19 Aug 2018
By Lewis G-C
Two days before the carnival we had training. I was a bit nervous at the start. The training was good because we learnt what our positions were and I got to know my team mates. I knew the standard of hockey would be higher than the competitions I had played in before before but I was looking forward to it. The carnival was held in Newcastle and I tried my best.
Our first game was against Queensland. It was tough for our team because this was our first game as a team. At half time unfortunately we were down 2-0 and at the end of the game it was 3-1. The second game was against South Australia. We played much better as a team, like we had been practising. Luckily it paid off and we ended up winning 4-0 and I managed to score one of the goals.
The third game was against the ACT. They had some big boys in their team as they are a small territory they are allowed to have 13 year olds in their team. It was a very tough game and very hard to get past the ACT defence and as a result the game fiished 0-0.
On the Wednesday everyone had an excursion day. We went to Fighter World, which was about planes. We also visited the Newcastle museum, which had interesting items from the past.
On Thursday we played our fourth match against Tasmania. It was another tough game with NSW having many opportunities. Fortunately we managed to hang onto a 1-0 win. Our fifth game was against Victoria. It was probably our toughest game yet. Both teams were fairly evenly matched and had a tough battle against each other but unfortunately late in the second half, Victoria managed to score. They went on to win the whole tournament. Finally we played Western Australia so we had to make it our best game. At half time it was 1-0 our way and I scored the goal. It was probably the most exciting game all week. Unfortunately WA were awarded stroke late in the second half and they managed to convert. They ended up winning 2-1.
At the end of the carnival Victoria came first, Queensland 2nd, Western Australia and ACT tied 3rd, we came 5th and Tasmania and South Australia tied in 6th place I am very happy that I was given this opportunity to play for NSW and to play at the next level. We had a great little team and I have made many new friends.