Lithgow High School's open boys hockey team is one of the top eight in the state, after winning through to the finals of the Combined High School State Knockout.
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The team will take to the pitch next week at Moorebank to try to take home the knockout title.
It has been a number of years since the boys' team has made the final stage of the knockout, Lithgow High School team coach Shane Conroy said. Last year the team was knocked out in the round of 16.
"We've got strength in our experience," he said.
"In the last couple of years we haven't lost anyone from the team.
"They are really strong as a team."
The knockout began in term 2 with an easy win over Bathurst, in which Lithgow scored multiple times to nil.
The finals will be held over two days on September 17 and 18.
Their second round match against Orange High School was tough, however, coming down to penalty strokes.
"They [Orange] were unlucky to get knocked out, really. In our next game against Glenmore Park, we won 10-0," Mr Conroy said.
"We were fortunate to have our last two games in Lithgow to finish off."
Their final round was against Mullaway High School, which Lithgow won 3-2 on September 2.
"We have four Year 12's in the team, so hopefully they step up and lead by example," Mr Conroy said.
A few of the Year 9 and 10 players have significant representative and premier league experience, with which they support the younger players.
The team has a wide age range represented, with their youngest Kade Anderson, a Year 7 student, stepping up to play outside defender.
Mr Conroy praised one of his oldest team members, Lachlan Roach, for his growing leadership role.
"He's not a big speaker on the field, but he leads by example," he said.
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Kirsty Horton
A journalist with 15 years of experience, Kirsty Horton has been the editor of the Lithgow Mercury newspaper and a journalist for mastheads including the Great Lakes Advocate, Nambucca Guardian News and Moree Champion. She is now a member of ACM's features and special publications team.
A journalist with 15 years of experience, Kirsty Horton has been the editor of the Lithgow Mercury newspaper and a journalist for mastheads including the Great Lakes Advocate, Nambucca Guardian News and Moree Champion. She is now a member of ACM's features and special publications team.
