2011-12 Annual Report - Australian Water Polo Inc

WATER POLO AUSTRALIA 2011/12 ANNUAL REPORT
Born ‘96 Youth Women’s
Report
New Zealand Pan Pac
Tournament
At the U16s National
Championships in
Melbourne in October
2011, I selected a
squad of 26 players
with the immediate
interest of competing
at the Pan Pacs in NZ
from 29th June to
12th July 2012. This was
followed by a 3 game
series against the NZ
u16s, where 14 of the
original 26 players
remained to compete
in this series.
Prior to Pan Pacs, I held mini camps in
Sydney and Perth. In Brisbane, I attended
Queensland’s Elite Athlete Program (EAP)
sessions to keep costs to a minimum.
On the 28th June 2012 the squads departed
their respective cities and met in Auckland.
Once there, the 26 players were divided
into 2 equal teams aptly named Aus Green
and Aus Gold. Aus Green’s pool was much
harder as they had to play North Harbour, the
eventual gold medalists and New Zealand’s
u18s. By loosing to these two teams it meant
that Aus Green could not make the top four.
it wasn’t until the last quarter that Aus Gold
managed to break away and win by 2.
In the playoff for 3rd and 4th Aus Green played
NSW Waratahs u18s. They displayed amazing
character and ability. NSW u18s raced to a 2
goal lead only to find Aus Green u16s come
back and take the lead 4-3. The lead changed
a few more times but the game ended in 9-all
draw. In extra time the ten hard days and
playing much bigger and more physical girls
finely took its toll and we lost 11-10.
Aus Gold once again played North Harbour, this
time for gold or silver. We started well by taking
the lead and matching them in every aspect,
in fact, our skills were even better so at the
final break we were still in it only 5-6 behind.
In the last quarter one player destroyed us,
Rebecca Parks, 185cm tall, strong, mobile
and can throw the ball. She managed 4 goals
and the game finished 9-6 for North Harbour.
We fare welled 12 of our girls and started
our 3 tests against the NZ u16s. We all know
the Kiwis lift when they play the Aussies this
was no exception. We raced to a 3-goal lead
and only allowed the Kiwis to score with
4 seconds on the clock in the first quarter.
From there the game deteriorated into a
wrestling match with the referees allowing
extremely heavy play. Whilst we were never
troubled and we won 5-4, we could see what
we were in for over the next two days.
By the second game, three of our girls came
down with the flu and we had two injuries.
The girls knew we needed to win the second
game, so as not to rely on winning the third
to win the series. Once again they lifted and
showed just how much pride they had when
they put on the green and gold. Again never
in trouble but we only won by 1 goal. For the
third game, Maddy Steere needed a rest and
Lena Mihailovic had a sore elbow so they
were rested.
Chelsea Allen and Bronte Halligan both with a
good dose of flu could only play in short bursts.
The rest of the team responded by working
even harder and we won the game by 2.
I would like to thank all 26 girls for their
commitment to the sport, forming a team
bond and for the respect shown to Helen,
Georgina and myself and for the pride at
wearing the Green and Gold. Also, a huge
thank-you to all the parents, who have
supported the girls, and to those who were
able to join us in NZ.
This tour would not have run as smoothly as
it did if it wasn’t for our Manager, Helen Park.
Helen organised flights, accommodation,
transport, meals, outings and even visits
to the doctors. She was my right hand,
invaluable and I thank her very much.
I would also like to thank Georgina Kovacs
for her help with coaching. It would not
have been possible to coach two teams,
sometimes playing two games a day without
an assistant.
Thanks must also go to High Performance
Manager, Tom Hill for his help liaising with NZ
Water Polo, organising uniforms and ensuring
our trip ran smoothly.
Jack Lusic
Head Coach B96 Girls
27
Meanwhile, Aus Gold won two and drew
one, however, this meant that Aus Gold
would play North Harbour in the semifinal.
Unfortunately, the bigger, stronger and 4
years older North Harbour girls were too
powerful and we lost 9-6. Our girls fought
well, and with 3 min left it was only 7-6.
However, in the bronze medal game, Aus
Gold reversed the favour and defeated NZ
u18s 6-5.
Next came the u18s tournament. I decided to
make a few changes within the two teams,
this was to ensure the girls got to know each
other better. This time Aus Gold won all their
games with Aus Green only losing to North
Harbour. This meant both teams made the
semifinals but would have to play each other.
The camaraderie between the girls
was simply amazing. Before the game
commenced both teams formed one big
circle in the middle and gave three cheers
as one. The lead changed a few times but
Photo Credit: Anthony Pearse, Pearse Photography