Central West may have gone down 4-3 in their game against the Sydney club at Bathurst's Cooke Hockey Complex but the match delivered plenty of highlights and provided the region's players with the perfect pre-season hit-out against an evenly matched opponent.

The teams went back-and-forth with goals throughout the game but Central West couldn't quite find the crucial reply when Briars regained their lead midway through the last quarter.

As far as pre-season games go, Central West coach Jaden Ekert said the game provided an excellent standard of hockey.

"It was a nice, fast, intense game of hockey," he said.

"Everyone really enjoyed themselves and it was really fulfilling to have recognition from Central West to select a team.

"It was everyone's first hit-out and I thought we played pretty well for a group of guys thrown together.

"We didn't go for any outrageous, but when you're picked in a team like that you know how to play the game, so structures and things like that come second nature to everyone."

The hosts came out the stronger side and gained the early ascendancy before several goals from short corners allowed Briars to bring back the game to level terms.

The teams traded goals again after the break before Briars found the advantage in the final term.

Despite a late dig from Central West they couldn't find a response.

Central West certainly weren't without their chances to take a significant lead into the main break but the Briars defensive end of the field continually found stops.

"I think we dominated the game in the first half but their keeper [Matt Borg] probably made three or four unbelievable saves. I know him, and he's probably one of the best keepers in Sydney," he said.

"Brandon Horner and Taylor Dobel probably had two or three shots each that on any other given day would have gone in. He was just on fire. When you play against the best you expect that.

"We'd get a lead then make a simple error and then they'd counter attack, and vice versa. That's what happens when you play such a high calibre team. One little mistake leads to a goal."

Ekert said it was a thrill to be asked to take the reins of such a talented squad.

"It was an honour to be asked. I've coached at a high level before but doing something like this in the Central West is something you don't think about, because it's very club orientated here," he said.

"Central West have put themselves on the map. This region is known as having one of the best comps outside of Sydney and Newcastle.

"Hopefully we can get Premier League going from strength to strength. Hopefully the game gets bigger and better and we can make a big showcase out of it.

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