A SILVER medal was a satisfying reward for the Orange under 13 boys’ hockey team after they finished second in division two at the Hockey NSW championships yesterday.
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Playing in Grafton, Orange won their semi-final 4-1 against Parkes in the morning to earn a place in the final.
Orange went up against hosts Grafton in the decider and only trailed 1-nil at the break.
Grafton were able to add to their tally as the Orange side tired in the second stanza for the hosts to win 5-0.
Orange coach Annie Pakinga said winning silver was an excellent result.
“I had a couple of NSW guys compliment the boys on how well they play together as a team,” Pakinga said.
“Before every game I said the only way we’d win would be by teamwork.
“We dominated most of our games. It was unbelievable. They had so many corners, and their drive in attack was beautiful.
“I had full faith and confidence in them as a team. At training you could see their bonding and their development as a team.
“To get silver, the boys should be very proud.”
Orange started the championships with a 2-nil win over Tamworth (2) and a nil-all draw with Port Macquarie on Friday.
On Saturday, Orange edged out Sydney (3) 1-nil before downing Bathurst 3-2 to finish on top of their pool.
In yesterday’s semi-final, Pakinga said her boys were fantastic.
The final was much tougher but the coach couldn’t fault her boys.
“I couldn’t have asked for more from the boys,” she said.
“It was a very rewarding three days.”
Pakinga said she could name the entire team as being outstanding, but added youngster Sam Giumelli, who still has another year in the under 13s, is one to watch in the future.