Tara, representing the NSW country team, went through the tournament undefeated after prevailing

2-0 over Queensland in Saturday’s final.

Two first half goals proved to be the difference between the sides with NSW dominating early but after scoring their goals, Queensland tightened their defence and the game was an arm wrestle.

With neither team able to find the back of the net in the second half, NSW finished as 2-0 winners but Picker said it was a game they had to fight for, even with their two goal buffer.

“It’s always a tough match against Queensland. It’s like the State of Origin team, they never give up. You have to be on your game,” she said.

Picker’s form in particular was impressive given that she isn’t playing regular hockey.

The former St Pat’s goalkeeper moved to Hay at the beginning of the year for work and with no competition over there, her only other games this season were for Bathurst in the State League competition.

She admits that she was a bit rusty early in the tournament, but it didn’t take her long to find form.

For the full story, please see Tuesday’s Crookwell Gazette, available from our office or at all leading newsagencies across the Crookwell area