The U/18’s girl’s representative hockey team travelled to Narellan recently to play in the Div 1 State Championships.

The girls had a slow start in their first game against North West Sydney, but warmed up to the fast pace of the game, coming away with a 2 all draw. Later that afternoon they faced off against a red-hot Newcastle team that looked certain to be championship contenders. The girls fought hard until the end, including putting bodies on the line, with Eliza Berrick leaving the field with a nasty finger injury. Newcastle proved too strong, taking the win 6-0.

Saturday saw a new day and a very chilly morning as the team lined up, buoyed by Eliza being cleared to play, despite a few stitches in the finger. The girls started strongly and netted the first goal. Illawarra unfortunately scored the next 2, to defeat our girls in an entertaining game.

The final game for Saturday was against Central Coast. Grafton had plenty of opportunities but only managed to secure the win in the final minute of the game. This was an important win, keeping Grafton from the dreaded relegation match.

The girls finished strongly, defeating a physical Northern Beaches 3-1, and securing 7th position overall in Div 1.

This result bodes well for 2024, with only Tanika Crispin, Ella Cahill, Makayla Chamber-Ward and Jessica Sears playing their last game in 18’s age division. A little consolation for the team was the fact that the only 2 teams who defeated them ended up fighting it out for the premiership, with Illawarra defeating Newcastle 2-1.

GHA had 3 players selected in the NSW Under 18 teams, with Martina Williams making the State team, and Eliza Berrick and Maia Adamson making the Blues team. Breah Fischer, who represented Coffs Coast, but also plays in the Grafton competition, was also selected in the State team. These girls will look forward to travelling to Hobart to compete at Nationals in July.

Angie Day