Junior UGSHA 9/10 boys wins title at 2025 Bunbury Junior Carnival, 5/6 girls finish runner-up in pool

An on-the-siren goal helped Upper Great Southern Hockey Association’s 9/10 boys emerge as champions at the Bunbury Junior Carnival, alongside several other strong results earlier this month. The 9/10 UGS boys were undefeated for seven of the nine competition games, showcasing great sportsmanship and talent each time they hit the pitch from May 31 to June 2. Fierce competitors UWA proved tough to beat and threatened UGS’ winning streak. They matched them in speed and skill and the game ended in a draw, which was soon followed by UGS’ second draw when facing Esperance. Despite this, UGS held the top ladder spot by the end of the round and came face-to-face with UWA again. The game seemed a repeat of their first clash with both sides showing relentless defence, prompting fast turnovers and a nill-all scoreboard. In the final five minutes UGS player Dylan Mulcahy got his chance to strike when UWA made the brave decision to take their goalie off and play another field player to increase their chance of scoring. Mulcahy broke through the opponents’ defence and pushed forward to score the first and only goal, leading to a last-minute 1-0 title win. Coach Drew Bartram said UWA were a skilled and strong defensive team but his boys pushed themselves over the line with teamwork, grit and determination. The three-day competition threw a spate of injuries and late withdrawals at the UGS 9/10 girls, who finished eighth overall. The girls pulled through despite their bad luck, demonstrating impressive teamwork which resulted in four wins, two draws and three losses. Coach Renae Bransby and manager Trish Armstrong said all the girls should be proud of their hockey and on-field sportsmanship. The 7/8 boys carnival team displayed strong resolve throughout after a rough first day, with the only goal coming off Zander Wilkie’s stick, resulting in a loss and a draw. Led by coach Bevan George, a few extra drills and pep talks focusing on fun and teamwork upped the intensity on day two with three tightly contested game and their first win, 2-1. UGS 7/8 boys pulled off a 3-0 victory against State School Boys WA and a fourth place overall result, with Wilkie, Kye Armstrong and Matthew George the key goal scorers for the weekend. The 7/8 girls put up a similar challenge to their opponents, settling on four draws, and winning and losing two games to finish eighth on the ladder. The 5/6 boy and 5/6 girls carnival team were noted for their exceptional effort in both their pools, with each team recording six victories, one draw and one loss. The UGS girls finished runners-up in their division as main strikers Kobi Ward, Molly Hay, Eloise Bartram and Neve Scott were well assisted by their teammates in getting the ball successfully to their goal end. Coach Chris Allan said the team played really well together and “were a great bunch of girls”. UGS 5/6 boys coach Dwight Kellow and manager Sarah Hawksley said they were very impressed by their players who jumped to fourth place in the end.