This follows the side's stunning win in the final played at Moorebank, where Taree defeated Westfield Sports High 2-1 in the final.

Coach Jamie Harris said only three team members will be leaving school next year. Taree is traditionally a strong performer in boys and girls hockey at State-level and were third in the girl’s championship last year. However, this is the school’s first win since 1974.

Taree won six games to progress to the top eight in the State. Wingham were the other representatives from the Hunter Region

and eventually finished a credible fifth.

Matches on the opening day of the State finals were played in 34 degree heat, with Taree tackling Kirrawee in the opening game.

“They were a very strong team however the THS girls dug deep and managed to come away with a 3-0 win, coach Harris said.

This earned Taree a place in the top four.

Taree’s next engagement was against Mulwaree High. Because of the heat the game was played in quarters.

“This was an extremely hard game that resulted in a 4-3 win to Taree,’’ Harris said.

Taree scored with minutes left on the clock.

“Our goalie Kaity Newell had an amaing game,’’ Harris said.

“She made a huge number of saves to help the team progress through to the grand final.’’

Playing conditions were completely different on the second day for the final with the temperature 16 degrees along with strong winds. Taree and Westfield Sports both displayed great skill. Lara Watts opened the scoring for Taree from a short corner,  however Westfield responded to lock it up at 1-1.

The final looked set to go into overtime until Kalani Cross sunk the second goal with three minutes on the clock.

Team members are Hayley Manusu, Makayla Manusu), Tyler Williams, Chloe Neal, Bree Pensini, Kalani Cross, Georgia Tran), Lara Watts, Briana Williams, Taylah Clark), Tahni Walters (captain), Amber Williams), Kaity Newell, Chloe Norham.

“Unfortunately we lose three amazing year 12 players next year and although they will be a huge loss, we have an amazing and very talented group of students keen to enter the team,’’ Harris pointed out.’’

“As a coach, I am immensely proud of all of the girls in the team. Their level of skill, teamwork and sportsmanship was second to none. They are an amazing group of girls who thoroughly deserve this win.

“It is a huge achievement not just for themselves but also their school and their wider community. I also would like to make mention of the parents that were very supportive throughout the entire competition and the girls and myself could not have achieved this without their help and support. Also, Taree High School and Allison Allison for the continued support and financial assistance in competing at the State finals.’’