NSW and Queensland played a ‘best of three’ State of Origin style competition for their U14s boys and girls in Coffs Harbour over the weekend of August 21-22, 2010.  This was a new event for Australian Handball with the players aged between 10-14 years of age - a mix of experienced and some very new players and all put in great effort in both attack and defence.  

NSW boys won all three of their matches.  Queensland made them work hard at times with solid defence and some solid shooting, which was pretty exciting for a team of mostly newer players.   NSW had the benefit of three club playing experienced team members and this showed in the games, though all players fought hard throughout.

The girls’ competition went 2:1 to NSW with Queensland very pleased with their efforts in the third game. They led for much of the second half. Both teams were mainly newer players and it was very exciting to see the player development over the two days. 

We look forward to this event becoming a regular part of the AHF Juniors calendar and are looking at dates that might suit more States next year. The Northern Territory, Northern New and ACT are also running some junior development and look forward to them participating in the future.

Kristian Jovanoski shooting for goal

Thanks to the organisers, Matt Kelso (Northern NSW) and Marielle Latour (ACT) who are both new members of the AHF Board, to Sportz Central who have been our hosts for U16s in previous years, Queensland’s President Stephen Harbort for the Event Dinner and thanks to our players, coaches, officials and supporters.