Casey Cannons Scott Cullen and Craig Moore will play in the under 16 Victorian team at next month’s Australian Indoor Hockey Championships in Wollongong.By Marc McGowan
TWO Casey Cannons will seek to help Victoria claim its first title at next month’s Australian Indoor Hockey Championships in Wollongong.
Craig Moore, 14, and Scott Cullen, 15, are preparing to set the tournament alight as both make their debuts in the under 16 state side’s top line-up.
Narre Warren South’s Moore was the Victorian B team’s top goal-scorer in this year’s event, while Bayles resident Cullen has played in the past two competitions and will be captain this time around.
Cullen also represented Victoria for the first time in outdoor hockey in Perth in October.
The bond between the duo was strengthened further when they were involved in a car crash on their way to an indoor hockey match in Mordialloc two weeks ago.
Their vehicle finished upside down, but fortunately they escaped with barely a scratch, despite Moore being trapped inside for a period of time.
“It was very surreal – I didn’t think it was happening,” Moore said.
“I’m just glad to still be going to Wollongong.”
The youngster enters the championships as a bottom-age player and is focusing more on the team than on any individual goals.
“I think we all just want the team to go well this year, especially because we’re a pretty young side,” Moore said.
“Of the 12 players in the team, half of them are bottom-age.”
Moore’s ascension to the A side has also given him increased confidence that he can make the cut in outdoor hockey next year.
“I would really love to make the under 15 state team next year – that’s the goal right now,” he said.
“I’ll just play my best and hope everything goes well.”
Since the squad was chosen in August, Cullen has been counting down the days and he cannot wait to take to the field.
“It’s very exciting that we’re going away in a few weeks,” the defender said.
“This will be my first time as captain (at this level) and I’ll be looking to lead by example.”
Cullen will also be stepping up to the A team for the first time after two previous stints in the state’s B side.
“I have a better knowledge of the game because I’ve been playing a lot longer now opposed to my first year of trials,” he said.
“I suppose I’m more experienced with what goes on with it.”
This experience has served Cullen well in the lead-up to next month’s event.
“I’ll be more used to coping and getting my body to last the whole tournament, and I’m eating right and more prepared for what’s coming,” he said.
“It would be awesome if we could win. We would be the first Victorian team at Wollongong to win it.”
