Words by Nick Crockford
Pine Rivers St Andrews has completed a remarkable double by winning two Brisbane Hockey Association club championships this year.
Saints now proudly display the senior men’s Merv Harris Memorial Shield and the Stan Griffin Shield for junior boys.
It is only the second time the same club has lifted both Brisbane championships in the same year. The first was Bulimba Hockey Club back in 1999.
The titles are decided with an accumulative points total based on the playing achievements of each of the clubs’ teams.
Winning ways
Saints had five senior teams in the competition’s top five divisions - four made finals. In the juniors, Saints Under 18s won Division One and Two. The Under 11s were also premiers.
“It all went down to the last couple of weekends,” said Saints’ President Darren Cook, “UQ were behind us, but we had a good weekend against them.
“We just missed out last year and have been there or there abouts for the last two or three years. This season is certainly up there with our best.
Juniors the key
“One of the things we have worked hard on is our junior coaching. Community sport is mums and dads helping out and that is admirable.
“But we have tried to get players coaching. We have Liam de Young, who played more than 300 games for Australia, coaching our Under 7 and Under 9 teams.”
De Young, 38, who also won Olympic and Commonwealth gold with the Kookaburras, also plays for Saints Division One side.
Club culture
“We have veterans and masters players turning up for games and 90 people at our (fundraising) golf day,” said Darren. “It’s the culture we’re trying to create.
“One of the hardest things we’ve had to do this year was keeping people fits of exercise during the shutdown.”
Pine Rivers St Andrews is based at South Pine Sports Complex, Brendale, but its teams play at a variety of all-weather and turf venues around Brisbane.
St Andrews was formed in 1923 and merged with Pine Rivers in 1987 before formally adopting its current name in 2001.
For more visit pinesaintshockey.com.au
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