Allison's Win One For Her Late Dad

Illawarra Mercury

Thursday May 31, 2007

By CHRIS ROOTS

ALLISON Mina fulfilled a lifelong dream as part of the NSW team which won the national under 18 hockey title in Launceston earlier this month.

NSW beat Queensland 3-1 in the final, which was on her late father Phillip's birthday.

"All I have ever wanted to do was play (hockey) for NSW and win," Mina said.

"It was even more special because it was on my dad's birthday, so I had a bit of cry."

Tegan Gale and South Coast's Haidee Makin scored goals inside the first 25 minutes to give NSW a commanding lead in the final.

Queensland fought back but never got back on equal terms.

Mina played mainly in defence during the championship but scored a vital goal to give the Blues a 1-1 draw with Western Australia.

The title was a just reward for 17-year-old Mina, who pulled out of the NSW under 21 squad to concentrate on the under 18 team this year.

"I have another four years in under 21s and I wanted to make sure I made the under 18s," Mina said. "It was worth it to get the medal."