Brooke Peris held her nerve to convert the decisive penalty in sudden death to clinch a 4-3 win over the world number three side.

The Armidale native headlines a long list of current and former northern talent on representative assignment for either their state or country.

Tamworth products Adam Bannister and Matt Lobsey are presently in Terrassa, Spain playing for the Australian men’s 40s team at the World Cup, while Armidale’s Brittany Parker, Katrina Rekunow, Tara Jane, Brianna Sutton, Darby Chalmers and Ben Hanlan, and Tamworth’s Ashley Ninness and Simon Massey are in Berri, South Australia preparing for the Australian Country Championships.

The annual tournament gets underway on Friday, and will see the NSW Country women and men taking on Victoria.

Rekunow is part of a new look women’s side.

“I think we have nine newbies and a few players that didn’t play last year,” the Waratahs captain said.

It is on balance probably a younger side, but one that is motivated to succeed.

For Rekunow and Parker that motivation is heightened after being part of the side that finished with silver last year.

“The girls that were in it last year I know particularly want that (win),” Rekunow said.

They know what it feels like to play well all tournament and fall at the final hurdle.

Rekunow will play a defensive midfield role and said making the side again was a goal.

“I was really happy to be selected. It was a really good tournament last year,” she said.

“I was excited for the chance to come away again this year and play some good hockey.”

When she spoke to the The Leader, her NSW Country side had just finished their final training run.

She said the side has come together well and are looking good entering their clash with the Victorians.

NSW Country beat them comfortably last year but certainly won’t be taking them lightly.

And while no side can be discounted, Rekunow expects Queensland, who they are due to face on Sunday, and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to be their toughest adversaries.