On Wednesday 20 August our Year 6 Hockey Team headed to Monash University, Peninsula campus to compete in the Southern Metro Regionals. It was a cold morning, but the sun soon warmed us up underneath clear skies, a perfect day for hockey! With just enough time to warm up our Year 6s were up first to play against Toorak College. They hit the ground running (literally) and put 3 goals away quickly in the first half thanks to Missoni’s skills and speed on the ball. In the second half we kept up the attack and managed to get another goal, thanks to Katie, before Toorak College had a fast break and got one of their own with 3 minutes to go. Our first match finished 4-1, and we were able to catch our breath before our next game.

Our second match was against Grayling Primary school. We were able to move the ball around their defense and score 3 goals (Missoni, Amelia and Lucinda). In the second half Grayling did get behind our defenders and almost scored a goal, however they shot from outside the circle. This match showed some amazing defensive skills from Nina and Inneke. Final score, 3-0. Another chance to catch our breath followed and we were able to watch our competition before our final game for the day.

We fronted up to St Patrick’s Mentone, for our last game, they were tied with us on wins and the girls knew the stakes. Some fantastic ball movement and defensive work from Indi, Amelia and Charlotte through our midline as St Patrick’s were relentless in their attack. A goal from Missoni left us ahead at half time. The second half was back and forth with all of our spectators nearly pulling their hair out with the tension. St Patrick’s finally scored a goal just before the umpire whistled full time. What. A. Match! All of our girls walked off the pitch knowing they had left nothing out there. They showed fantastic teamwork and supported each other, it was great to see. Next stop, States!

From myself, and all of the girls on the team we would like to give a massive thank you to Year 11 student Violetta who has been helping out with training and came along today, even helping to umpire two games while the official umpire was running late.