NEWCASTLE'S division one under-18 men's hockey side went undefeated through the State Championships on the Far North Coast at the weekend to claim a third consecutive state title.
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The talent-packed side secured the trophy with a commanding 7-2 win over North West Sydney in the final.
The big victory came after the team defeated Tamworth (6-2), Central Coast (5-1), New England (2-0) and Sydney East (4-2) in the pool matches, and qualified for the final with a close 2-1 win over Metro South West.
Coach Dave Willott said the side was rich in quality players and almost cruised through tournament.
"We're strong all over the park," he said.
"The same with whoever we started on the bench, we're bringing on the same quality of players.
"So that's been a huge advantage for us."
Willott said the side looked well placed to win the title again next year as it would lose only four players from this year's line-up.
In a sign of Newcastle's depth in the age group, three teams were entered in the state championships.
The division three side finished second overall after falling 3-0 to Sydney East in the final. The division two side finished fifth.
Newcastle division one player Ky Willott was named player of the tournament for a second consecutive year.
An under-18 state squad is expected to be named on Tuesday afternoon.
Russell wins national title
NORTH Rothbury scooter rider Jamie Russell has won his first national title.
He took out the under-seven age group of the Australian Scooter Association national championships in Brisbane last month.
In a field of 13, he topped both 45-second heats to finish with 30 points overall.
His best run scored 221 out of a possible 300, well above the second-placed rider's best run of 198.
Riders are judged on style, consistency, diversity, difficulty and use of the park.
The victory came after Russell scooped the NSW title earlier this year.
Riders qualify through the state events to reach the national championships.
Russell, who attends Rosary Park Catholic School at Branxton, was ecstatic with the national title after finishing seventh in 2018 in his first year competing.
Clean sweep for Hunter rugby
THREE Hunter Junior Rugby Union sides won finals at the Country Championships in Crescent Head last week.
In the open boys, Hunter defeated Illawarra 21-7.
The under-15 girls won their final against Central North. There was no final in the under-17 girls age group due to only five teams competiting, but Hunter finished on top.
A number of players were named in Country sides.
