Hockey flashback: Queechy’s finest hour

After a lean first decade, Queechy Hockey Club secured its maiden A-grade men’s title in 1978, sparking a new era of success which heralded two more flags in the next eight years.

Coached by Dr John Pickup, the side qualified for finals by finishing second on the ladder and made the grand final despite losing to South Launceston and drawing with Tamar in its first two finals.

Captain Nathan Lawson converted two penalty strokes in the decider to help upset South 2-1 and cement one of the club’s most significant victories.

Hugh Vernon and Sean O’Brien joined Lawson as Queechy’s best performers.  

“It certainly made us realise that we could win because we’d been the bridesmaids for a long time,” Lawson said. 

“We didn’t have too many champions in the team really but we just had a want to win.

“A lot of the guys stayed at the club for a long time and success breeds success – you attract players.

“A group of players from the opposition team – Damian Shady, Tony Collins, Rodney Bracken and Gary Kelleher -  came and played with Queechy in the following three or four years.

“Winning a premiership is a great moment and you’ve got it for life.”

Lawson is one of three club life members from the 1978 flag side, with state representative Kevin French and Tasmanian Institute of Sport director Paul Austen having also received the club’s peak honour. 

The 1978 flag will be celebrated alongside the clubs’ 1988, 1998 and 2008 premierships at Saturday’s function.

The celebration kicks off at 1pm and is open to all past and present players, supporters and officials.