LGSHA chase elusive country champs title

The Lower Great Southern Hockey Association senior women’s team are determined to turn around a string of recent division 1 grand final losses as they take part in the 2019 CBH Women’s Country Championships in Perth starting tomorrow.

Teams from the LGSHA will compete in division 1 and 3 at the three-day annual tournament, with a strong line-up named for the top side as they chase a maiden title. The LGSHA have played in four of the past six division grand finals but have been unsuccessful in all of them, including a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Geraldton last year.

A wealth of experienced senior players including Renae Parsons, Laura Archer, Georgie Powis, Courtney Robinson, Annie Judd and Beck Gallimore are complemented by talented juniors Charlotte Edwards, Amy Sandilands and Cate McDonald in the division 1 side.

Robinson, who returns after missing last year’s campaign, said the team was determined to create their own piece of history.

“We are super-keen to go up and bring home a medal,” Robinson said. “We think we have a good mix of seniors and juniors.

“Annie and Georgie give us a really solid defence and Charlotte Edwards is doing really for Manypeaks.

“Beck Gallimore is under an injury cloud with concussion and a possible broken rib and we’d love to have Tallulah Gouldthorp there as well but she has school exam commitments.”

The division 1 side begin their campaign with games against Bunbury and Avon on Friday before tackling Roe Districts on Saturday and then a crossover to determine if they reach Sunday’s grand final.

“Early points on the board is crucial in that format,” Robinson said.

“Bunbury first-up is a tricky game that will test the waters.

“But we have a decent pool and have to finish one or two to have a chance of making it through to the grand final.”

Darren Parkes will coach the division 1 side, who may use a couple of local players now residing in Perth as top-ups if required.

Division 1 team: Courtney Robinson, Charlotte Edwards, Renae Parsons, Laura Archer, Ashlyn Gardner, Beck Gallimore, Annie Judd, Amy Sandilands, Cate McDonald, Lorissa Ferrell, Georgie Powis, Charlotte Powis.