State Indoor Hockey Championships continue with the Parkes U16 and Parkes U14 boys and girls competing in Orange over two massive weekends.
The U16 boys competed from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1 and the U16 girls competed from Saturday, November 30 to Monday, December 2 in Orange.
Parkes Junior Hockey reported that both the girls and boys teams showed incredible determination and resilience, managing to perform exceptionally well despite not being able to train in the lead up to the championships.
The Parkes U16 boys team, coached by Declan Daley and managed by Caitlyn Eshman finished third in their pool and finished fifth overall in their division.
From the team Jett Johnstone, Sam Quince and Sam Westcott were selected in the state team for their efforts over over the championship weekend and Archie Daley was selected as a shadow for the team.
The Parkes U16 girls team, coached by Richard Rice and Alexander Chambers and managed by Belinda Mills also finished third in their pool and placed sixth overall in their division.
From the Parkes side Sienna Collins was selected as a shadow for the state team.
Parkes Junior Hockey added that both teams worked hard and played with a never give up attitude which contributed to their success.
The Parkes U16 athletes who were selected in state teams will now play in Canberra from January 15 to 19 for the 2025 U16 National Championships.
The U14 boys competed from Friday, December 13 to Sunday, December 15 and the U14 girls competed from Saturday, December 14 Monday, December 6 in Orange.
Parkes Junior Hockey reported that the U14 boys should be extremely proud of their efforts.
The team only had four training sessions and only one sub for the championships coming up against some very competitive teams that play indoor hockey every week.
Parkes Junior Hockey said the boys showed great discipline in trying conditions and demonstrated a never give up attitude.
Jacob Townsend was the team's coach with Annette Orr managing the team.
The team thanked Parkes Bowling and Sports Club, PFD, Parkes Caravans and Sportspower for their sponsorship.
Congratulations to Patrick McPherson who was named as a shadow for the NSW U14 state indoor team.
Parkes U14 girls had a fantastic championship campaign narrowly missing out on a grand final spot with a 1-0 loss in the semi finals against New England.
Parkes Junior Hockey said the girls had a fantastic championship and it was fantastic to see the girls support and work hard for each other in what was a great team effort.
The team was coached by Richard Rice and Sienna Collins and managed by Renee Summerhayes.
Field Hockey:
The 2025 U16 boys field state hockey teams have recently been announced with two Junior Parkes Hockey athletes in the mix.
Sam Westcott has been selected in the NSW State Team and Finlay Quince has been selected in the NSW Blues Team.
Patrick McPherson was also selected as a shadow for the state.
Sam and Finlay will now compete in the 2025 U16 National Championships in Adelaide from March 31 to April 7.
Mariah Williams:
Mariah Williams has finished her 2025 Hockey One campaign with NSW Pride finishing third in the competition.
Following this she has again been selected to represent Australia being named in the 2025 Hockeyroos squad.
The Hockeyroos will kick off their FIH Pro League campaign in Sydney against Spain and China on February 5 and 9, 2025.