THREE of Bendigo’s top hockey stars have scored a memorable victory at the Oceania Pacific Cup.
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Craig Conn, Jarrod Lougoon and Zach Lahn were selected to play for the Australian Country under-21 team at the international tournament, returning home after winning a bronze medal.
The Australians defeated Papua New Guinea in the play-off match, 6-1.
Throughout the tournament the team also scored a big win against Samoa 14-0.
Talented hockey player Lahn scored two goals.
Australia had a 2-2 all draw against Fiji before losing on penalties.
It also lost 5-3 to New Zealand.
The Kiwis were eventually crowned Oceania champions, winning the gold medal against the host country, Fiji.
Lahn, who was playing in the tournament for the first time, said it was a great experience.
“Craig and I haven’t played before at the tournament, so it was a good experience and good for our hockey development,” he said. “It is another chance to step up our hockey.
“We are aiming to play at this level and higher, so for us to play at that level multiple times will influence how we play the game.”
Lougoon said the Oceania Cup would be his last as an under-21 player.
“I can’t play under-21’s anymore, so it was my last tournament,” he said.
“I will need to step up into the open country team or aim to play in the premier league.”
It has been several years since Bendigo has had any players in the Victorian Premier League, the state’s top hockey competition.
Lahn and Conn, they have also set their sights on playing in the Premier League.
Conn also said it was also a goal of his to play for Victoria and then go on to don the green and gold at the Oceania Cup in 2015.