Toowoomba players earn recognition with big numbers chosen for Queensland

Toowoomba will play a big hand in the hockey national championships in 2021.

Matt Hawthorne. Picture: Kevin Farmer

HOCKEY: The Toowoomba Hockey production line has produced its latest batch of state junior representatives.

In perhaps the toughest circumstances our players have faced to earn Queensland selection, eight players have managed to do just that across the boys and girls U15s and U18s divisions.

Daniel Burge, Jack Hawthorne and Mekenzie Hermann earned selection in the U18s, with Ryan Bidgood, Will Neilson and Xuan Mai Connor chosen as shadow players.

Will Cronk, Matt Hawthorne, Lachlan Ziviani, Bobby Hamlet and Ella Hagenbach fly the flag in the U15s, with Jackson Smiddy a shadow player.

It continues the rich history of representation that has been experienced in the region, and Toowoomba Hockey Association regional hockey and coaching manager Matt Cook said their achievement in a COVID-impacted season cannot be discounted.

“It’s great for these kids,” Cook said.

“They had a tough 2020, and Toowoomba was one of two regions that didn’t have a competition, so they had to work extra hard to get up to speed and compete against other regions.

“They’ll gain a lot of confidence from their selection and for them to be rewarded is great. Everyone who trialled for the teams will be better for the experience.

“Toowoomba as a whole can be proud of their efforts.”

In preparation for their state campaigns later this year, players are improving their match fitness and level of play in the Club Glenvale Challenge.

Cook said having the chance to play alongside players who have gone to great heights in the game will only serve to further their development.

“The Friday night competition at the moment is an amazing opportunity to prepare for the national championships,” he said.

“They get the chance to play with and against some of the best players in Toowoomba, many who have experience in playing at the state level.

“To have the chance to rub shoulders with them is a good opportunity to gain experience and knowledge.”

Cook said that is one of the advantages Toowoomba had on its metropolitan rivals, the chance for younger players to test themselves in open grade.

“Hockey is a really good sport for that,” he said.

“In Brisbane players don’t get as much chance to play senior sport at a young age.

“There are benefits and it helps their development.

“It’s quite often a sink or swim situation, and they are swimming well.”