State PSSA hockey champions!

After winning the Western Region title over Bletchington, Orange, followed by a convincing 4-0 win against Riverina, Parkes Public School qualified for the state finals played in Narellan. 

Already in the top four teams in the state, a win in the first game against Gymea Bay saw PPS earn a grand final spot. 

The Parkes boys took a while to click into gear and went to half time with a 1-0 lead courtesy of a Koby Johnstone converted penalty corner. 

The second half saw Parkes hold their positions well and move the ball wide ensuring Gymea Bay had limited opportunities to score. 

The defence and skills shown by the backs ensured Gymea Bay did not make a breakthrough while the strikers used their talent and teamwork to increase the lead and ensure a win. 

Second half goals scored by Joseph Tanswell (2), Matthew Dillon and Jason Wright secured a well deserved victory.

With an hour break between games, the team rested before the state final against Grafton Public. 

This game proved to be a much tougher affair as Grafton came out playing strongly. 

The first half saw a number of goal scoring opportunities defended well by both teams. 

PPS went to the half-time break with a well earned 1-0 lead. 

The boys knew that they had to keep the pressure on in the second half as Grafton were constantly trying to break their defence. 

The great team bond was evident as the boys worked together and encouraged both senior and junior team mates in all their efforts throughout the game. 

The weather conditions were quite warm for hockey and both teams felt the heat. 

With under five minutes remaining, Koby slammed in another goal off a short corner. 

After the second goal, the boys could smell a victory and the state title. 

PPS had utilised an excellent  short corner tactic all competition and it proved successful yet again. 

At fulltime, the excitement was clear with players, coach, staff, family and friends who had travelled to Narrellan all enjoying the win

Superb goal keeper Harrison MacGregor let in only one goal throughout the entire competition!

Captains Koby and Kyle Thomson gave an excellent speech, thanking Narellan and the organisers before being presented with the NSW PSSA state hockey shield for 2014. 

They called up their team mates for individual pennants. 

The shield and pennant will be proudly displayed in the PPS foyer for the next 12 months.

The boys were very proud winners and showed extremely good sportsmanship throughout the competition.

They were excited to do one better than their runners-up finish last year.

The boys were delighted to have Mrs Breadan (Parkes Public School principal) attend and support the finals day. 

The team would like to thank Glenn Johnstone, Graeme Tanswell, Mrs Judy Elliott and all parents/carers who have supported them during the season. 

They have ensured the boys were at training each week since April and travelled to many games.

Mrs Elliott congratulated the boys. 

“It has been a pleasure to manage the hockey team,” Mrs Elliott said.

“They are wonderful representatives of the school and always very sportsman like.”