What do you say when you win a gold medal and a score a national selection in one weekend?
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"I still love my hockey!"
Parkes player Will Searl is beaming after competing in his first campaign with the under 21 NSW Country team at the Australian Country Championships in Shepparton.
He came home with his first gold and a selection honour to represent his country in the Under 21s team on their tour of Borneo early next year.
"After the grand final we had a presentation ceremony where everyone got their medals and they announced the Mens and Womens Opens and 21s Aussie teams," the eighteen-year-old said.
"I was lucky enough to get a spot, I reckon it will be an amazing experience."
Will played the tournament in his regular midfield position, scoring a goal and Players Player in the first match against South Australia.
The team, which included former Parkes player Taylor Dolbel, got through their campaign undefeated.
"It's the best tournament I've been to in regards to it being fun and the level of hockey, it was all high quality," Will said.
Bathurst's Jaden Ekert coaches the NSW outfit, who took down South Australia 6-0, Victoria 9-2, Western Australia 5-0, Queensland 5-0 and the Australian Defence Force (ADF) 7-1.
"We played ADF again in a must-win semi-final, and won 7-nil," Will said.
"The grand final was on Sunday and we beat Queensland 3-nil and got our gold medal.
"There were three goals scored against us the whole tournament and we scored 42 goals."
Will said every time he plays hockey he is proudly representing Parkes.
"When I pull on the green and gold, my junior years of playing hockey in Parkes will be my main motivator as it's taken commitment and passion to get to the level I'm at now," he said.
"I really want to thank Dusty Powter for his ongoing support, everyone from the Parkes Hockey community, the community in general, and mum and dad of course."
