Strong LGSHA side aim for division 1 title

The Lower Great Southern Hockey Association women’s division 1 side have their sights set firmly on winning the CBH Ground Women’s Country Championships in Perth this weekend, naming an exceptionally strong team to challenge for the title.

The final squad of 14 players is littered with high-quality talent that has the LGSHA hopes of ending a championship drought rising.

Last year, the division 1 side lost 1-0 to Geraldton in a tense grand final, which was their third grand final defeat in the past four years at the championships.

Manypeaks pair Courtney Robinson and Renae Parsons are vital inclusions to the side from last year’s campaign, while experienced group Georgie Powis, Annie Judd, Emma Pyle, Beck Gallimore and Elsa Piggott are also named.

Robinson said their blend of experience and youth will hold them in good stead for a tilt at winning the division 1 title.

“This is probably the strongest team that we have taken away for a long time,” Robinson said.

“We haven’t won (a grand final) for a while, so the girls are pretty hungry to win.

“We definitely want to come home with the championship.

“It’s been a tough selection process this year, tough to make the division 1 team, but we have so much experience across every line and a good mix with plenty of youth.”

In a cut-throat format at the championships, the LGSHA will face Busselton, Avon, Esperance and Central Great Southern and they will need to finish top of their pool to reach Sunday’s final.

The side will be under the guidance of Erin Judd, an experienced player and coach at metropolitan level.

The LGSHA will also send a second side to compete at the championships.

LGSHA Women’s Division 1 Team

Ruby Tompkins

Georgie Powis

Annie Judd

Emma Pyle

Gemma Pyle

Carina Cronje

Courtney Robinson

Elsa Piggott

Beck Gallimore

Sophie McDonald

Renae Parsons

Cionne Fage

Claire Gonzales

Julia Keymer