Cairns Hockey: Peninsula Under-10-12 Boys’ Hockey Team Clinches Silver in Queensland Championships

An underdog junior hockey team from Far North Queensland emerged as the surprise sensation of a statewide tournament this week, securing a silver medal.

An underdog junior hockey team from Far North Queensland emerged as the surprise sensation of a statewide tournament this week, securing a silver medal.

The Peninsula Under-10-12 boys’ hockey team clinched silver at the Queensland 10-12 School Boys State Championships held at the Cairns Hockey Fields.

Coach Dion Woodhouse of the Under-10-12 boys’ hockey Peninsula team highlighted the team’s journey against the odds from the opening round.

“We’ve always embraced our underdog status,” Woodhouse said.

“I think before the competition a lot of people thought that we would just come in here to make up the numbers and work our way through the pool stage.

“A regional little place up here against big cities down south.

“Every day the boys just proved a few more people wrong

“Two wins on the board day one, two wins on the board day two. Straight through to the semi-final.

“The way they gelled and just played well for each other was just incredible to watch.

“They were just magic.”

The Far North side commenced the tournament with a 1-0 victory against Met North, followed by wins against Met West (4-0), Sunshine Coast (3-0) and Darling Downs (4-0).

They won their semi-final (2-1) before losing the final showdown against Met North (1-2).

“The boys showed a lot of composure at the young age to come back from adversity two games in a row (after conceding the opening goal) and it just shows what their character is like.” he said.

Captain Hugh Ferguson was outstanding and his presence helped lift his teammates throughout the tournament.

Ferguson showcased his quality particularly in the semi final.

Gifted shot stopper Carter Peters was the standout goalkeeper of the tournament.

“Carter has only been playing hockey for a couple of years,” Woodhouse said.

“He was like Greg Goldberg from The Mighty Ducks.

“His skills were incredible, but his positive attitude shows when he’s always pumping up the boys and showing that peninsula style of grit and determination.”

Nathan Riley wasn’t the most physically dominant player of the tournament but made up for his size with heart and competitive spirit.

“(Nathan) has the heart of a lion,”

“He refuses to quit, whenever he’s out there, he’s not standing still.

“If you give him a job, he’s straight onto it. He was just incredible for us.”

Special recognition goes to Cairns Hockey’s diligent efforts in hosting both the boys and girls tournaments and supporting the local hockey community.

Originally published as Cairns Hockey: Peninsula Under-10-12 Boys’ Hockey Team Clinches Silver in Queensland Championships