Still mates: Xavier Dao and and Henry Groth at Ernie Smith Reserve, Moorebank. Picture: Simon Bennett'
TOP young hockey players Xavier Dao and Henry Groth had to put their friendship on hold when they recently represented NSW at the under 13s invitational indoor championships in Canberra.
The club mates proudly play for Moorebank Liverpool District Hockey Club in outdoor and indoor forms of the game.
Unfortunately for the pair, they opposed each other for different state teams in the final.
Xavier, 13, of Chipping Norton, played in the NSW White team, while Henry, 13, played for the NSW Blue team.
Both teams were undefeated until they clashed in the final.
Henry finished with a gold medal and Xavier a runners-up medal. .
They also play together for the Sydney Juniors Hockey Association under 13s indoor and outdoor teams.
Xavier said hockey had given him many skills.
"I enjoy hockey because it is a fun, safe sport that allows you to learn new hand-stick-eye co-ordination skills," he said.
He said hockey was No.1 for him.
"I used to play basketball for three years, but I didn't find it as exciting as hockey."
Henry said playing for NSW was an honour.
"I try to play the best I can with the aim of improving against the best in my sport," Henry said.