Fourteen teams competed in the Under 13 Boys Half State Championships (South) held in delightful conditions in Parkes over the weekend (July 10-11).

In the Division 1 final Lithgow 4 defeated Macarthur (1) 0.

Division 2 final – Illawarra (2) 2 drew Shoalhaven-Wagga 2, both being declared joint winners.

Development player of the tournament was awarded to Daine Richards (Illawarra).

Play the Whistle Award was awarded to:

Division 1 - Illawarra 1; Division 2 - Far South.

Parkes played in the top division, and had a great weekend.

Their first game was against Illawarra and they put in a terrific effort but lost 3-1.

They then met Dubbo and completely dominated in an excellent team performance to win 9-1.

The third game was against eventual winners, Lithgow.

The local boys certainly gave their best and played wonderful hockey, despite going down just 2-0.

Their results meant Parkes came third in their pool and therefore, played of for 5th and 6th positions.

The play-off was against the strong Goulburn side.

The boys again played well and showed commitment although being unlucky to go down 3 – 1.

They finished in sixth position in A Division - a great result.

Two players, goalkeeper Matt King and centre half, Kurt Lovett were selected in a squad to try out for the NSW Under 13 team.

The boys proved great ambassadors for Parkes and the sport of hockey, and learnt a lot from the weekend with the level they played at.

A huge thankyou goes to the Parkes Junior committee who gave so much time over the weekend to make it such a success.

Laurie Wakefield, Robyn Kelly and Ben Hawken were the organisers for the weekend and really did a wonderful job.

A thankyou also goes to all the volunteers who attended and assisted with the many tasks involved and the support that was shown to team whilst playing.