Rising Parkes hockey star Will Searl has returned from his first overseas tour, reveling in the experience of playing for his country.
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Will's dream of pulling on the green and gold was realised when he played in the Australia Country Under-21 Men's team in Borneo this month.
The side returned home more than happy with their campaign, winning seven of their eight games while Will was awarded players player in the fifth match and took the honour of being named the second most valuable player of the tournament.
"It was a good way to finish the carnival," the midfielder said.
The end of the tour may have been satisfying but the start was not nearly as enjoyable.
I had an existing ankle injury. I couldn't run before I got on the plane to fly out to Borneo.
- Will Searl
"I had an existing ankle injury," Will said.
"I couldn't run before I got on the plane to fly out to Borneo."
Will played seven of the eight games with the help of the team physiotherapist and lots of ice.
"It was all good when I was full of adrenalin and it was warm, when it cooled down it swelled a lot so it had to be iced straight away.
"I missed the third game because of it and had one quarter of the next game off, the it was right after it was rested."
The 18 players had not trained together before the trip.
"The day we met in Malaysia was the first time we played with each other," Will said.
"It was a great experience, it was good hockey."
The first four games were friendly matches against sporting schools and state teams, the last four were high end games against the Malaysian 21 Development Team and the Malaysian Army Team.
It was the Malaysian Army team they lost their only game to.
"We lost in a shootout so it was a very close game, they were handy," Will said.
"Some of them seemed a lot older, it was a good challenge."
Straddling the equator, the intense tropical climates of Borneo and Malaysia were also a challenge.
"It was a great experience, but it was very hot and humid," Will said.
"You would have to wring your singlet out when you came off after a game."
The team were able to take in some sightseeing on their trip
"We travelled around to three places, it was great, Kuala Lumpur was beautiful."
With his focus on the upcoming season, Will has committed to travel to Sydney every weekend to play for Northern Districts in the Premier League 1 competition.
"Sydney competition is the best standard in NSW, I'm hoping to play well and gain further representative duties in the coming year," he said.
Do you have a great sport story to share? Call us on 6862 2322 or email christine.little@parkeschampionpost.com.au
