We were solid right across the park and defence was a key to that. I count the wins more than goals (conceded).”
Astbury credited a recent trip home to Townsville with helping her clear the head in preparation for the tournament.
“It was really good to get home recently, mind you I managed to be out at the hockey complex each day supporting my former club Wests,” she said.
“I didn’t bring my gear at all, I just had a couple of days rest and I think it really helped.”
The 21-year-old, who snared a silver medal with the Queensland Scorchers last year in the Australian Hockey League, will now turn her attention to the upcoming inaugural Hockey One season after she was signed by the Brisbane Blaze.
Hockey One, Hockey Australia’s answer to the successful Big Bash League, will pit city-based franchises up against each other in a home and away season. The competition is expected to introduce new rules to increase the spectator value of the sport.
Hockey One kicks off on September 29.