Rockhampton wins Queensland under-16 boys indoor hockey title

They lost their association headquarters and had just two training sessions together but Rockhampton’s under-16 boys conjured a stunning comeback to win an impressive state title.

The Rockhampton under-16 players and coaching staff celebrate their win at the Queensland indoor hockey championships in Townsville.

The Rockhampton under-16 boys have defied the odds to claim gold at the Queensland indoor hockey championships.

Despite a far-from-ideal preparation, the team won a dramatic grand final in a sudden-death shootout.

They had just two training sessions heading into the three-day carnival in Townsville after the Rockhampton Indoor Hockey Association lost its playing headquarters after a change in lease arrangements.

The Rocky Skate Club - Inline Hockey came to the rescue, allowing the team to use its facility at the city’s showgrounds.

Co-coach Jai Cass said he and the players had to improvise, given the alternate surface was a different shape, and did not have boards or the same-sized goals.

“We just had to adapt to those conditions,” he said.

“We did mainly midfield plays, working around passes to the sticks instead of the boards and quick shooting drills.

Coach Jai Cass talks tactics with the Rockhampton under-16 boys indoor hockey team.

“I’ve had plenty of drills taught to me so I just worked out what we could do and what we couldn’t do and mixed it all together.”

At just 19, Cass was excited for his first shot at coaching a representative team, particularly one so talented.

A regular Queensland player whose latest selection was in the state open men’s indoor squad, he also had plenty of knowledge to impart.

“I had high hopes for these boys and I was really happy with the outcome. It was so good,” Cass said.

Rockhampton lost its opening game 5-2 to Mackay before going on a three-game winning streak to secure a semis berth, where they accounted for Brisbane 4-3.

That put them on a collision course with Mackay in the gold medal game and it was the northern outfit that made a blistering start, firing to a 4-nil lead in the first quarter.

Cass said at the first break, he assured his players the game was far from over.

“I said boys, we’re all good. We’re in it to win it and we’ve got three quarters to go,” he said.

Player of the Final Alex Toon from Rockhampton with Queensland selector Adam McClelland.

“One goal, two goals, three goals and we’re back in it.”

His players responded, with William Crane getting one back in the second quarter, Jace Harmsworth and Player of the Final Alex Toon scoring in the third and Eli Landsberg levelling it up in the fourth.

With the scores locked at 4-all at full-time, the game went to penalty shootouts.

The teams could not be separated and it was Toon who ultimately slotted the winner after some vital saves by goalkeeper Kallum Hick

Cass said it was an amazing victory in what he said was one of the best grand finals he’d ever seen.

He said every member of the squad played their part, and they trusted their structures and their ability.

“They just went out and did what they knew they had to do, and they stayed calm in each and every game,” he said.

“They played their game, they played hard and they played so well.”

Landsberg, Harmsworth and skipper Darius Rossow earned Queensland selection, while Crane, Hick and Alfred Timms were named as shadows.

Queensland will compete at the national championships in Canberra in January.

The champion line-up

Egan Cass: Lethal striker who can score from anywhere.

Eli Landsberg: Skilful striker with brilliant execution.

Josh Winter: Sneaky striker who capitalises on every opportunity.

William Crane: Great utility who can ably fill any position.

Nate Smith: Genuine workhorse who never stops running.

Darius Rossow: Inspirational captain who leads with his actions. Very skilful and controls the game well.

Alex Toon: Will tackle anyone within his reach and has a dynamic drag flick.

Alfred Timms: Speed to burn and always gives 100 percent.

Jace Harmsworth: Always in the game, he can create space and throw a pinpoint pass.

Kallum Hicks: An unstoppable keeper who never shies away from the challenge and gives it his all.

Cairon Smith: Young keeper who was always ready to play his part.