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.
West
Don't miss out on the headlines from West . Followed categories will be added to My News.
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.
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.
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.
“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.
“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.’’
“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.
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’’.
SUBSCRIPTION OFFER: 50C A DAY FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS (MIN COST $15)
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.
“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.
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.
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.
“They beat us through the middle which is normally where it is lost.
“But we will learn from that.’’
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.
“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.
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.
Live stream: Queensland Schools Premier League Grand Finals
A big season comes to an exciting climax on October 25 for some of the state’s top young football players. Catch six games LIVE across two fields. Read on for players to watch from all teams.
REVEALED: QLD’s top strikers, players and football officials
BEST OF THE BEST: We reveal the best strikers, players, coaches and volunteers who made their mark on Queensland football this season. Find out who cracked the list here.