Tamworth Public School triumphs at PSSA state hockey titles

Tamworth Public beat Parkes East Public School 3-1 in the final at Newcastle, after it had been 1-1 at half-time.

Matt Johnston, Tamworth Public's coach, paid tribute to "a great bunch of kids", who were "just really reliable and mature and got the job done".

Johnston said of the final: "Some of them were having their last game in Tamworth Public School colours, and they were pretty aware of that. And some of them got a little bit excited."

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Johnston said "Parkes East had us under the pump for a long time.

"And the boys showed a lot of resilience and kept their heads up, kept plugging away, and scored a goal and got another quick one after that."

Johnston singled out two of his leaders, Dan Williams and Sam Rodgers, for special praise - saying their experience was invaluable "because they've been there and done it all before".

He said the duo "really led by example - on and off the field".

Rodgers "had a cracking hit off a short corner to put us up 2-1, and that was the goal we really needed", he added.

Williams was named Tamworth Public's players' player for the tournament, which the school entered after winning a qualifying event in Tamworth this year.

"He [Williams] was just everywhere, playing really well across the field," Johnston said.

Tamworth Public also won the state final in 2018 and 2015.

The school's girls' side finished fourth.

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