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2009 Pacific Cup Reports |
| 02 Jun, 2009 | ||||||
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Today Australia played its last game in the Pacific Cup tournament. This was also the second time that Australia met New Zealand Handball Federation [NZHF]. The last time they played, the result was Australia 24 NZHF 14 [13:6]. Before the match, the crowd was entertained by the New Knuckle Jagura Aboriginal Dance Troupe. The group’s leader explained the meaning and history of each of the dances.
Australia’s starting line-up comprised of Solveig Sorensen, Mary Kelly, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas. Australia had the ball at throw off. The first to score in the match was Solveig Sorensen. Soon after, Rosa Boyd intercepted the ball, passed quickly to Aminta Thomas who offloaded to Tori Brusberg, but this did not find its mark. This was followed by a penalty to NZHF but Jemima Harbort saved Nicole Odermatt’s penalty shot. At 26.26 game time Gizelle Van der Merwe’s shot from pivot added to Australia’s goals, score being 2 – 0 and a save by Jemima Harbort from a good shot at goal by NZHF preserved that lead. In the next three minutes attempts by both sides to score were unsuccessful. At 22.29 game time Tori Brunsberg scored from a fast break, which was followed by another goal from her from a pass from Aminta Thomas. Shot at goal by NZHF was again saved by Jemima Harbort. At 20.12 Nicole Odermatt scored the first goal for NZHF. Tori Brunsberg tried to score back from a pass from Aminta Thomas but was not successful. NZHF called time out at 19.42 with score being 4 – 1. At the resumption of play, Australia tried to widen the score gap straight away with an intercept by Rosa Boyd, quick pass to Aminta Thomas who offloaded to Vanja Smiljanic but this did not find its mark. The enthusiastic defence by the Aussies caused a penalty being awarded to NZHF which was converted to a goal by Nicole Odermatt. Mary Kelly immediately responded with a goal from right wing. In “tit-for tat” Sandra Gmur scored one back for NZHF which was immediately taken back by Mary Kelly, taking the score to 6 – 4 at 14.46 game time. Iva Sajdl put one away from pivot for NZHF a minute later. Then Rosa Boyd broke defence to score one for Australia. Next to score was Nicole Odermatt, taking the score at 7 – 6. An attempt at goal by Solveig Sorensen was fouled; the penalty shot was taken by Vanja Smiljanic for a goal. Jemima Harbort saved NZHF’s attempt to score back. At 10.51 game time, an intercept by Rosa Boy to Tori Brunsberg gave another point to Australia. A subsequent pass from Solveig Sorensen to Rosa Boyd however did not find its mark. Jemima Harbort did two more saves before a pass from Solveig to Mary Kelly earned a goal, score then was 10 – 6. At this juncture, Rosa Boyd had a bad fall so was taken off the court and retired from the game, due to a split chin and suspected concussion. In the next two minutes, there were chances for Australia with two fast breaks by Tori Brunsberg and intercept by Mary Kelly. At 5.37 game time Solveig Sorensen put one away from right back. A penalty for NZHF was converted to a goal by Sandra Gmur a minute later, to bring the score at 11 – 7. Australia called time out at 4.37 game time. At resumption of play, Gizella Van der Merwe scored from pivot. Jemima Harbort had another brilliant save after this. A fast break by Nicole Odermatt a minute later scored a goal for NZHF, score being 12 – 8. Both sides played intensely for two minutes with no result on the board. Jemima Harbort got applauded wildly by the crowd for another incredible save at 1.13. This was followed by a goal from excellent pass from Solveig Sorensen, to Madeleine McAfee and then to Gizelle Van der Merwe at pivot. At thirty nine seconds on the clock, Sandra Gmur scored for NZHF. Tori Brunsberg took a shot at six seconds to finish but it was not successful. Half Time Score: Australia 13 NZHF 9
Nicole Odermatt was the first to score in the second half. Tori Brunsberg responded with a fast break to take a goal back for Australia at 27.41 game time. Jemima Harbort and Mary Kelly respectively took turns in preserving and extending lead of Australia in the following three minutes, before Sandra Gmur scored for NZHF, which was followed by another goal by Mary Kelly bringing the score at 16 – 11. At 24.25 game time a brilliant pass by Tori Brunsberg to Gizelle Van der Merwe at pivot, resulted in another goal for Australia. Then it was Solveig Sorensen’s turn for a quick pass to Tori Brunsberg to add to Australia’s score. For the next three minutes, both sides played intense defence and attack, but not managed to score. Then it was show time for Tori Brunsberg and Jemima Harbort who had two fast breaks and saves in a row respectively. At 18.38 game time Jacklyn Parker burst through Australia’s defence to score one for NZHF. This was immediately followed by a goal by her team mate Sandra Gmur, bringing the score at 20 – 13. The Aussie Brunsberg-Harbort duo struck again at 17.19 with Tori Brunsberg intercepting and putting away another goal, followed by another great save by Jemima Harbort. Two minutes later, a long pass by Tori Brunsberg to Aminta Thomas found its mark. Although a pass from Kim Higgins to Vanja Smiljanic did not result in a goal, Kim’s next pass to Solveig Sorensen found its mark. At 14.48 game time, NZHF called time out, with score being 23 – 13. When the game resumed, Jemima Harbort deserved her rest as goalkeeper. Jemima was interchanged with Taylee Lewis who saved an attempt at goal by NZHF as soon as she came on court. This was soon followed by a goal by Tori Brunsberg. Madeleine McAfee and Jessica Fearnside also formed part of the defence-attack interchange during this part of the game. Tori Brunsberg helped set up a goal by Aminta Thomas at 10.16 game time to take the score at 25 – 13. Kim Higgins did the same for Solveig Sorensen a minute later for a goal; however by a pass Solveig to Kim thereafter was not successful. At 7.15 game time the twin sisters Mary and Veronica Kelly played side by side in the left wing and left back respectively, and helped with intercepts and quick passes. Taylee Lewis continued with more brilliant saves at goal. Veronica Kelly put away a goal at 5.51 game time at left back. Melissa Mellor helped the team in the defence. Then at 4.05 game time it was Mary Kelly’s turn to score a goal from a long pass by Solveig Sorensen, bringing the score at 28 – 13. Sandra Gmur battled through Australia’s defence to score a goal a minute later. During the remaining three minutes, the pace of the game became even faster as both teams aimed to add to its respective score. There were long passes on both sides and set move by Australia which involved pass by Aminta Thomas and jump by Tori Brunsberg did not achieve their aim. Sandra Gmur put away a goal for NZHF for what was the last one in the match with only four seconds left on the clock. Full Time Score: Australia 29 - NZHF 15
Goals
NZHF: Sandra Gmur 8, Nicole Odermatt 3, Jaclyn
Parker 2, Jess Barwick 1, Iva Sajdl 1
Comments
Katsu Kinoshita, Australia Head Coach This was a positive tournament for a young team and there are so many things we can look forward to from mid-November when we have two weeks camp before the World Championship in China.
Solveig Sorensen, Player No. 7 Australia [Based
in Denmark] We all trained really hard for the one and half weeks of camp and I was impressed by the girls’ performance. I roomed with Tori Brunsberg from Sweden when were at the camp in Carseldine and that worked really well. I tried to help her as much as I could, to blend into the team. I really enjoyed being here and playing with these girls and I look forward to the World Championship. |
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| May 30, 2009 | ||||||
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Today was the rematch of Australia and Handball New Zealand [HNZ], Last time they played, Australia defeated HNZ with score of 31 – 11 [16 – 6]. Australia’s starting line-up comprised Solveig Sorensen, Mary Kelly, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas, with Jemima Harbort as Goalkeeper. Australia had the ball at the throw off but its first attempt at goal was unsuccessful; likewise HNZ’s shot at goal was saved by Australian Goalkeeper, Jemima Harbort. The first goal of the match was made by Tori Brunsberg at 28.54 game time. Tori’s next attempt did not find its mark but soon after she succeeded in adding to Australia’s lead, score being 2 – 0. The next two minutes saw frenetic play by both sides without scores being made. At 26.43 game time, a quick pass by Solveig Sorensen to Rosa Boyd resulted in one more goal to Australia. Jemima Harbort saved one more shot by HNZ before Solveig Sorensen scored at 25.20 game time to bring the score to 4 – 0. A subsequent fast break by Rosa Boyd and an intercept by Aminta Thomas got the ‘ladies cheering squad’ in wild chants but these were unsuccessful. [The cheering squad included men’s team players Dan Kelly, Ogi Latinovic and Bojan Stojanovic, and their friends.] Another brilliant save was made by Jemima Harbort at 24.16 game time. A minute later Solveig Sorensen put away another goal taking the score to 5 – 0. HNZ called time out at this juncture.
When play resumed, Australia scored straight away from a pass by Rosa Boyd to Aminta Thomas who was quick at her feet as she was spot-on with her shot. For the next thirteen minutes, the Aussies progressively widened the score gap through tighter team work and great work by Jemima Harbort at the goal. The ensuing goals in their order of occurrence were from a pass: from Gizelle Van der Merwe to Aminta; Rosa Boyd to Tori Brunsberg; Tori Brunsberg to Rosa Boyd; Aminta Thomas to Solveig Sorensen; Solveig Sorensen to Kim Higgins; Rosa Boyd to Solveig Sorensen then to Vanja Smiljanic; Aminta Thomas to Tori Brunsberg; shot by HNZ deflected by Solveig Sorensen then passed to Rosa Boyd who offloaded to Kim Higgins; Tori Brunsberg to Aminta Thomas; Solveig Sorensen to Rosa Boyd; intercept and fast break by Tori Brunsberg; shot by Solveig Sorensen hit the post but was finished off by Vanja Smiljanic. Jemima Harbort saved three good attempts at goal by HNZ. Time out called by Australia at 12.47 game time, with the score being 19 – 0. When play resumed, Veronica Kelly and twin sister Mary, Kim Higgins, Madeleine McAfee, Vanja Smiljanic, and Rosa Boyd took to the court. At 12.20 a pass from Vanja Smiljanic to Madeleine McAfee was converted to a goal. This was followed by another brilliant save by Jemima Harbort and a quick sprint and goal by Mary Kelly. At 10.19 game time, Toni Blake of HNZ burst through defence to score first goal for her team, which was wildly applauded by the whole crowd. Score was 21 – 1. Two minutes later, Veronica Kelly did a brilliant intercept and pass to her twin sister Mary but this was unsuccessful. This was followed by another save by Jemima Harbort. A subsequent attempt at goal by Mary Kelly did not find its mark but one by Solveig Sorensen was good, bringing the score at 22 – 1. At 4.42 game time HNZ added to its score from a goal by Lani Puts. This was immediately responded by successive goals by Aminta Thomas and Tori Brunsberg, and two saves by Jemima Harbort. Mary Kelly scored another goal for Australia before Ariaana Randall added another point for HNZ, bringing the sore at 25 – 3. At four seconds left of the game, Gizelle Van der Merwe scored at pivot. Half Tim Score: Australia 26 - HNZ 3 When play resumed, the same players in the starting line took to the court. HNZ was first to score with Bella Fruean putting away a goal on a second go at 29.36 game time. The next attempt at goal by HNZ was saved by Jemima Harbort. Then a pass by Solveig to Aminta Thomas was converted to a goal. This was followed by another goal for Australia from a pass by Rosa Boyd to Aminta Thomas and to Tori Brunsberg. HNZ had a chance to add to its score with penalty shot but this hit the post. Score at this time was 28 – 4. Then it was Australia’s turn to miss a penalty shot at 24.55 game time. A long pass by Aminta Thomas to Rosa Boyd went out. However, an intercept by Gizelle Van der Merwe and pass to Mary Kelly was successful to add another goal for Australia. This was followed by a long pas by Solveig Sorensen to Tori Brunsberg also finding its mark. Jemima Harbort saved another attempt at goal by HNZ which was followed by another point for Australia from another intercept by Gizelle Van der Merwe and pass to Solveig Sorensen who converted it into a goal, This brought the score to 31 – 4.
The next four minutes saw intense play by both teams, with a few long passes by Australia going out. Jemima Harbort had a another save before Veronica Kelly scored at 17-10 game time. Two more saves by Jemima were followed by a goal by Vanja Smiljanic at centre back. Taylee Lewis came on goal at 14.00 game time to give Jemima her well-earned rest. Kim Higgins scored her third goal for the match Her next attempt at goal was fouled. The penaly shot was successfully converted to a goal by Vanja Smiljanic. This was followed by a goal by Tehau Winitana of HNZ. Australia called time out at 9.43 game time, with the score being 35 – 5. After time out, a pass from Rosa Boyd to Tori Brunsberg resulted in another goal for Austalia. This was followed by a save by Taylee Lewis who was loudly cheered on by her mates from the NSW team who were watching the game. Melissa Mellor and Jessica Fearnside helped with Australia’s defence A goal by Tehaau Winitana at 6.16 game time also drew vocal applauding by HNZ supporters. Score was 36 – 6/ A shot at goal from a set move by Aminta Thomas to Rosa Boyd and a subsequent pass by Solveig Sorensen to Gizelle Van der Merwe did not find their mark. Taylee Lewis made another save before a pass from Rosa Boyd to Solveig Sorensen resulted into a goal from centre back. Taylee Lewis had two more saves, the last one was a penalty shot awarded to HNZ. At 3.22 game time, the crowd was enthralled by a show of fast and skilful play with Solveig Sorensen intercepting a ball, which was passed to Aminta Thomas who offloaded to Rosa Boyd. This turned out to be the last goal in the match as although the players in both sides played in the last three minutes like there was no tomorrow, there were no more points added to the board. During this time, Taylee Lewis did more saves. With five second left in the match, Solveig Sorensen shot at a goal but this was not successful. The spirited play by HNZ to the finish regardless of the score was appreciated by the spectators who cheered them loudly at the end of the match. Full Time Score: Australia 38 - HNZ 6. Goals Australia: Tori Brunsberg 10, Solveig Sorensen 5, Rosa Boyd 5, Aminta Thomas 5, Vanja Smiljanic 4, Mary Kelly 3, Kim Higgins 3, Veronica Kelly 1, Madeleine McAfee 1, Gizelle Van der Merwe 1 HNZ: Tehau Winitana 2, Toni Blake 1, Lani Puts 1, Ariaana Randall 1, Bella Fruean 1 Comments
Katsu Kinoshita, Head Coach For the second half, the girls were overwhelmed by their performance on first half and could not get into the game until after nine minutes. From then on, they were fine. Somehow fatigue also kicked in for many of the players but they tried hard to the last minute. We are happy with the outcome of the match. We have clear goals to achieve in the next few months.
Mary Kelly, Player No. 9 |
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| May 29, 2009 | ||||||
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Today was round two for Australia and Queensland. The two teams met on 25 May 2009, with the Aussies winning 25 – 18. This was the fourth game for the Australian team which had won all the earlier games. Australia’s starting line-up comprised of Solveig Sorensen, Mary Kelly, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas. The Aussies had the ball for the throw off, but it was Shelly Roy of the Queensland Team who scored first. A minute later Australia equalised the score from a goal by Tori Brunsberg. The next three minutes, two more goals were scored by Queensland - Kristina Steinsland and Helena Carlsen. This gave Queensland a lead 1 - 3 at 25.04 game time. A minute later, Australia was unsuccessful in adding to its score from a penalty shot. Australia’s effort to get into the game was helped by a brilliant save by Goalkeeper Jemima Harbort, followed by a goal by Solveig Sorensen. Gizelle Van der Merwe did an intercept at the next turn over, sprinted and passed to Rosa Boyd; however the shot hit the post. Helena Carlsen doggedly went through defence and scored another goal for Queensland. An attempt to take back a point by Tori Brunsberg was saved by Yukari Koto, Queensland goalie.
Head Coach Katsu Kinoshita called time out for the Aussies at 18.42 game time. At this juncture, the opposition holding a three point lead with the score being 2 – 5. When play resumed, Rosa Boyd immediately scored for the Aussies. Jemima Harbort helped to keep the opposition at bay with brilliant saves of three successive attempts at goal. The shot at goal by Gizelle Van der Merwe from pivot and a subsequent fast break by Tori Brunsberg did not make their mark. At 16.15 game time, Rosa Boyd successfully put away a brilliant pass from Aminta Thomas, narrowing the score gap to one, score being 4 – 5. This was followed by another goal from Tori Brunsberg at left back to equalise score at 5 - 5. Lene Johansen got one back soon after that to put Queensland back in the lead. An intercept, quick sprint and shot at goal by Rosa Boyd and Tori Brunsberg putting away a great pass from Rosa, gave Australia two more points. Jemima Harbort saved shot at goal by Lene Johansen. Rosa Boyd’s next attempt to further Australia’s lead was unsuccessful. Kristina Steinsland scored next to equalise the score for Queensland, at 7 – 7. Solveig Sorensen scored at 9.34 game time but this was answered by a goal by Raelene Boulton, which equalised the score at 8 - 8. In a tit for tat, Solveig scored one back straight away. Then another great pass from Rosa Boyd was converted to a goal by Tori Brunsberg. Another good save by Jemima Harbort was followed by a goal by Aminta Thomas, giving the Aussies three points lead at 11 – 8. Queensland called a time out after that, at 5.21 game time. Queensland’s attempt at goal when play resumed was unsuccessful. Solveig Sorensen scored next. This was followed by an intercept and unassisted fast break by Tori Brunsberg resulting in another goal. In the dying minutes there were long passes and attempts to goals which were unsuccessful and another save by Jemima Harbort. Half Time Score: Australia 13 Queensland 9 Queensland was first to score when play resumed, from a goal by Shelly Roy at left back. Gizelle Van der Merwe then converted at pivot a pass from Aminta Thomas to a goal for Australia. Kristina Steinsland grabbed a goal back for Queensland, bringing the score at 15 – 11 at 25-58 game time. Kim Higgins had a good attempt at goal from right wing but this was unsuccessful. A pass from Solveig Sorensen to Gizelle Van der Merwe was converted to a goal at pivot. Lene Johansen took one back for Queensland soon after that. Mary Kelly intercepted and successfully put one away at 18-29 game time, bringing the score at 18-12. Jemima Harbort saved a couple more attempts at goal by the opposition. Mary Kelly had a fast break but ball hit the post and another shot by Kim Higgins from right wing did not find its mark either. Then Shelly Roy put one away for Queensland from left back, with score at 18 – 13. Rosa Boyd scored at back from a pass from Mary Kelly. Jemima Harbort had a well-earned rest, with Taylee Lewis coming in goal at 12.45 game time. Taylee had brilliant saves for the remaining minutes of the game. Vanja Smiljanic was next to score for Austalia, followed by one by Solveig Sorensen. Vanja scored another one from a pass from Jessica Fearnside. Monika Milne and Shelly Roy scored for Queensland before Head Coach Katsu Kinoshita called time out at 7.19 game time, score being 22 – 17. After play resumed, Madeleine McAfee scored for Australia. This was responded by a goal from Janne Lango. Two subsequent intercepts and shot at goal by Gizelle Van der Merwe did not find their mark; whilst two attempts at Aussie goal were saved by Taylee Lewis. At less than a minute game time, a set move involving cross pass from Aminta Thomas which Rosa Boyd jumped to, resulted in the last goal in the game for the Aussies. With six seconds left on the clock, Kristina Steinsland scored for Queensland. Full Time Score: Australia 24 Queensland 19 Goals Australia: Solveig Sorensen 6, Toni Brunsberg 6, Rosa Boyd 5, Vanja Smiljanic 2, Aminta Thomas 2, Mary Kelly 1, Madeleine McAfee1, Gizelle Van der Merwe 1 Queensland: Kristina Steinsland 6, Shelly Roy 4, Monica Milne 2, Raelene Boulton 2, Lene Johanen 2, Janne Lango 1, Linda Hollenberg 1, Helena Carlsen 1 Comments
Katsu Kinoshita, Head Coach Australia Queensland girls played well in the first fifteen minutes and gave us a hard start but in essence we needed that as a wake up call. Once we picked up our rhythm in the second part of the first half, the girls became more comfortable and started to control their play.
Tori Brunsberg Left Back/Wing Australia |
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| May 29, 2009 | ||||||
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Australia’s third game in the Pacific Cup competition was against New Zealand Handball Federation [NZHF]. The Aussies went to this match armed with two wins and observations of the opponent’s style of play in previous games. The Australian starting line-up consisted of Solveig Sorensen, Kim Higgins, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg,, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas, with Jemima Harbort as Goalkeeper. Australia had the ball at throw off but did not score until after two turn overs. Aminta Thomas was first to score in the game, with a goal from the left wing. This was immediately followed by seven successive goals contributed by Kim Higgins, Gizelle Van der Merwe, Solveig Sorensen [2], Toria Brunsberg and another one from Aminta. For nearly fifteen minutes the Aussies shutdown any attempt at goals by NZHF. Jemima Harbort had brilliant saves from a number of fast breaks. Score at 14:47 game time was 8 – 0 to Australia, at which time NZHF called a time out.
After NZHF’s time out, Nicole Odermatt converted a penalty shot to put NZHF on the scoreboard. In response Vanja Smiljanic put away a goal from centre back. Jemima Harbort continued to frustrate the opponent’s attempt at goals. Aminta Thomas added another goal to Australia’s score before four successive goals by NZHF. At 5 minutes left of the first half, Mary Kelly ran away with the ball and scored; with Tori Brunsberg doing the same two minutes later. Following a quick turn over and at 2 seconds to go, Mary Kelly scored another goal; Half Time Score: Australia 13 – NZHF 6 Australia had the same starting line-up for the second half. During this part of the game, both teams played better defensively and scored more goals. Kim Higgins scored early at 29.20 game time to add to Australia’s lead. This was immediately responded to by Sandra Gmur for NZHF. Gizelle Van der Merwe grabbed a point straight back with a goal from pivot, bringing the score to 15 – 7. At next turn over NZHF’s Iva Sajdl intercepted a ball and a quick pass to Nicole Odermatt was converted into a goal. Gizelle Van der Merwe and Rosa Boyd scored a goal each before Jess Barwick took NZHF’ to a two digit score being 17 – 10. At 19.35 game time Jemima Harbort had a well-earned rest and Taylee Lewis took over in goal. The next two goals were made by Aminta Thomas, the last was from a brilliant pass from Tori Brunsberg. Vanja Smiljanic weaved her way through defence and scored making the score 20 – 10 at 14.10 game time. Energetic defence by the Aussies resulted in a penalty awarded to NZHF which was successfully converted by Nicole Odermatt. The Aussies responded with an unsuccessful attempt at goal, whereas NZHF’s Iva Sajdl successfully scored from the counter attack. This was responded by Rosa Boyd who converted a pass from Vanja Smiljanic into a goal. In a tit for tat, Iva Sadjl answered that with another goal for NZHF. At 7.57 game time, Australian Head Coach, Katsu Kinoshita, called time out with the Aussies leading at 21 – 13. When play resumed, Tori Brunsberg scored straight away for Australia. Soon after this, Veronica Kelly also scored. At this juncture, NZHF’s Sandra Gmur got injured so had to retire from play. The penalty shot awarded to NZHF was taken by Nicole Odermatt but this was saved by Taylee Lewis. A minute later, however, Nicole successfully added to NZHF’s score. At 4.04 game time, NZHF called time out, with score being 23 -14. When play resumed, there was intense defence and play by both sides. At nearly two minutes later, Tori Brunsberg scored what turned to be the last goal in the match. Full Time Score: Australia 24 – NZHF 14.
Goals Australia: Tori Brunsberg 6, Aminta Thomas 5, Gizelle Van der Merwe 3, Solveig Sorensen 2, Mary Kelly 2, Kim Higgins 2, Rosa Boyd 2, Veronica Kelly 1, Vanja Smiljanic 1 NZHF: Nicole Odermatt 6, Iva Sajdl 3, Sandra Gmur 2, Jess Barwick 2, Djana Pietsch 1 Comments
Katsu Kinoshita, Head
Coach Australia
Jemima Harbort, Goalkeeper
Australia |
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| May 29, 2009 | ||||||
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Today was the second game in the Pacific Cup for Australia, playing against Handball New Zealand [HNZ]. Before their game, the team watched most of the match between Queensland and New Zealand Handball Federation [NZHF]. The scores for this match was quite close, with Queensland leading only by one point during the first half with the score being Queensland 8 – NZHF 7 and winning only by two at the close of the game, score being 19 – 17.
Australia won the toss for the ball at throw off. The Aussies’ starting line consisted of Solveig Sorensen, Kim Higgins, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas, with Jemima Harbort as Goalkeeper. Australia was not able to take advantage of having the ball first. At the turn over to HNZ, Rosa Boyd had an intercept but was not able to convert to goal. Then a foul on HNZ earned them a penalty shot which was successfully put away by Ariaana Randall of HNZ at 28:34 game time. Australia’s Tori Brunsberg and Rosa Boyd responded with a goal each. Araianna Randall however scored another two goals, giving HNZ a one point lead, with the score being Australia 2 – HNZ 3 at 22:48 game time. Twenty seconds later, Gizelle Van Merwe equalised the score for Australia. This was followed by an intercept and goal by Milly to give Australia a point lead back. HNZ executed some great defensive intercepts and had a number of opportunities to score goals from fast breaks. However, Australian Goalkeeper, Jemima Harbort, did a number of brilliant saves to keep the team ahead. For a solid five minute period, the Aussies scored more with no response from HNZ. Solveig Sorensen, Tori Brunsberg, Rosa Boyd and Aminta Thomas adding one each to the score board. At 16:18 game time, the score was 9 – 4 to Australia. Ariaana Randall had not let up and scored again for HNZ to bring the score to 9 – 5. A combination of fast breaks by Solveig Sorensen and Mary Kelly and good passes to Tori Brunsberg, resulted in Australia scoring seven unanswered goals. At less than a minute to the half time break, Lauren Ensor scored a goal for HNZ. Half Time Score: Australia 16 – HNZ 6 The starting line for the second half comprised of Solveig Sorensen, Mary Kelly, Rosa Boyd, Tori Brunsberg, Gizelle Van der Merwe and Aminta Thomas. Two minutes into play, Solveig Sorensen scored the first goal of the second half. This was followed by a penalty shot by Solveig awarded from a foul on Gizelle Van der Merwe. Vanja Smiljanic, Aminta Thomas and Rosa Boyd subsequently put away a goal each, with the score being 22 – 6.
Defence on both sides was intense, resulting in warnings and two-minutes suspensions. Australia used alternately 6-0 and 3-2-1 defence. Ariaana Randall was first again to score for HNZ, putting two in a row at centre back; these were followed by another goal by team mate Bella Fruean. Score at 18:02 game time was 22 – 9. Rosa Boyd converted a steal to another goal for Australia. This was followed by a goal from Vanja Smiljanic at back and Jessica Fearnside from pivot position. At 9:55 game time, Langi Winitana scored for HNZ which was immediately responded by the Aussies, Madeleine McAfee, Rosa Boyd and Tori Brunsberg. Langi Winitana scored one more from a penalty shot. Solveig Sorensen scored two more and Melissa Mellor had a goal from a pass from Rosa Boyd. Full Time Score: Australia 31 – HNZ 11. Goals Australia: Tori Brunsberg 9, Solveig Sorensen 7, Rosa Boyd 5, Aminta Thomas 3, Vanja Smiljanic 2, Mary Kelly 1, Madeleine McAfee 1, Melissa Mellor 1, Gizelle Van der Merwe 1, Jessica Fearnside 1 HNZ: Ariaana Randall 6, Langi Winitana 2, Lauren Ensor 1, Bella Fuean 1, Tehau Winitana 1 Comments
Katsu Kinoshita, Head Coach
Australia Overall, it is very good to see young players being united with the more experienced ones. Team culture is set and their interaction is starting to show it.
Rosa Boyd, Team Captain Australia |
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| May 28, 2009 | ||||||
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Today the Australian Women’s Team played against the Queensland Team in its first game in the 2009 Pacific Cup. Prior to the warm up session, the new Australian Handball Federation [AHF] President, Paul Smith, presented the players their uniforms. He congratulated each one in being selected to represent Australia as part of the Women’s Team. In his short speech, Paul highlighted the honour of being in the national team. He shared excerpts of an interview of the late Kerry Packer, [media mogul who owned TV Channel 9 and previously also The Daily Telegraph]. When Kerry Packer was asked by the interviewer “did you have a regret in your life?”, Kerry’s response was “not getting the chance to represent Australia in a sport”. The Australian women’s team has several young players who have stepped up to represent their country. The players who debuted in the senior level were: Jemima Harbort, Veronica Kelly, Kim Higgins, Madeline McAfee, Tori Brunsberg, Melissa Mellor, Gizelle Van der Merwe, Jessica Fearnside and Taylee Lewis. The players who have previously played in the women’s team are Rosa Boyd [Team Captain], Solveig Sorensen, Mary Kelly, Vanja Smiljanic, and Aminta Thomas. Under the guidance of Head Coach Katsu Kinoshita, the players’ skills and experience blended into a cohesive and effective team.
There was degree of nervousness in the Australian side at the start of this game. Not only was it a “young team”, it was also playing against a team which has two players who had previously represented Australia in the international arena – Raelene Boulton and Shelly Roy, as well as the other team having a number of experienced players of European background. Queensland had throw off but Australia was on a good start by scoring first from two successive goals by Tori Brunsberg. Kristina Steinsland then scored for Queensland. This was quickly answered by a goal from Rosa Boyd. Next to score for Queensland was Helena Carlsen. Australia maintained its lead with a goal from Aminta Thomas and two more from Tori Brunsberg, bringing the score 6:2. The gap in the score was narrowed by a three goal response from Queensland, one from Tuva Wik and two from Linda Hollenbergy, score Australia 6 – Queensland 5. Solveig Sorensen added to Australia’s score with a quick goal, which was answered by Tuva Wik. Tori Brunsberg scored two more and Gizelle Van der Merwe also contributed a goal to the close of first half. Half Time Score Score - Australia 10 Queensland 6 Queensland was first to score in the second half with a goal from Kristina Steinsland. Still hot from scoring at the end of firs half, Gizelle Van der Merwe was first to score for Australia, followed by Aminta Thomas and Solveig Sorensen; score 13 – 7.
Vanja Smiljanic played mostly in
defence and also contributed one goal. Mary
Kelly had a very energetic play, making three
goals in the second half; with Rosa Boyd doing
the same. Solveig Sorensen, Tori Brunsberg and
Aminta Thomas also continued in their campaign
for the team in the second half.
On the Queensland side, Raelene Boulton and Shelly Roy provided strong defence. They also contributed one goal each in the second half. Kristina Steinsland played relentlessly and made four goals in the second half. Final Score – Australia 25 Queensland 18 Goals Australia: Tori Brunsberg 8, Solveig Sorensen 4, Rosa Boyd 4, Mary Kelly 3, Aminta Thomas 3, Gizelle Van der Merwe 2, Vanja Smiljanic 1 Queensland: Kristina Steinsland 5, Tuva Wik 4, Linda Hollenberg 3, Shelly Roy 1, Raelene Boulton 1, Helena Carlsen 1, Aurelie Larcher 1, Lene Johansen 1, Elisabeth Midtfla 1 Comments by Head Coach Katsu Kinoshita: Australia is a ‘young’ team. The hype and excitement made the young players nervous. They were anxious playing against known experienced players like Raelene Boulton and Shelly Roy. The team expected the game to be very tough. Nevertheless the girls played well from the beginning. We had strong defence which made the options of the attacking team very limited. There is room for improvement in terms of executing set movements. The next training session will target this area. |
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