Nick Hill named in Aussie team

KINROSS Wolaroi school student Nick Hill has been selected in the Australian All Schools under 17s hockey side.

The 16-year-old dominated for his NSW side at the School Sports Australia 16 years and under boys’ Hockey Championship in Western Australia last week.

Hill, who scored three goals for the undefeated NSW side, said Australian selection was a dream come true.

“It was a big shock. They announced the side straight after the final and my name was read out and I got a trophy. A little Australian representative trophy,” Hill said.

“Mum and Dad started to cry. I’ve always wanted to do this. I can’t wait to pull on the green and gold. I’ve looked up to players who’ve made this side before so it is good to be able to follow in their footsteps.”

The Australian squad will tour South Africa next July.

Hill and his NSW teammates breezed through the championships in Bunbury with their closest game a 5-3 win over the second-placed Victorians.

Hill expected the standard of hockey in South Africa to be on another level.

“It’ll be good to see the sights and the cultures over in South Africa.,” he said.

“I’ve played against the teams at the championships before so I knew what to expect but over in South Africa will be a lot different. I’ll find out more later but I can’t wait.”

Canobolas Rural Technology High School’s Nick Milne was also part of the all-conquering NSW All Schools side.

They beat Queensland 7-2, Victoria 5-3, Tasmania 14-1, South Australia 11-1, Western Australia 6-2 and then thumped the Victorians again in the final 7-3.

NSW finished the championships with 54 goals to their name and only 12 put past them from the six games - head and shoulders above the rest of the field.

Hill believes his side’s preparation led to such a landslide result.

“We put a lot of effort into our training. We’re all close mates so we just gelled together straight away,” he said.

“Each state had about three or four players that were really good but our team effort was better. But there were some freakish players from some other states.

“They’ll be playing with me this time so it’ll be good to be on their side instead of against them.”

Orange High School’s Kate Butcherine competed for the NSW girls’ side in Bunbury.

She helped NSW finish second at the SSA 16 years and under girls Hockey Championship.

Butcherine scored two goals in her side’s 6-0 win over Western Australia and found the back of the net in NSW’s 8-0 win over the ACT.

They beat Tasmania 2-1 and Victoria 7-1 along with two losses to Queensland 3-2 and 1-0 in the final.