PORT Macquarie-Hastings Hockey Association duo Maddi Drewitt and Teleah Walker played vital roles as New South Wales claimed the national under-13 indoor hockey title.
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Their appearance in Goulburn from January 12-15 was their first in the sky blue in the indoor format.
Drewitt had previously appeared for her state at the national outdoor titles.
They both starred at different ends of the field with Walker in goals and Drewitt banging them in at the other end.
The NSW team won six of their eight games throughout the tournament, with a loss to Victoria and Queensland.
They then avenged the loss to the southern state with a 3-2 win in the final.
“It was pretty amazing experience; I scored about six goals in the eight games,” she said.
She is more at home at the back of the field, but made a seamless transition up to the front for the national titles.
“I don’t usually play that position, but for me to play in that position for New South Wales I thought I went pretty good,” she said.
“I played striker, but I normally play at the back in outdoor. In indoor I usually play centre.
“I probably surprised myself a bit because I didn’t expect to score that many goals.”
Drewitt was also presented with the coaches award for her strong performances throughout the tournament.
She admitted the indoor hockey style of play was different to outdoor which provided a challenge.
“It’s very different to outdoor because the courts are smaller and it’s really fast,” she said.
I probably surprised myself a bit because I didn’t expect to score that many goals.
- Maddi Drewitt
“Not lifting the ball was the biggest challenge because you can’t lift it at all except for when you’re shooting at goal.
“Most of the girls found that really hard.”
Goalkeeper Walker was impressive in goals and provided the direction for the team from the back of the court.
She made a couple of important saves.
“I guess I could do better in some situations, but I was pretty happy with how I went,” she said.
“It was great to meet new people and it was good fun to experience playing for New South Wales.”