NSW will attempt to upset Victoria in the final of the Australian Under 15 Hockey Championships at the Illawarra Hockey Centre on Friday.
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The Victorian side entered the competition as hot favourites to take home the title and they have reaffirmed that tag after moving through the tournament with an unblemished record.
NSW, however, have also progressed through to the final unbeaten, a draw with Queensland Gold the team’s only blemish.
The home side qualified for the final after registering a 3-2 victory over Western Australia Gold on Wednesday afternoon.
The winning goal came in the final minute of play, with NSW awarded a penalty stroke with just 40 seconds left on the clock.
The final against Victoria will provide another challenge, according to coach Liam Cole.
“Victoria are big and strong, we just have to match them physically,” Cole said.
“If we do that, we’ve got them for speed, athleticism and skill.
“They’re coached by a former Kookaburra and are very well structured.”
Playing in the midfield, Gerringong’s Mackenzie Ford has played a key role in the team’s push to the final.
“She’s played a big role for us in the midfield,” Cole said.
“Playing against our opposition’s best players, she’s done well to hold her composure.”
The NSW boys, featuring Culburra Beach’s Sam Wright-Smith and Berry’s Scott Crisafi, will face Victoria in the bronze medal match after falling to Western Australia 1-nil in the semi-final.