Toowoomba junior hockey teams chase glory at state championships

STAR LIST: We name the 20 Toowoomba hockey under-14 boys and girls players top watch at the Queensland championships. Find out who cracked the list here.

Savannah Patterson is one of Toowoomba hockey’s most promising juniors. Picture: Kevin Farmer

A new crop of the Toowoomba Hockey Association’s best and brightest young stars are ready to make their mark at the state level over the coming week.

Toowoomba has six teams at the Hockey Queensland under-14 state championships.

The U14 girls started in Ipswich on Wednesday with three Toowoomba teams in action.

The boys will have home field advantage from Sunday with Toowoomba’s home of hockey Clyde Park playing host to the titles.

Here’s our look at the star players eager to lead their teams to state title glory.

Savannah Patterson

A natural leader who is fast and strong on the ball. The young striker hits the ball hard and knows how to find the net.

Tahlia Robinson

Tahlia is fit, fast and has a strong hockey mind. A skilful midfielder who possesses a ‘never give up’ attitude.

Erin Siebhur

Strong in tackles and excellent at out-letting the ball to the midfield and strikers. She is a great team person and leads from the back.

Hannah Chard

A strong passer out of defence and a dominant presence on the field. Hannah is naturally positive and encourages her teammates to be the same.

Tahlia Robinson is a highly skilled midfielder. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Claire Jensen

A unique skill set, positive and determination make Claire a great asset to the team in the forward line.

Holly Travers

Holly’s natural leadership and willingness to always work hard is an incredible strength for the team.

Milli Gascoyne

Milli’s ability to read the game and her competitiveness make her a strong defensive force.

Amelia Slatyer

An energetic player who communicates well and regularly makes great saves in goal.

Lilli Kuhl

A headstrong striker that chases every opportunity in front of her. Leads by example, plays playing with intensity on the field and encourages her teammates off the field.

Chloe Bertram

A natural leader that always rallies behind her teammates. Shes’s a go-getter that chases every loose ball and every opposition player while she’s on the field.

Claire Wilson

A patient and smart central defender, Claire has a great ability to outlet to her midfield quickly and deny her opposition entrance into the circle with strong tackles and protection of the ball.

Sienna Wall

Sienna strengthens the midfield with her guts and determination, able to make strong tackles and leading runs that open up the opposition at crucial times.

Nate Mcloughlan

The Toowoomba Boys 2 skipper has an awesome work ethic is a quite achiever and great team Can score goals if you give him space.

Patrick Waters

Paddy has exceptional vision on and off the ball, communicates with his teammates really well is a great team player and leader of this side. Patrick can also hit a great ball.

James Hartin is fantastic in defence. Picture: Kevin Farmer

James Hartin

A great voice in the back who can throw an awesome overhead, distributes the ball very well. James has great vision and is a great leader.

Nate Smith

The Queensland School Sport representative keeper is a great communicator and puts his body on the line no matter what is thrown at him.

Ripley Wood in action for Past High. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Ripley Wood

Rip is the heart of the team with his positive attitude and love for the game. Always encourages his teammates and is very active in attack.

Ewan Rawson

Reads the game well and identifies great opportunities for himself and his team. He has a passion for all things hockey and actively encourages his teammates.

Hayden Fiedler

A strong defensive player who brings who plays with determination and makes quick decisions.

Austin Venning

Fearless in defence and good at saving raised shots. He leads from the back and is a great team player. He contributes to the team on and off the field.

Toowoomba 1 boys coach Russel Cornish provided a brief statement to The Chronicle regarding his team’s strengths across the three lines of play.

Strikers: “A group that love to put pressure on the opposition defenders. They hunt in a pack forcing turnovers from the opposition. Each goal they score is created by teamwork.”

Midfield: “The engine room that never stops. They combine well creating good attacking options especially when they can use there pace in the attacking half.”

Defence: “The hidden weapon. They guide the team well knowing when to play fast or slow. The communication is very clear and precise.”

Overall: “They are all aware of the challenges ahead. The belief in each other is very high. The best player is the team.”

Originally published as Toowoomba junior hockey teams chase glory at state championships