Brisbane State High School close to QGSSSA hockey title after beating Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Brisbane State High School was on the verge of another QGSSSA open premiership after a 3-nil win over Brisbane Grammar School in the top of the table open’s hockey clash this morning.

Brisbane State High School was on the verge of another QGSSSA open premiership after a 3-nil win over Brisbane Grammar School in the top of the table open’s hockey clash this morning.

BSHS need to beat Somerville House this weekend to claim a fifth successive open premiership, some of which have been joint titles.

The BSHS which is on the verge of claiming a fifth QGSSSA open division hockey premiership.

After a scoreless 20 minutes, Imogen Turner opened the scoring in the “grand final’’ when she converted a corner for BSHS.

Minutes later Anna Scrooper inflicted a double blow on BGGS when she scored again for BSHS to give her side a 2-nil advantage at the break.

BGGS reset at halftime and never gave in during an even second half.

Action in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

However, Turner then scored her second goal and at 3-nil the match was in safe keeping for BSHS.

BSHS coach Natasha Adams said the side rebounded well after a shock loss the previous week to St Aidan’s Anglican Girls’ School.

Anna Scrooper scores for BSHS in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“There was a bit of pressure for the girls today but they all really stood up to it,’’ Adams said.

She said the key to the win over BGGS was letting the ball do the work.

BSHS coach Natasha Adams addresses her team during halftime in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“We looked for our transfer, going stick to stick, instead of trying to smash it through.

“That was our big project, to make sure we worked with each other as a team.’’

Brisbane State High School take a shot in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“I said to the girls the first five minutes was going to be hard. We just have to stay in the game.

“I said we had to stay in control and be patient the goals would come.

BGGS on the move in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

Adams said it was relieving for Turner to score her second goal in the second half to lift the lead to three goals because “you don’t know what halftime will do for any team’’.

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School senior coach of the hockey program, Matt Smith, said open’s team was a young side and many would be returning next year.

Eyes up as BSHS attack in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“I think with any team, if you get a group that can play together for a couple of years, it helps.

“A lot of these girls are in Year 10 and 11 and over the next couple of years, that (their combination) will help.

Grammar attack in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

Smith said what he loved most about his role at the school was seeing students have the chance to participate in sport like hockey.

“It has been a great season,’’ he said.

Brisbane Girls Grammar Players interchange in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

He said BSHS started better and played “ a lot shorter’’ than we did.

“BSHS have dominated the competition for the last couple of years,’’ Smith said.

BSHS attack in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“They beat us through the middle which is normally where it is lost.

“But we will learn from that.’’

Brisbane State High School's Imogen is on the verge of winning five successive premiership. She scored two goals in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

If, as expected, BSHS do beat Somerville House and claim the title, it will be a sweet moment for co-captain Imogen Turner who, remarkably, has been in the open team since Year 8.

As a result she would have won five successive premierships which is an amazing feat.

“I have been in it every year,’’ Turner said.

Elizabeth Moss of BGGS rallies in defence during the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

“It is very enjoyable because we get to see the younger girls grow up together and we help the younger ones and it is good to keep the premierships going.

BGGS attack in the QGSSSA top of the table clash between BSHS and BGGS.

Turner said she loved the “community feel’’ of playing hockey at BSHS and enjoyed mentoring young players in the side like she was once mentored.

Turner shares the captaincy with goal keeper Lara Dewaal.