World Hockey

Thunderstruck: WA Thundersticks celebrate their 2011 AHL men's hockey championship - Kangaroo PhotosThe WA Thundersticks have snatched the 2011 Men’s Australian Hockey League title from the grasp of the hosts, the NSW Waratahs with a 69th minute goal.

Sam Pike produced his second PC goal of the final making the score 4-3, just minutes after the Waratahs had levelled the game.

Both teams were furious in their efforts to win Sunday's match, neither giving an inch in their attack or defence.

After working together for a number of years, The Hockey Players’ Association has formalised a new agreement with Hockey New Zealand, on behalf of the athletes it represents.

This agreement, in the form of a memorandum of understanding (MOU), firms up the foundation for the future growth and commercial development of the sport.

Australian coach Ric Charlesworth has committed to the Kookaburras beyond the upcoming 2012 London Olympics, signing on to coach the national men’s team until 2014.

An Australian multi-sport athlete whose best events - including hockey - were not included in the Games when she was at her peak has been honoured by the International Olympic Committee.

Daphne Pirie, one of Queensland's finest sportswomen, has been honoured for a stellar career in track and field, hockey and golf and as a sporting administrator.

What next - jumping the shark?: Hockeyroos Casey Eastham and Marnie Hudson (right) swim with a crocodile. Picture: Epic Moments - www.epicmoments.com.au

Hockeyroos Casey Eastham and Marnie Hudson have had a close encounter with ‘Chopper’, the second largest crocodile in Australian captivity at Crocosaurus Cove today in Darwin.

Includes changes on stick bow - see page 35