THERE was excitement all round when Gloucester Public School’s boys’ hockey team won the NSW state hockey championship by defeating Oran Park Public school 3-1 in the final.
The competition is sponsored by the NSW Primary Schools Sports Association (PSSA) with over 30 schools from all over the state taking part.
Although Gloucester has won the championship on five previous occasions, it was 31 years since they had last held up the shield.
The competition is a knockout, and Gloucester earned the right to take part in the finals by winning the Hunter Region competition.
On 17 October, Gloucester defeated Molong Central School four-nil, securing their place in the final.
Oran Park was confident of victory as their team included a state player but, according to Gloucester coach Hayden White, it was the great teamwork of the Gloucester boys that won the day.
It was one- all at half time, but Gloucester scored twice in the second half to finish victorious.
Throughout the competition, Gloucester’s defence was top class, only conceding two goals.
Hayden, who teaches Year 6 and has played hockey since he was nine-years-old, was justifiably proud of the team.
“Our boys were very deserving winners,” he said.
“They really displayed exceptional teamwork with amazing communication.”
Watching the game was Archie Baker’s dad Chad, and Dallas Hennessy’s uncle Chris Coombes, who coincidently were both members of the team that last won the shield 31-years ago.
“The boys worked their buts off and did everything I asked of them on a sensational day,” added Hayden.
By: John WATTS
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