Hockey duo proud to represent WA

Emerging young Albany hockey duo Matt Stevens and Karel Cronje will represent WA this week when they contest the 2016 Under-15 Boys’ Australian Championship in Wollongong, New South Wales.

The talented pair have come through a tough six-month trial and training process and were named in one of two WA under-15 teams back in February that will compete at the championships starting on Saturday and finishing on April 17.

The Lower Great Southern Hockey Association products were selected in the initial State squad last October and travelled to Perth regularly for training and practice games.

Cronje, 14, will represent WA for the second time after playing in the under-13 national championships in 2014 and the Great Southern Grammar student was excited by another opportunity.

“My second time playing for WA it will get rid of some nerves and I know what to expect over there,” he said.

“I will play inner so midfield or striker and I think we should do alright as a team.”

Stevens, 15, will make his State debut at the tournament but the Albany Senior High School student was eager to pull on the WA colours.

“It’s my first time playing so it will be a good experience,” he said.

“I will play fullback, I’m pretty confident there and I’ve got a lot better at my tackles.

“We have done lots of fitness work and a lot of skills in training.”

Both boys will play for WA Black who are in pool C of the championships and face NSW Blue, Northern Territory and Tasmania in their round robin matches.