Hockey New England was again well represented, with three Armidale schoolboys contesting the New South Wales PSSA Boys Hockey tournament as a part of the North West team. This tournament was held in Bathurst June 26-28, 2012. Kiran Lennon and Tao Grieves from Ben Venue Public School and Dex Hewitt from Armidale City Public School proudly displayed the depth of talent in hockey in New England. The North West team consisted of boys from all over the region, including Armidale, Tamworth and Inverell. The North West team achieved the best result for the region in a long time, finishing equal third overall. North West were winners in 1974 and runners-up in 1981.
The boys all play locally, Kiran Lennon for City Hockey Club, Tao Grieves and Dex Hewitt for Ex-Services Checkmates Hockey Club.
North West finished second in their pool after a 2-2 draw with Sydney East, a 5-0 win over Sydney West, a 2-1 win over Sydney South West, a 1-3 loss to North Coast and a 2-1 win over Sydney North.
The semi-final was tightly contested, with North West losing to Hunter 2-1, Hunter going on to win the tournament. The North West boys then faced North Coast in a play-off for 3rd and 4th spots. This game was an excellent display of hockey, ending in a 1-all draw, resulting in North West and North Coast finishing equal third.
Hockey New England would like to congratulate the three boys on their selection into the North West team on what was an outstanding effort at the State Carnival. This is a fantastic achievement to represent your school at the NSW PSSA level.
