Mackay duo helps Queensland to breakthrough win against NSW

SEAN Gibbs feels that this could be Queensland’s year at the under-18 Australian Hockey Championships in Canberra.

GOOD FORM: Jacob Anderson (left) and Sean Gibbs’ Queensland side is undefeated at the national championships in Canberra. Picture: Contributed

SEAN Gibbs feels that this could be Queensland's year at the under-18 Australian Hockey Championships in Canberra.

He's played for Queensland since under-12s and has fallen short of winning the nationals every year.

But Queensland is through to a semi-final against Victoria tonight.

"We're confident, but we're still going through a lot of important stuff we need to do because Victoria is a pretty handy side," Gibbs said.

"We had a look at them playing and they're a pretty good team so, while we are confident, we know it's not going to be easy."

Gibbs said New South Wales had been Queensland's bogy side for many years, but they overcame the sky-blues in their first game of the tournament.

He said that win gave the side the confidence it needed to go on and top their pool with three wins and a draw.

NSW also made it through to the semi-finals and face winners of the other pool, Western Australia, meaning it could be a Queensland v NSW final tomorrow.

"We've made the final couple against NSW a few times but we've never beaten them in this age group," Gibbs said.

"It's looking good so far, but the last few years we've choked a bit so hopefully we pull through this year."

Both Gibbs and fellow Mackay junior Jacob Anderson were unfortunate to miss out on the Australian squad named after the group games.

Gibbs has been playing through the tournament with a back injury and said he had been struggling for game time early in the week.

But he said he had still enjoyed his time in Canberra.

"It's been a bit of a struggle; I've never really had to play injured like this before," Gibbs said.

"It's been good playing with Jacob; it's the first Queensland trip we've had together and it's nice to be doing Mackay proud, I suppose.

"He's doing well; he's been playing really well."

Originally published as Mackay duo helps Queensland to breakthrough win against NSW