Friday, 18 July 2014

Coming in 2016....

The 2014 Panasonic Pan Pacific Youth Water Polo Festival saw 129 teams compete over 12 days in more than 450 games at 5 venues across Auckland, New Zealand's largest city...2016 has more to offer - see you there!


Thursday, 17 July 2014

NZ GIRLS TAKE ON THE AUSSIES....

Last night saw the first test held at the Millennium Institute against New Zealand U18 Girls vs Australia U18 Girls. The Australian teams have had two weeks together, playing in the Pan Pacific Youth Festival which has just finished in Auckland. Our kiwi girls have been playing for their local clubs heading towards this three game test series.

Coach Richard Claridge and his team are working towards the FINA Youth Women’s World Championships being held in Auckland, NZ in December 2016. He is keen to ensure the girls get as much overseas exposure as possible and this was a relatively inexpensive way of ensuring we played an international team.
The first quarter saw both teams coming to terms with the physical side of the game and many turnovers against both sides. The kiwi girls were first to score with 2.32min left in the quarter with Tate Renata scoring a goal from CF position. The Aussie girls equalised with just over a minute left. Score 1-1 at the end of the first quarter.

By now the girls from New Zealand were starting to play as the tight knit team they are and Richard Claridge and Jess Dorman were relatively pleased with this quarter. 
The second quarter saw some great saves from NZ goalkeeper Alisha Winstanley and some tight defensive work from the kiwi girls. An opportunity to score on a 6-5 for the kiwi girls went unanswered and the Australia girls took the chance to score off an error by the girls from NZ. Score at half time 1-2 to AUS.

A ball under against NZ at the beginning of the third quarter saw AUS take and successfully pot their 5 metre shot. Within a minute of this NZ girls managed to score a 5 metre penalty with goal scorer for NZ Stacey Landry. 2-3 to AUS. With 5.42minutes left in the quarter AUS scored a beautiful top left hand shot from 8 metres to which the kiwi girls matched immediately with a great goal from Centre Forward for NZ, Emily Nicolson. Over the next few minutes the kiwis took control with two goals on the board. In the final minute of the quarter Emily Nicolson worked her magic again and slotted a goal into the corner to see the third quarter end NZ 4 AUS 6.

The final quarter could have gone either way. Both teams worked hard to gain that edge over each other and score ended with AUS scoring on the last second of the quarter to win the first test 8-5. Goal scorer for NZ in this quarter again saw Emily Nicholson fight hard to score.

Tonight we will see the kiwi girls take on the Aussies again at Millennium Institute at 6.30pm followed by the boys game at 8.00pm.

Free Entry so come along and support our young NZ teams of the future.

Clicker Maniac - Pan Pac photo's available...


WOW what an incredible tournament. If your lookig to cherish the memories of this year's Pan Pacific Games there are LOADS of great photographs available!!

PROFESSIONAL shots from Wayne Smith

Team Photo's

Action Shot's

Pan Pac Souvenir 's

LOTS of great options to choose from

PLEASE VISIT



If you see somthing you like - Contact Wayne Smith - wayne@aboveall.co.nz

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Final Act falls to North Harbour


As the curtain fell on the 13th Panasonic Youth Water Polo Festival in 2014, the final act fell to North Harbour with a strong finish to take the Under 18 Men's title. 

With two solid performances today the North Harbour lads dispatched Marist Red in the morning's semi final by 8-5, before taking off in the second half in the final tonight to beat Canberra 10-5. It was three consecutive goals from Daniel Marsden from North Harbour that went on to earn him the MVP award. 

Marist Red went on to capture bronze from Tauranga with a comprehensive 16-4 victory. 

North Harbour Club was by far the overall achievers of the event capturing 4 titles- The Under 20 an 18 men's to go with the Under 14 and 16 Women's. They fell short of breaking North Harbour's record of five titles in 2010. 

And so the final curtain has gone down on another successful Pan Pacific Youth Festival and we look forward to the 14th edition in 2016, 26 years after the inaugural event in 1990.

Marist too much everything for Tauranga

DOMINATION: Marist take bronze

Marist have marched in and taken the 2014 Under 18 Panasonic Pan Pacific bronze medal match with a massive 16-4 win over Tauranga.

Tauranga started strongly with Justin Pickering and Richard Sneddon scoring one each. Chris Cormack scored one for Marist as did Phillip Hargraves. First quarter score 2-2. A close start - but it was all downhill from there.

Marist were all over Tauranga in the second quarter, scoring 5 goals left, right, and centre from five different players.

The third and fourth blew out further, final score 4 goals to 16.

Marist's Liam Paterson scored an outstanding six goals, his twin brother Conor netted four, and Chris Cormack scored two. Congratulations Marist on a convincing win and an outstanding performance.

Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Corona Del Mar take the title

Corona Del Mar Polo have snatched the gold medal in the 2014 Under 18 Women Panasonic Pan Pacific Championships, 6 goals to Australia Gold's 3.

CDM: Corona Del Mar Polo take the U18 Gold

AUS Gold's Danielle Morrissey opened the scoring with an outside shot from a 6 on 5 play, out-faking the CDM goalkeeper Heidi Ritner. Two exclusions against CDM led to no goals from the Aussies, with some clear finals-nerves apparent. 

Corona Del Mar's Eliza Britt scored one for CDM in the 2nd quarter to equalise, from a man-up play. Grace Morgan from CDM put two goals to her name including one penalty. Half-time score 1-3 to CDM.

Britt scored another for CDM early in the third quarter to push her team's lead out to three. 3 exclusions and a time-out led to no more goals for the third quarter - CDM sitting ahead 1-4.

Missed shots and poor passing from the Australians meant that CDM had the chance to head down the pool on counter-attack - and earned another penalty. Morgan converted again to extend her team's lead to four with 4 minutes left to play.

A goal from Aussie Gold's Emma Jones gave them a whiff, but wise movements from CDM forced Lara Zimmerman to give away a penalty - letting Gracie Morgan score her fourth for the match. 

Australia's Tess Jenkins had the final say, scoring an outside shot with 7 seconds left on the clock.

CDM waited out the time, and then jumped in the pool to celebrate their 3-6 victory over the Australian Gold Born '98s - congratulations CDM!

NUMBER ONE: Congratulations CDM - 1st place in U18 Women

AUS Green take bronze

Australia Born '98 Green girls have claimed the bronze medal over North Harbour, 6 goals to 3.

North Harbour started strongly, with Grace Tobin and Katie McKenty scoring one each. A. Williams scored one for AUS. First quarter score 1-2 in favour of North Harbour.

K. Holden scored a penalty for Australia early in the second to equalise. She then scored another 30 seconds later to claim the lead. S. Pontre put a tally next to her name in the last minute of the half to push the Aussies ahead to a two goal lead.

A goalless third quarter saw 4 exclusions and a time-out only. Score 4-2 heading into the final six minutes.

GREEN TAKE BRONZE: Australia Green claim 3rd in U18 Women's

K. Holden scored another early in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to three. L. McGrechan slotted in other for the Australians to sink North Harbour's medal hopes with 4 minutes to play and four goals down. The momentum of the game wouldn't allow for that many goals in such a short space of time.

Emily Nicholson netted one for North Harbour with 3 minutes left on the clock. An exclusion from Australia's M. Williams led to no goal. 6-3 the final score in favour of the Australian Green team - congratulations on the bronze girls.


CDM Battles is out for 5th and 6th...


CDM Polo 1 played CDM polo 2 in the U18 Men's 5th and 6th play off today. Understandably there were some high stakes placed on this game and there was a lot on the line. CDM Polo 1 really came out firing with a 9 - 0 lead at half time and continued this enthusiasm right till the final buzzer taking their 5th place victory 18 - 1.

Although the journey is coming to an end for these CDM boys' they are still able to stick around to support their girl's in the U18 Women's final later this afternoon.

This school has had some adventures both in and out of the pool and should be proud walking away with all their efforts. Included in this is being the ONLY crazy players to jump in at the piha Water fall in our wintery weather.

This was a picture taken in the first week here at the pan pac's...




Harbour U18 Men through to the finals....


North Harbour take a convincing win in this mornings Semi Finals despite having a bit of a slow start. Marist won the first quarter 1 - 0 but North Harbour turned it up a notch in the second going into half time with a 1 goal advantage 3 - 2. The 3rd quarter saw North Harbour raise it to another level increasing their lead by 3 heading into the final quarter. Marist played a convincing last quarter keeping things to an even score of 3 all but North Harbour already had the advantage and took the game 8 - 5.

Team effort from both sides resulting in several players contributing in the offense area. Top goal scorer of the game went to Dan Marsden who scored 3 out of their 8 goals. Outstanding effort from North Harbour's Goal Keeper Matt Taylor.

North Harbour will face Canberra Academy in the finals tonight at 7.30p.m at West Wave

Singapore claim Plate in U14 competition

After a great week in Auckland, Singapore have completed their first ever Pan Pacific Water Polo Festival on a high note, claiming 9th place and winning the Plate Final over North Harbour B yesterday.


In the spirit of competition: Singapore and North Harbour prior to the big game. 
Photo Credit to Mike Brown 

It was a great experience for all the New Zealand boys teams to compete against Singapore throughout the tournament. Singapore always came to play with full force, both inside and outside of the pool, with an enthusiastic support crew always on hand cheering their boys on.

We hope the Singapore team and their families enjoyed their stay in Auckland and their experience with New Zealand Water Polo, and hope to see them back again in 2016!



CDM too much for North Harbour in U18 Women Semi

CDM have dominated North Harbour in the second Under 18 Women's semi-final this morning 10 goals to 5.

With a 1 all score after the first quarter the assumption lined up for a solid semi-final.

But CDM Polo came out dominating in the 2nd quarter taking the lead at half time 5 - 1.

This trend continued through the 3rd quarter and it appeared North Harbour were crumbling under the pressure with absolutely nothing going their way in the shooting department.

9 - 1 heading into the final quarter, CDM with a convincing lead.

The final quarter saw some spark from North Harbour but it was a matter of too little to late to dent the advantage CDM already had.

CDM's E. Britt had an outstanding offensive game scoring half of their total goals. 5.

Final Score 10 - 5

North Harbour will go on to play Australia Green for bronze medal match, while CDM will play Australia Gold in the final.




Tauranga take on Canberra Academy in U18 Mens Semi Finals....

Canberra Academy Through to Gold Medal Match


A great performance in this mornings Semi Finals for both teams. Canberra came out strong  with a 3 - 1 first half but Tauranga fought there way back in the 3rd quarter. Scored 4 - 3 to Canberra heading into the final quarter. Canberra came out unstoppable in the fourth showing there clear intention to be a final contender. With 3 goals in the final quarter they increased their lead to 7 - 4 at final time.

K. Cooper (2goals), J. Watkins(2 goals) and JP Spahr (3 goals) dominated the offense for Canberra Academy.

J. Pickering (2goals) and J. Burtenshaw (2 goals) from TGA dominated their offensive game. TGA Goal Keeper C. O'Neill had an outstanding game with several 1 on 1 saves.

Great game all round.

Bronze medal match @ 6.15p.m Tauranga Vs. TBC
Gold Medal Match @ 7.30p.m Canberra Academy vs. TBC

Green and Gold clash in U18 Women's Semi

Australia Green and Australia Gold have taken on the water at West Wave this morning in the all-Aussie game-of-two-halves that was the first Under 18 Women's semi-final.

Australia Gold came out firing, with S. Hodgson opening the scoring in their first possession. The Gold girls proved that they were well drilled, with E. Jones and T. Jenkins scoring from man-up plays. First quarter 0-3 to the Gold team.

An equal second quarter saw the Green team awaken, with K. Gallaher and K. Holden scoring one each from 6 on 5s also.

Gold still managed to score two also, maintaining their three goal lead - courtesy of S. Hodgson and B. Dickie. Score 2-5 in favour of AUS Gold.

A quiet third quarter with no goals marked a shift in momentum from Gold to Green....

K. Byrnes scored through the hands of Gold goalie N. Liddle, as did Gallaher again to score her second. 4-6 with just under 4 minutes to play.
H. McWilliam scored for Green to make it 5-6 with 1:48 to go.

"Use the whole 30!" was the mantra from the Gold bench - the game-plan was to sit on their one goal lead and run the time down.

Green gained possession with 0:04 seconds left to play and called a time-out. A desperate lob from wide went over the top, and Gold prevailed over Green 5 goals to 6.

GREEN AND GOLD: Australian Born '98s after a very close match

Gold will play for gold tonight at 5pm, Green will play for bronze at 3:45pm.

Photography Competition


Congratulations to Andrew Cameron who won the overall prize for the U14 Photography Competition

ACTION SHOT OF THE DAY



FUNNY SHOT OF THE DAY

UH OH No contenders today :(



CONGRATULATIONS!! 
If this photograph is yours PLEASE visit pool control. You will also go in the draw to win the overall prize which will be announced just prior to prize giving.



From behind the Scenes....


THANK YOU!!!!!!!

Wilson Longhurst


You have probably seen this guy pretty much EVERYWHERE throughout the past 2 weeks.
Wilson Longhurst. The face behind the name that keeps popping up on those mystery BLOGS.

New Zealand Water Polo were very fortunate in having Wilson assist us with Pan Pac's this year and he has done an outstanding job with feeding you as many articles as possible. He has gone above and beyond and spent almost every waking hour at the pool capturing as many stories and games as possible.

Through pure dedication to the sport and a clear love for the game Wilson has not only managed to continuously write articles but also compete for the Golden Hawks in the U18 Men's Championships where he has excelled in their starting line up - contributing goals almost at the same rate he does articles.

On behalf on New Zealand Water Polo we would like to THANK YOU for all your efforts over the past two weeks!!

Nicole Taylor



Proud Assistant Coach Nicole Taylor has been an incredible asset to New Zealand Water Polo this tournament with her impressive efforts for the numerous amounts of articles she has provided you all with over these 2 weeks. Despite this being her University holidays she has dedicated some very LONG days to making sure she can get as many teams and players recognized as possible and she has really done a FANTASTIC job. 

This week Nicole has juggled writing articles for various age groups plus dedicating her time to coaching North Harbour U14 Girls'. In other words, like Wilson, bouncing from pool to pool and back again.


We are extremely grateful to have had Nicole assist us this tournament and really make it something that will be remembered by most. 

Congratulations on your big win today!!!

On behalf on New Zealand Water Polo we would like to THANK YOU for all your efforts over the past two weeks!!




Waitakere Gold Vs Tauranga U14 boys' final





First Quarter

#4 TGA goal 0 -1
Next attack #3 Waitak goal 1 - 1
#6 TGA shot blocked by W defense
# 7 W shot - TGA goalie tip
#4 TGA scores again from CF 1 - 2 Johnny Wood
shot by #4 waitak
5m penalty awarded to TGA against #7
#6 TGA scored 1 - 3
#11 Wwaitak over the top shot attempt
#4 TGA another attempt sweep shot but saved

TGA 3 - Waitakere 1

Second Quarter

# 3 Backhand goal from CF from  Waitak  - 2 - 3
#6 TGA responded scoring outside shot 2 - 4
TGA goalie clock #4 Waitak
#13 Waitak ejected
TGA score Man up #4 post shot 2 - 5
Waitak Pass into CF Goal #3 3 - 5
Waitak shot attempt blocked by TGA goalie
TGA scores on the possession buzzer #2 score 3 - 6
Waitak shot clock expires
Last second shot attemp blocked by Waitak goalie

Half time score 3 - 6

Third Quarter

Waitak win swim off
Shot attempt Waitak #7 recovered by Waitak
GOAL # 3 another CF shot now 4 - 6
TGA attempt missed
2 Waitak shot attempt great save from TGA goalie
TGA turnover Waitak with possession
Waitak turnover - offensive
TGA shot goes high
Denied shot from #4 for foul inside 5m
TGA turnover for offensive
Waitak bad pass intercept TGA counter
TGA up on 6 on 5
Turnover for inside 2m
#4 white shot attempt denied by #1 TGA
Waitak recover possession shot by #13 but goes wide
TGA shot blocked by Waitak Goalie

Quarter End Waitak 4 TGA 6

Fourth Quarter
TGA win swim off
TGA shot attempt denied by Waitak goalie
and again!!
Waitak turn over
TGA #7 outside shot goal 4 - 7
TGA steal and counter
Waitak recover and take it back
Shot attempt from Waitak field blocked
TGA score #8 setup nicely by #9 4 - 8
TGA steal and counter #2 score 4 - 9
TGA blocked by Waitak #1 retain possession lob attempt goes wide
Waitak TO 1.40 left to go
Waitak attack denied by TGA
TGA shot goes wide
#5 shot attempt but TGA goalie makes the save

TAURANGA WIN 9 - 4


CONGRATULATIONS TAURANGA

NORTH HARBOUR beat Marist in penalty shoot out for U14 Girls'






Nail biter victory well fought out match between Marist and North Harbour and it all came down to the penalty shoot out.

Awesome effort from all the U14 girls' this weekend.




From behind the scenes to in the limelight


Proud Assistant Coach Nicole Taylor has been an incredible asset to New Zealand Water Polo this tournament with her impressive efforts for the numerous amounts of articles she has provided you all with over these 2 weeks. This week she has doubled it all up on coaching and writing articles which is truly impressive and resulted in a LOT of hours at the pool. 
WE\e really appreciate everything she has done - GREAT job today with your girls' victory.

Monday, 14 July 2014

Gold Medal Girls second half updates

Half Time Score 3 - 3

Third Quarter

NH - win swim off
NH # 3 Goal 3 - 4
M - steal
M - #2 attempt shot
M # 9 excluded but well defended
#3 M Score 4 - 4
M Goalie steal
M Turnover
NH #3 backhand miss
M #13 shot saved by NH #1
NH Another shot attempt
NH #10 excluded
NH save
Long shot from #5 goes high

4 all Going into the 4th Quarter

Nh win swim off
#10 shot attempt from centre blocked from M goalie
# 12 counter attack goal
Score 4 - 5 NH
M #13 shot attempt - NH goalie save
2m attack
Goal from Marist #6 out of CF
5 all 3.30 to go
#10 shot from NH goes high
Intercept NH # 3
#13 M ejected second for the game
M steal #6
#3 M shot goes wide
#3 White ejected
#5 NH missed attempt
NH CBN #3 Steal
M #13 white steal and counter
Stopped NH CB #5 steals
Final minute of match 5 each
#13 M ejected on 3
North Harbour Time out 53 seconds left 6 on 5
M goalie makes great save
# 10 NH shot and blocked
Marist possession TO 24seconds left
NH #5 shot attempt GREAT save from NH goalie
TO North Harbour 6 seconds left
#3 one second on the clock attempt miss
5 all full time score
penalty shoot out

Girls are lining up
#6 Marist Score 6 - 5
#3 North Harbour Score 6 - 6
#3 Marist Score 7 -6
#9 North Harbour Score 7 - 7
#5 Marist blocked by NH Goalie 7 - 7
#10 North Harbour goal 7 - 8
#11 White goal 8 - 8
#8 North Harbour hits the post
8 - 8
#9 Marist over the top
#2 North Harbour for the match GOAL

NORTH HARBOUR WIN 9 - 8



North Harbour take bronze

North Harbour Under 14 Boys have taken the bronze medal 3 goals to 8 over Marist Red.


North Harbour's Liam Wedlock-Aston opened the scoring for a quiet 0-1 first quarter.

The boys from the North Shore pushed out to a 3 goal lead in the second, with Wedlock-Aston scoring another alongside M. Edwards and M. Slessor-White. Marist's Nick Paterson scored for his side to make it 1-4 at halftime.

Liam Wedlock-Aston scored another in the third, alongside his twin Corbin, and E Potter. The score sat at 2-7 with 5 minutes to play.

An equal final quarter saw Paterson score his second for Marist, and North Harbour's S. Groom having the final say with 10 seconds to play. End score 3-8 to North Harbour.

Bronze for Canberra U14 Girls

The Canberra Academy A Girls have taken the bronze 2 goals to 9 over the South Island's Otago club.

Canberra were quick out of the blocks, with C. Gates and S. Swarbrick scoring in the first quarter for a two goal lead.

Swarbrick scored another in the second, alongside P. Nash to take the scores to 4-0. Otago's S. Cooper scored a penalty in the dying seconds of the half to make the score 1-4.

Swarbrick scored two more in the third to bring the scores to 2-6 heading into the final quarter.

Canberra dusted off Otago in the final quarter, scoring three goals including Swarbrick's fifth of the match - final score 2-9 to Canberra Academy.

BRONZE: Canberra claim 3rd in Under 14 Girls



Canberra Academy claim 5th in U14 Boys

Canberra Academy A have beaten Tauranga B with a 10-5 scoreline at West Wave this afternoon.

Canberra started dominantly with a 3 nil first quarter, N. Taylor scoring two for his side and C. Thomson another.

They continued their dominance in the second, J. Holdaway putting two away. James Hunt managed one for Tauranga B at the end of the quarter, bringing the scores to 5-1.

A stronger quarter for Tauranga's tier two team saw Kiahi Horan and Cameron George scored one each. 8-3 heading into the final 5 minutes.

An even quarter saw each team score two. Final score 10-5.

CANBERRA: Head back across the ditch with 5th place

Canberra's J. Holdaway top-scored for the game, with 4 goals.

TGA: Sixth place for Under 14 Boys







Tauranga U14 Girls take 5th

The Tauranga Under 14 Girls have outclassed Waitakere Gold 4 goals to 10 this afternoon at West Wave Aquatic Centre.

Tauranga started strongly, with a goal from Lucy Street off a man-up play. Alice Williams scored another for Tauranga to take the score to 0-2 after the first quarter.

The second saw Waitakere come alive, with goals from S. Paterson, H. McNaught, and G. Tomuli-Afoa. Tauranga managed to net three also, thanks to Kayla Dew, Eliza-Jane Reiger, and Sophie Hayden. 3-5 at half-time.

A strong quarter from Tauranga saw their lead blow out to six, with two goals from Ella Pollock, and one from Shinae Carrington and another from Reiger.

A goal to each side in the final quarter saw a convincing win to Tauranga, 4 goals to 10.

TGA: Tauranga U14 Girls claim fifth place

"It was good - we probably shouldn't have let the score get away from us at the start - but a win's a win." said Tauranga's coach Simone Couvee.

Tauranga lost to North Harbour 5-2 in the round-robin style of competition. North Harbour play Marist tonight in the final.

"We gave them [North Harbour] a good run for their money - so it will be good to see where they do in regards to Marist and how Nationals will pan out for us in December." said Couvee.

Tauranga fight to hold onto their lead while North Harbour Breeze through.....


An incredible battle in this mornings quarter final saw Tauranga secure a shot in tomorrows Semi Finals. After Australia initially took the lead just a minute into the first quarter the very next attack Tauranga reciprocated. An even first quarter showed this was lining up to be a great game. Tauranga secured the lead heading into half time 2 - 4. Australia were not prepared to give it up that easily and came back strong in the 3rd quarter to equalise the score 4 - 4 heading into the final quarter. 20 Seconds in and a great goal by Sean McKenzie from Tauranga allowed them to gain the advantage once again. Despite several attempts and opportunities both ways the remainder of the quarter stayed scoreless giving Tauranga the victory 4 - 5.

Cayne Dew and Tristan Houghton carried the team in the first quarter scoring 2 goals each for Tauranga. Jackson Summers and Lukas Mackaway from Australia also contributed 2 goals each.

Born Kiwi but Australian Representative

"It's been really fun getting to play some of my previous team mates." - Lachlan

Lachlan Mackenzie a former participant of the North Harbour Water Polo club in New Zealand is now competing at a representative level for Australian Water Polo. Although Lachlan was disappointed with today's outcome he has thoroughly enjoyed coming back to New Zealand and playing against some of his former team mates and friends.

Lachlan now carrying a slight Australian accent says "I miss somethings about New Zealand a bit but I am really enjoying living in Australia."

Former North Harbour Coach Steve Knights says - "Lachlan was a huge loss to the North Harbour program and it is no surprise that he has turned up on our shores having been identified by Australian Water Polo, he is an exceptional young man with a great attitude."

Lachlans Former Club.....

North Harbour are through to Semi Finals


An impressive match gave North Harbour a convincing wine over CDM Polo 2 to secure their spot in the Semi Finals. With a final score 11 - 3, really showing that this team is going to be a tough one to beat. North Harbour's Anton Sunde lead the team with scoring 4 goals to increase this score margin but it was a solid team effort from all with 7 player's all jumping on the scoreboard with at least 1 goal if not 2. 

U18 Men Semi Final tomorrow at West Wave Aquatic Centre

11:15 AMCanberra Academy A (Wnr QF1)Tauranga (Wnr QF3)U18M
12:15 PMMarist Red (Wnr QF2)North Harbour (Wnr QF4)U18M

U14 Girls Final Decided: All Auckland Affair

The U14 Girls Pan Pacific Final will be played tonight, 6:30pm at West Wave Aquatic Centre, between Marist Red and North Harbour A Girls.

Both Marist and North Harbour each won their pool and remain unbeaten in the competition thus far.

This will be one heck of a matchup, with 8 NZ representative players across both teams looking to take home the Gold.

If I were you, I would be watching.

Harbour's speed not enough for Tauranga's strength

The North Harbour U14A boys were able to pull off every swim-off win to initiate the quarter, however, that's where the buck stopped.

Tauranga, led by coaching staff Joe Bensley and and Kellie Low, were able to outplay the Harbour boys by the strength of their shot in the advantage situations; both in Penalties and 6 on 5 attacks.



Speedsters In White: North Harbour win 4 from 4 swim-offs. 


Tauranga went on to own the second quarter, with goals to Liam Moffat and Hamish Low, utilising their strength on the outside shot.  North Harbour's #13 Brandon Matthews had earned himself two kick outs early on in the second quarter, but he was also able to come through with the 6 on 5 execution, taking his team to two goals, trailing 2-4 by half time. 


Tauranga's Joe Bensley and Kellie Low talk defensive strategy during a timeout. 

The third quarter was a different story to the earlier two. Harbour's defensive press was much tighter, not allowing Tauranga to score against them at all. However, Tauranga, already ahead on the scoreboard, were just as strong; resulting in a stagnant scoreless quarter. 


Tauranga's defensive press too much for North Harbour. 

North Harbour missed multiple attempts at goal throughout the game - it was just not their day. Meanwhile, Tauranga were fortunate enough to play exceptionally well in this semi final matchup. Harbour were able to score one last time, with #10 Michael Slessor-White making the defensive steal and assisting teammate #2 Liam Wedlock-Aston who nailed the counter attack goal. This took the scoreboard to 3-4, still in favour of Tauranga, but Harbour didn't have it in them to keep the come back alive. Tauranga made multiple steals and used tactical time-outs to remain in possession of the ball in the final few seconds of play to secure the win and their place in the Final.

Tauranga A will go on to play Waitakere Gold in the U14 Boys Final tonight, 7:30pm at West Wave. 

North Harbour will take on Marist Red for the Bronze Medal Match. 



Marist's comeback good, but not good enough

Waitakere Gold Boys, led by coach Syd Dymond, have earned their place in the U14 Boys Pan Pacific Final, after a thrilling penalty shoot-out Semi Final against Olly Gibb's Marist Red boys.

Marist started the game off with an early lob shot in the first quarter by tournament stand-out, Nick Paterson. However, that was the first and only goal of the first half for Marist.
Waitakere's Daniel Cameron responded with a strong goal from the left wing during their 6 on 5 attack, and again with a counter attack goal to finish off the quarter leading his team 2-1. Teammamte Isaac Munro went on to score the only goal of the third quarter, to enhance the Waitakere lead even further, seeing 3 Waitakere goals to Marist's 1.





Marist's tactics not enough to pull through with win.



Waitakere's team talk at halftime, leading 3-1. 

Waitakere again led the second half with Justin Walsh scoring from the left post, but this time Marist were ready to retaliate. Marist's Theodore Thomson scored the very next possession to see the score difference now at 4-2, still in favour of Waitakere.




Waitakere's attack too strong for Marist. 

The fourth quarter was Marist's for the taking. They managed a great comeback to even up the scoreboard with two goals to Max Hood and Nick Paterson, however, it wasn't quite enough for the win. Equal score 4-4 at the end of regulation saw the game go into Penalty Shoot out for the decider.

Waitakere were able to come away with the intense nail-biting win, scoring all five penalty shots by Ah-Tani, Cameron, Vicelich, Walsh and Munro.

Waitakere will play Tauranga A Boys in the Final tonight, 7:30pm at West Wave.


Waitakere Gold celebrates entry into U14 Final. 

Marist take it to Waitakere to secure there semi final spot


20 seconds into the first quarter Marist execute their first goal and increase the pressure on Waitakere to respond. With a 2 - 0 first quarter and a 6 -1 half time  score it became obvious that Marist was not willing to miss the opportunity of securing their semi final placing. Waitakere fired up in the second half but couldn't dent Marist determination. Second half showed great improvements from Waitakere managing to score 4 great goals through Marist's defense. Final score 13 - 5 to Marist.

Marist's Chris Cormack had a blinder making himself the top goal scorer of the game with 4 goals.

Marist will go on to compete in the Semi Final at West Wave at 12.15p.m tomorrow.

LIVE UPDATES: Semi Final - North Harbour A vs Tauranga A U14 Boys

FIRST QUARTER:

NH #7 Ethan Potter wins swimoff
NH turnover in centre forward, TGA possession
TGA #5 earns penalty shoot against NH #13 Brandon Matthews
TGA #6 Hamish Low GOAL from Penalty Shot
Score: 0-1
TGA Goalie defensive recovery, TGA possession
TGA #4 misses shot from centre forward, NH possession
NH #10 Michael Slessor-White misses shot, TGA possession
NH goalie Rowan Brown earns defensive recovery, NH possession
NH Timeout
NH turnover, TGA possession
TGA #7 misses shot, saved by NH goalie Rowan Brown, TGA possession
NH #12 steal from centre forward, NH possession
NH #13 Brandon Matthews missed shot, TGA possession
NH goalie Rowan Brown defensive recovery, NH possession
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston GOAL from outside
Score: 1-1
NH #5 Bronson Larsen kickout
TGA #4 Charlie Wood GOAL during 6 on 5 attack
Score: 1-2

SECOND QUARTER:

NH #12 Michael Slessor-White wins swimoff
TGA #6 Hamish Low steal
NH #13 Brandon Matthews kickout
TGA #6 misses shot during 6 on 5 attack
TGA #2 steal
NH #5 Bronson Larsen kickout
TGA #6 Hamish Low missed shot
NH #10 Michael Slessor-White turnover, TGA possession
NH #9 Hunter Pethers-Boak steal, NH Possession
NH #13 Brandon Matthews misses outside shot, TGA possession
TGA #5 Liam Moffat GOAl, scores outside shot
Score: 1-3
NH turnover, TGA possession
TGA #6 Hamish Low GOAL
Score: 1-4
TGA #5 kickout
NH #13 Brandon Matthews GOAL during 6 on 5 attack 
Score: 2-4 
TGA Possession
NH #8 Lachie Booth steal, NH possession
NH #1 Rowan Brown misses shot from half way

THIRD QUARTER:

NH #7 Ethan Potter wins swimoff
TGA #3 misses lob shot, NH possession
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston turnover in centre forward
NH goalie Rowan Brown saves outside shot
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston misses counter attack shot
NH Timeout
NH #2 Liam Wedlock-Aston misses outside shot, TGA possession
NH #7 Ethan Potter steal
NH #9 Hunter Pethers-Boak misses outside shot, TGA possession
NH # 12 Corban Wedlock-Aston kickout
TGA Timeout
NH goalie Rowan Brown saves goal from TGA #2 on the post, NH possession
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston misses outside shot

FOURTH QUARTER:

NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston wins swimoff
NH goalie Rowan Brown with defensive recovery, NH possession
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston misses shot, TGA possession
NH goalie Rowan Brown with defensive recovery, NH possession
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston misses outside shot
NH Goalie saves TGA's #2 outside shot, NH possession
NH turnover, TGA possession
NH #13 Brandon Matthews steal
TGA #2 kickout
NH turnover during 6 on 5 attack, TGA possession
NH #6 Matthew Edwards steal
TGA #4 kickout
NH #12 Corban Wedlock-Aston misses outside shot during 6 on 5 attack, TGA possession
NH #10 Michael Slessor-White steal, NH possession
NH #2 Liam Wedlock-Aston counter attack GOAL, assist #10 Slessor-White
Score: 3-4
TGA timeout, 8 second left to play


Tauranga A win Semi Final 4-3 against North Harbour U14 A Boys






Canberra Academy through to the Semis in U18 Men



International rivelry in our opening quarter final for the Men's between Canberra Academy and CDM Polo 1. Canberra came out firing in the first quarter putting CDM Polo 1 on the back foot. With a 3 -1 lead after after the first and 6 - 3 lead heading into half time. 3rd quarter saw CDM Polo fighting there way back into the game and also saw the Camberra's goalie in potential foul trouble after having two penalties awarded against him. Canberra maintained their lead 7 - 5 heading into the final quarter. Despite CDM's attempts Canberra kept pushing right through scoring 3 more goals in the final quarter to take a 10 - 6 victory.

Despite the final score this game was an exciting watch with both teams showing much determination and skill. From the onset you knew it was going to be a good one and the competition in this mens group is proving to be relatively strong throughout.

Canberra will go on to play in tomorrow's semi finals at West Wave at 11.15a.m


LIVE UPDATES: U14 Boys Semi Final - Marist Red vs Waitakere Gold

FIRST QUARTER:

MAR #12 wins swimoff
MAR #2 misses lob shot, WAI possession
MAR #12 seato from centre back
WAI #4 misses outside shot
MAR #12 Nick Paterson GOAL scores lob shot
Score: 1-0
MAR #7 kickout
WAI #3 scores Daniel Cameron GOAL from 6 on 5 attack on left wing
Score: 1-1
WAI #7 kickout
MAR #4 misses shot, WAI possession
WAI shot-clock violation, turnover, MAR possession
MAR #10 Ball under, turnover, WAI possession
WAI #3 Daniel Cameron scores GOAL of counter attack 
Score: 1-2
MAR #2 misses shot
WAI shot-clock violation, turnover, MAR possession

SECOND QUARTER:
MAR #12 wins swimoff
MAR #10 misses backhand shot
WAI #6 misses shot, saved by MAR goalie
WAI #4 shot blocked by MAR#4
MAR #6 misses shot
WAI #11 Isaac Munro GOAL from 7 metres out, lob shot
Score: 1-3
MAR #6 misses counter attack shot
MAR #2 misses counter attack shot
WAI #3 misses shot, saved by MAR goalie
WAI #6 kickout
MAR Timeout
MAR miss shot opportunity on 6 on 5 attack
MAR #12 shot blocked by WAI #4

THIRD QUARTER:
MAR #12 wins swimoff
MAR #10 offensive foul, turnover, WAI possession
WAI #10 shot from centre forward missed, saved by MAR goalie
MAR #12 turnover from centre forward, stolen by WAI #3
WAI #10 Justin Walsh GOAL from left post, assist WAI #4
Score: 1-4
MAR #4 Theodore Thomson scores GOAL form right win, assist MAR #8
Score: 2-4
MAR #8 kickout
WAI #10 turnover during 6 on 5 attack, MAR possession
MAR #12 misses outside shot, WAI possession 
WAI #4 turnover - ball under, MAR possession
MAR #12 misses outside shot, WAI possession
MAR #12 steals ball from WAI centre forward
MAR turnover in centre forward, WAI possession
MAR #5 steal, MAR possession
MAR #12 misses hot from own goal-line

FOURTH QUARTER:
MAR #12 wins swimoff
MAR #2 misses outside shot, WAI possession
WAI #3 misses shot from hole, saved by MAR goalie
WAI #2 turnover, MAR#12 steal, MAR possession
MAR #10 misses counter attack goal
WAI #7 misses outside shot 
MAR #12 misses outside shot, saved by WAI goalie but tipped out of pool, MAR possession at 2m 
MAR #10 GOAL Max Hood from centre forward, assist MAR #12 
Score: 3-4
MAR #2 misses shot, WAI possession
WAI turnover, MAR possession
MAR Timeout (2 minutes left to play)
MAR #10 misses shot, WAI possession, 1:30 left to play 
MAR goalie defensive recovery
MAR #2 misses outside lob shot, WAI possession
MAR #12 steal
MAR #12 Nick Paterson counter attack GOAL
Score: 4-4
WAI timeout

FULL TIME 4-4

Penalty Shoot Out Order:

MAR #2 Gabe Orchard misses, hits post of goal

Score: 4-4

WAI #4 Eric Ah-Tani GOAL

Score: 4-5

MAR #4 Theodore Thomson GOAL

Score: 5-5

WAI #3 Daniel Cameron GOAL

Score: 5-6

MAR #5 Louie Ferigo GOAL

Score: 6-6

WAI #7 Matthew Vicelich GOAL

Score: 6-7

MAR #10 Max Hood GOAL

Score: 7-7

WAI #10 Justin Walsh GOAL

Score: 7-8

MAR #12 Nick Paterson GOAL

Score: 8-8

WAI #13 Finnbar Munro GOAL

Score 8-9


WAITAKERE GOLD win Semi Final 9-8 against Marist Red
Into Final tonight, 7:30pm at West Wave










Photography Competition



 FUNNY PIC OF THE DAY


ACTION SHOT OF THE DAY



CONGRATULATIONS TO TODAY'S WINNERS

Please visit pool control to collect your prize.

U18's you have one more days opportunity to get you photograph chosen.
If you are an U14 winner the draw will be announced just prior to prizegiving this evening.

Close encounter between Auckland's Mountfort & Harbour

Josh Caldwell, North Harbour B's #12, scored his first goal of the tournament in the 9th-12th U14 semi-finals to see Harbour get an early lead 1-0 over Mountfort Park. However, Mountfort made sure to respond with the equaliser by #3 Caerwyn Tomuli-Afoa with an ever powerful shot.

That's the way the game went; Harbour scored, Mountfort responded. With further goals to Harbour's Stuart Hofmeyr and Luc Worthington by half time, the scoreboard read 3-2 in favour of the Harbour Boys.



North Harbour's Stuart Hofmeyr nails the outside shot against Mountfort Park blockers. 

The team North of the Bridge, led by coach Chelsea Geary, came out of their halftime teamtalk with all guns a-blazing; with Flynn Howarth-Dawson and Luc Worthington nailing quick-fire shots to take the lead 5-2 over Mountfort.

But as per the nature of this game, Mountfort was sure to retaliate, eventually outscoring the Harbour side in the third quarter with 3 goals in a row to Travis Cobb, Caerwyn Tomuli-Afoa and Tevyn Anitelea. This exciting matchup came to a 5-5 draw by the end of the third quarter.


Mountfort Park bench late in the 3rd quarter. 

The Harbour boys again took the lead early in the fourth quarter, with Caldwell scoring his second goal of this game, and of the tournament, and Worthington earning himself a hat-trick. Up by two goals, Caerwyn Tomuli-Afoa showed his dominance, scoring again with 1:51 left on the clock. A tactical timeout was taken by the Mountfort Park coach during their attacking 6 on 5 which saw #4 Callum Watson with the ability to successfully execute the advantage play from a strong shot off the right wing - equalising the scoreboard 7-7 with only 1 minute left in the game. North Harbour's #3 Brian Lee earned himself a Penalty shot with 40 seconds left in the game, and passed it on to teammate Stuart Hofmeyr to take. With the right decision, Hofmeyr was able to finish it off with the winning goal to take the lead for his Harbour B boys, the final score reading 8-7 over the Mountfort Park Boys.


North Harbour B coach Chelsea Geary and her ecstatic team after the nail-biting win. 


With all the quarter and semi-finals played at Sacred Heart today, this was without a doubt, the most thrilling game to watch.


North Harbour's Josh Caldwell stoked with his first two goals of the tournament. 


North Harbour B Boys will now go off to play in the 9th/10th Final tomorrow.





Sunday, 13 July 2014

Harbour City and AUS Green put on a show

Harbour City Under 18 Women have had a commendable performance against the Australian Born '98s.

TIME-OUT: Harbour City coach Sarah Chambers addresses her team

The first quarter saw the Australians score three from A. Williams, S.Pontre, and K. Holden. Harbour City's #9 Evie Mills score one to take the score to 3-1 after the first 6 minutes.

Goals came thick and fast for Australia, whilst Harbour City's seemed laboured.
Australia doubled their lead in the second with four goals from four different players. Mills scored another for Harbour City, alongside #12 Zephyr Herriot. 5-9 heading into the final quarter.

Harbour City were the winners of the final half, scoring three goals (Breana Ward 1, Abbey Cartmell 2) to Australia's two (M. William and K. Gallaher). Final score 6-9 to AUS Green.


Strong support as Tauranga claim place in semi-finals

Tauranga U14 boys went out in full-force today; both in the pool and in the stands. Joe Bensley led his team to an effortless win over the combined Harbour-Nui side 14 goals to 4.

Harbour-Nui's Billy Simpson was very impressive earning himself a hat-trick throughout the game. However Tauranga were just too strong, with 9 of their 12 players adding to the scoreline, and Charlie Wood top-scoring for the game with an outstanding 6 goals.


Harbour-Nui goalie Will Murphy putting a stop to Tauranga's centre forward attack.


Experience goes a long way: Joe Bensely with immense coaching advice for his Taurnaga Boys side. 



Strong Support: Tauranga U18 Men supporting their U14 A Boys side in quarterfinals.