TAMWORTH’S Under 15 girls’ hockey A side tackles a tough State Girls’ Hockey Championship A Division in Grafton this weekend but their coach is confident the young side will go well.
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Former State representative player Richard Willis, who has coached numerous NSW boys’ representative sides to success, is the coach.
Last Friday he had his talented side out in the cold and light misting rain at the hockey complex preparing for this weekend.
It was one of the final sessions for a side bristling with quality and improving players, Willis said.
“A number of these girls played in our Under 13 side last year that made it through to the semi-finals (at State).
“We lost to Lithgow in the semi and they won it.
“We’re in a very strong pool though.
“We play Orange and home side Grafton on Friday.
“Grafton will be a tough gig as they do have some quality players.”
He said the likes of Alice Arnott, Abigail Doolan and Emm Chaffey will lead the Tamworth A’s.
All three play in the midfield and will ensure the side has plenty of chances.
“We do have a lot of talented young girls and they are quick as well but the focus will be on the team, playing as a team.
“They have been training hard and most of these girls play either second or first grade for their clubs.
“I’m really looking forward to this weekend.
“We’ve also done some team-building.
“Peter Annis-Brown (just retired NIAS executive officer) was out here last week and took the girls for something quite different.”
After playing Orange and Grafton on Friday, Tamworth then lines up against Sydney and Macarthur.
“So they are four tough games,” Willis said.
“But this team is very positive. Some have played in the A’s before and some haven’t but for all of them it is special to play for Tamworth.
“There aren’t a lot of female sports in Tamworth where the girls can represent their town.”
He’s sure they will do with pride and enthusiasm.
