Hockey rivals stoking flames
HOT off their success at the Under-18 National Championships, Cairns’ hockey contingent is ready to defend home soil against a Townsville team equally hungry for success.
The Hawthorn Shield, hockey’s annual clash between the regional rivals, will be held at Cairns Hockey Centre on Saturday and Sunday.
Under-18 women’s coach Wynand Volschenk said it was a significant time for the association, particularly for those playing in the masters divisions.
“We weren’t able to send a masters under-34 team away for the state championships, but we were able to get a team ready for Hawthorn,” he said.
“A lot of the men are really keen to get back into it.
“As for the juniors and other teams, everyone is very keen on playing and to represent Cairns and bring a few trophies back.”
Under-18 players Talytha MacDonald and Ash Seivers – who took gold and silver at nationals respectively – will headline the women’s squad.
Cairns’ under-18 boys team will be coached by former Kookaburra Dean Butler, and features Cade Coghlan, Jesse Folpp and Brayden Naess.