The New England under 13s boys hockey side may have started a dynasty last weekend.
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Despite boasting a side made up of mostly 12-year-olds and a couple of 10-year-olds, the New England side took out the NSW Under 13s Boys State Championship in C Division with a 2-nil win over Dubbo.
The side was dominant throughout the championship and only surrendered two goals in the seven matches they played in Grafton.
Made up of hockey players from Armidale and Walcha, manager Paul Matherson said the team is in good shape to defend its state title next year.
“There are only four of the boys who won’t be eligible to play next year,” he said.
The side was coached by Armidale man Paul Eichorn and Matherson paid tribute to the mentor.
“Paul Eichorn did a fantastic job as coach,” Matherson said.
“The way he got the boys to gel was great.
“They played with a great team spirit.”
New England surprisingly went into the final as underdogs as Dubbo beat them in the round robin matches, but Matherson said the side produced an unbelievable performance.
“It was a fantastic game,” he said.
“They really gritted it out.”
Two New England players were also selected in the NSW under 13s squad.
Nathan Czinner and Jake McCann were two of the standouts for New England and deserved spots on the NSW squad according to Matherson.
The two defensive midfielders scored and set up a large number of goals throughout the carnival.