The Grafton Hockey Association (GHA) community have been closely following the Hockey Australia Under 21 Championships currently being played in Sydney.

GHA has 5 current or former players who, through their hard work and talent, were selected to represent at these championships.

In the women’s competition, Ash Ensbey is part of the NSW State team, who will play off against Tasmania for a grand final spot. The teams met in the round games, with NSW taking the win 2-0, and they will be hoping for a similar result. Breah Fischer, who plays her local hockey between Grafton and Coffs Coast, was selected in the NSW Blues team. At just 17 years of age, this tournament will have offered some excellent experience for Breah.

In the men’s competition, Jake Lambeth and Rhys Cropper are representing for the second time in the NSW state team. Their team finished top of their pool but will have to overcome former GHA member Tyler Gaddes’ Queensland side to make the grand final. This will no doubt be a tight contest, with the winner going onto face either Victoria or Western Australia, who will battle it out in the other semifinal.

This season, all current hockey members have been provided with free access to Livehockey, who are broadcasting games from the National Championships. This is such an exciting opportunity for locals to follow our wonderful up and coming players and watch some high-quality hockey matches. Be sure to tune in to the men’s gold medal match on Wednesday March 29 at 1.50pm, with the women’s match following at 4pm.

Angie Day