THE Hockey NSW Under-18 Boys Indoor State Championships was held at Illawarra Hockey Stadium, Unanderra from 11 to 13 October.
New England did not enter a team last year which meant they had to start in Division 3 for this year’s championship.
New England was represented by Ben Hanlan (captain), Will Brissett (goalkeeper) Alex Brown, Donovan and Darby Chalmers, Justin Hickey Jeremy Maguire and Dylan Yeomans, with coach Blair Chalmers.
The carnival began on Friday in warm conditions, with a good win over Port Macquarie 9/2. After a three-hour break they came up against Nepean in a much tougher match, winning 7/6.
On Saturday, playing conditions started to warm up and the first match against Goulburn resulted in another good win 10/3.
The second match of the day was against Manning Valley, with a win 11/2, putting New England on top of the ladder in the Division.
Sunday was hot, with temperatures getting to the mid 30s, and the semi final was against fourth-placed Goulburn.
New England again came out on top with a 9/1 win. In the other semi, Nepean overcame Manning Valley to also put them into the final.
A one-match rest was all New England and Nepean was given before they matched up in the final. As in the pool match, it was a closely fought affair with New England coming out strongly and getting an early lead.
Nepean fought back, but was never able to get in front, with New England taking out the final 8/7.
This result elevates New England up into Division 2 next year, with all boys except Ben Hanlan eligible to play again.
In a great team performance, all players were involved in the goal-scoring as well as solid defensive play, with coach Blair Chalmers pleased with the all-round performance and effort of all the players.
Captain Ben Hanlan had an outstanding weekend, taking out the Development Player of the Championship.
New England also received ‘Play the Whistle’ award for participating in the spirit of the game and demonstrating excellent sportsmanship, proving great ambassadors for New England hockey.
