Members of Lithgow Women's Hockey Masters No 1 team were thrilled to be joint winner when they participated in the NSW Women's Hockey full state tournament held in Bathurst last weekend in brilliant sunshine.
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The tournament was held over four days with 110 teams taking part over six age groups, utilising three synthetic turfs and 11 grass fields.
Lithgow contested in the Over 35 Division 2, playing on grass, something they are not used to as all competition matches are played on turf.
In the round games, in their first match, Orange defeated Lithgow 1-0.
Then, putting in a strong effort and good passing for the balance of the round games, they accounted for Sydney East, Illawarra, South Coast, Goulburn and Dubbo; each score was 1-0.
With these good results, they were placed first to play the final. Lithgow faced Goulburn again and unfortunately conceded a goal early in the match. Lithgow fought back hard to equal the score.
Many of Lithgow's circle penetrations were either saved, or the ball went wide of the goal. Time ran out and the hooter sounded for a 1-1 draw and declared joint winners.
"I have not got the words to express my appreciation for the effort everyone showed," team manger Tracey Baker said.
"Well done, ladies, a great weekend of friends, laughs and great hockey. Many thanks to Dave Mike for his coaching expertise."
The players' player was awarded to newcomer, Bianca Hemmy, and was well deserved.
Lithgow is looking forward to the half state tournament being held in Wagga Wagga next year and hopefully will contest in the Over 35 Division 1 and turf matches.
Lithgow No 1 won this division five years ago when the tournament was held on the Central Coast.
Well done to team members Rebecca Rich, Tammy Barber, Robyn Millar (captain), Nicole Woolsey, Christine Stapleton, Tracey Baker, Jodie Stewart, Donna Dogger, Cheryn Van-Veen, Kristin Reid, Kirsty Jenkins, Kylie Holmes, Bianca Hemmy, Cheryl Rutherford, Beth Cook and Ngarie Lynch.
The team would like to thank Eagle View Escape for their sponsorship and Lithgow Hockey.
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