WHEN four teenagers from one family are playing in A-Grade, it highlights a range of talent and commitment to the sport.
That’s the case for Easts’ hockey quartet – twins Sam and Lachlan Savage, their brother Tom and their sister Sarah.
Mum Leanne has also shared in past matches with her children, including a social indoor mixed team where all five Rosewood-based family members played together last season.
“That was pretty special for me to be able to play with the kids,” she said.
Leanne last year also got a buzz lining up for the Easts Reserve Grade team with Sarah in the Ipswich competition. That opportunity arose as the three boys continued developing their top division hockey together.
Another memorable family hockey trip was two years ago when Leanne joined Sam, Lachlan and Tom travelling to The Netherlands as part of a 10-day Australian Wanderers tour.
“That was probably the highlight watching them play a game together against The Netherlands under-16’s national team in an amazing stadium,” Leanne said.
“It was not quite Suncorp [Stadium] but it was pretty close.”
Sam and Lachlan are 18, with Tom turning 17 in October and Sarah becoming 15 the same month.
They joined Easts as juniors and stuck with the club after Leanne and husband Darryl moved from Armidale to their Rosewood farm, seven years ago.
Sam was recently selected to represent the Queensland Gold under-18 team at the national championships in July.
Tom and Sarah also play Reserve Grade as well as helping out in first division.
Leanne played hockey growing up in country NSW, continuing her indoor and outdoor sporting career with her children after relocating to Ipswich.
Leanne grew up on a cattle and sheep farm in Armidale.
She said continuing to look after the animals on their Rosewood property helped everyone in their hockey pursuits.
“We have cows and lots of horses,” Leanne said.
“We love the lifestyle but my kids are always working and doing jobs. They don’t just get to come in and sit down and watch TV.
“It’s busy and that’s what I like about it.”
Easts Hockey Club president Paul Malcolm is a huge fan of the Savage family, knowing how their farm upbringing has contributed to their successes.
Ipswich Grammar School student Sam previously made Queensland under-13 and under-15 sides and represented the Northern Territory two years ago.
“Sam’s been an exceptional hockey player since I first saw him as a junior,” Malcolm said.
“He’s always been very athletic, always had a massive ticker, always very skilful, so it’s no surprise that he is continuing to make Queensland teams.
“He comes from a wonderful family. They are all farmers so they have a good work ethic behind them.”
Sam’s twin Lachlan is also progressing well.
“Lachie plays in the same group too and he’s been unlucky to miss out [on state selection] too,” Malcolm said.
Ipswich Girls’ Grammar School year nine student Sarah is preparing for her latest Met West commitments.
Mum Leanne is proud of what her children are achieving at club and representative levels.
“I love watching all three boys when they are all playing together,” she said, having also enjoyed her stint in the same team as Sarah.
“They all get on – mostly.”
Leanne said her husband Darryl was a keen supporter of their enthusiasm for hockey.
“We don’t place an emphasis on making teams,” Leanne said.
“For us [as a family], hockey is all about the friendships and the community, which is what we found in Ipswich.
“It’s amazing. Not just in Easts, we have friends in other clubs as well.
“It’s just a great community. When the kids move on, they’ll have their hockey to play.”
Having a strong country work ethic will also serve the Savage siblings well.
