The Southern Highlands under-15 hockey team were runner-up at the division-C state championships at Wagga on the weekend.
The team lost 3-0 to Parkes in the final after winning one and drawing two pool games.
The boys edged out New England (NE) 3-2 in their first game but took a while to adapt to playing on grass.
Jake Mercieca opened the scoring 10 minutes in from a short corner and followed it up with a field goal to help the Highlands lead 2-0 at the break.
NE locked up the game in the second half before Mercieca completed his hat-trick to win the game. Best players were Mercieca, goalkeeper James Cuppitt and sweeper Rowan Tickner.
The second game was a tight 2-2 draw with Bathurst and Cupitt kept the Highlanders in the game by repelling several raids.
Bathurst scored from a set play before Mercieca equalised to make it 1-1 at halftime.
In the second half, Bathurst scored quickly, jolting the Highlanders into action. They picked up a loose pass and Robert Kell finished off to score his first goal for the team.
Highlands then failed to capitalise on the tiring Bathurst defence, wasting several opportunities. Best players were Cupitt, Paul Higson Tickner.
For the full story see the Southern Highland News, Friday, May 30
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