The Honey Badgers under-14 boys water polo team have become the first Southern Highlands team to contest an overseas tournament.
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The team recently travelled to Auckland, New Zealand to take part in the Pan Pacific tournament.
The boys committed to a number of tournaments this season to build their skill levels, strengthen their friendships and have fun.
There was a big commitment from coach Brad Gipson, manager Alison Oates and Jonathan Hatcher. There was also support from the families of the boys and several local businesses.
Without all this support, the competition would not have been possible for the Honey Badgers.
The boys met some strong opposition playing against the QLD Maroons, who finished second in the tournament, after a penalty shoot out in the grand final.
The Badgers also played the Sea Wolves, a very strong Auckland team that finished high up in the competition as well as the NSW State third team. The Honey Badgers weren’t disgraced at all, frustrating the top teams, who perhaps underestimated the drive of the Highlands boys.
The experience of playing those top teams was incredible and will no doubt be reflected in new skills and fitness in this year’s competitions. In their last and most exciting game, the Honey Badgers defeated Waikato 7-6 in a sudden death game. The teams were locked together 6-6 at full-time.
This led to a potential nine minutes of sudden death play. The Honey Badgers had a strategy to go all out at the start of play, to send the ball up to the front and get a shot away. The strategy worked beautifully, and they scored quickly after receiving a penalty in front of the goal. The boys celebrated like they had won the grand final.
To become involved in this sport, winter social water polo is being played on a Monday evening at the Frensham heated pool, with juniors starting at 5.45pm and seniors at 7pm. Players of all levels are welcome, with the exercise, social games, skill development and social interaction the key elements of the evenings.
Senior players and NSW Water Polo will be providing coaching tips and tricks to improve your knowledge/skills/rules of the game.
Registrations: www.revolutionise.com.au/shwpolo