Townsville’s six of best in hockey fest

SIX Townsville hockey talents will be looking to make the most of their hometown advantage with Queensland Country when the city hosts the Australian Country Hockey Championships from today.

New South Wales are the reigning champions in both the men’s and women’s divisions, with teams from Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Australian Defence Force also challenging for this year’s crown.

The Queensland women lost to NSW 2- 1 in the gold medal game last year and Natarlia Smith will be back on deck alongside fellow Townsville product Carlie Pearce.

The women’s team is coached by Townsville’s regional coaching director Mark Pike and includes former Australian Hockeyroos striker Kandice Olivieri.

Townsville’s Grant Dilger is vice- captain of the Queensland men’s team alongside hometown talents Cody Rintala, Liam McKay, and Lachlan Matschoss.

Queensland lost their bronze medal playoff with Western Australia 1- 0 last year, but they have a new look side and are hopeful of featuring in the gold medal game.

Play gets under way today at Parks Hockey Club in the Murray Sporting Complex and will run throughout the week before the finals next Saturday.

Queensland open their campaigns against arch rivals New South Wales this evening, with the men in action at 5.30pm followed by the women at 7pm.