THE historic sight of four Tasmanians starting an international hockey match together could spark a bumper period of representation in the sport.
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The Kookaburras side that beat Great Britain 4-2 in Narrogin on Sunday included Launceston’s Tim Deavin making his 125th appearance and Hobart trio Eddie Ockenden (271st), Joshua Beltz (ninth) and Jeremy Edwards (seventh).
”I’m no historian but I cannot recall that happening before,” said Tasmanian Institute of Sport hockey coach Andrew McDonald.
“It’s obviously very pleasing. I’ve had feedback from [2008 Olympian] David Guest that Josh has been outstanding, I think Jeremy was very good in the game, Tim just goes about his business mopping everything up and Eddie is the playmaker.”
McDonald felt Ockenden, Deavin and Beltz were looking good for Rio Olympic selection.
“Maybe three is a possibility, the door is slightly ajar.”
He said Hobart’s Amelia Spence had expressed a desire to return to the international arena post-Rio while Burnie’s Maddie Murphy and Hobart duo Hayden Beltz and Jack Welch were all at a national camp in Canberra seeking to cement selection for junior world cups.
“National selectors are learning that Tasmanian players have a fair bit of capacity to build,” McDonald added.
Rob Shaw
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
Heralding the impact of Tasmanian sport without saying "punching above its weight" is not as easy as it sounds.
