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Australian Junior Women's
Team 2012 Photo Bob Wood
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U20 Game 1 28/6/12 9:00am vs KH7 BM Granollers
Half time score:
Australia 1
– Granollers 11
Full time score:
Australia 5 – Granollers 24
This was the
opening game for the tournament and the Australian Junior Women took to
the main Olympic court “Palau Esport” with excitement and trepidation.
Captain Madeleine “Macca” Mcafee led the team in defence and the
scoreboard remained at zero until BM Granollers scored the first goal of
the tournament 2m 41s into the game. Brianna Keyes scored the first goal
for Australia at 12m 58s bringing the score to 1-9. Heather Cooper was
strong in defence and received a 2 minute suspension and a yellow card
before the half time score of 1-11. In the second half Sally Cash made a
great intercept, stealing the ball and scoring and Annalese Smith worked
hard on the wing. Olivia Mowat scored a goal and received a yellow card,
Madeleine McAfee also scored and Marissa Mentis made a beautiful lob to
score her first international goal. Tegan Poulton worked hard in defence
and also received a 2 minute suspension, while Kate Nolan, debuting for
Australia as goalie, made a series of great saves to gain many praises
from her team mates. Alexis Gardner, Lucy Niccol, Heather Cooper,
Marissa Mentis and Esther Soulard were the team players from the U18
team who took part in this opening game, along with injured Tamie Duker
who was cheering from the bench with the team’s giant kangaroo. Overall
it was a nervous start considering this was their first game playing
together however coach, Lilly Maher, was confident the team could only
improve from this point.
U18
Game 1 28/6/12 11:40am vs Bergen HK-Norway
Half time
score: Australia 3 - Norway 12
Full time
score: Australia 4 - Norway 24
This was the
second game for the Australian Junior Women, but the first for the U18
team. For most of the players, this was their first opportunity to
represent Australia and they were nervous, but excited.
Norway
scored in the first minute with
Australia’s
Marissa Mentis scoring the first goal for the team at 1m 54s, bringing
the score to 1-3 to Norway. Amy Beths shot at goal and the
Norway
defence received a yellow card. Captain Esther Soulard scored her first
goal of the tournament, despite her earlier injuries to both wrists
which almost saw her miss the tournament altogether. Marissa Mentis
caught her own rebounded shot at goal to score Australia’s third goal.
Strong defence from Tori Kettor saw her receive a yellow card and Laura
McInnes blocked Norway’s shot at goal. Amy Beths’ work in defence caused
a travel by Norway and Heather Cooper came back on from a 2 minute
suspension to quickly steal the ball from a surprised opposition.
Heather Cooper’s goal brought the score to 4-16 as Lucy Niccol battled
hard to make space and Laura McInness provided strong defence on the
wing. Both Kate Nolan and Alexis Gardner worked hard in goals while
Ashleigh McKimm and Jessie Wood debuted for Australia in the draining
Spanish heat. At the finish, Heather Cooper shot at goal with Norway
receiving a 2 minute suspension right on the full time buzzer. Heather
Cooper was a standout player for this match, putting her body on the
line in both defence and attack demonstrating the level of commitment
all the players need to show.
U20 Game 2 28/6/12 13:40 vs Trauma-Norway
Half time
score: Australia 1 - Norway 9
Full time
score: Australia 9 - Norway 18
This game was
a great improvement on the first game, particularly in defence. Coach,
Lilly Maher, commented on the frustration around not capitalising on the
opportunities the team made for themselves in attack. Madeleine McAfee
made two attempts at goal that left Norway with two yellow cards before
she was successful in a penalty shot to put the first score for
Australia on the board. Kate Nolan continued to make first class saves
in goal and Sally Cash intercepted to steal the ball from Norway. After
a shaky first half, Australia came back strongly. Sally Cash scored,
Madeleine McAfee scored three more times and Tegan Poulton caught the
rebound from Sally Cash’s attempt to score her goal. Heather Cooper
scored and Brianna Keyes scored two goals from some fast breaks. Jessie
Wood tipped the ball away from Norway working hard on the wing and
Brianna Keyes had a great run to intercept Norway’s fast break pass.
Towards the end of the game, Norway received three lots of 2 minutes
suspensions in quick succession as they attempted to stop Australia
scoring. Overall the signs were looking a lot more positive, the team
now knew what needed to be improved and they were excited for their
next game.
U18
Game 2 28/6/12 17:00 vs West HC-Sweden
Half time
score: Australia 2 – Sweden 10
Full time
score: Australia 6 - Sweden 17
Sweden scored
first, but not until two minutes had passed. Marissa Mentis was first to
score for Australia at 4m 25s as she pushed through on the wing bringing
the score to 1-3. Alexis Gardner made an excellent save with strong
defence from Marissa Mentis. Laura McInnes beat the goalie to the
rebound and Heather Cooper shot at goal with Sweden receiving a yellow
card. Ashleigh McKimm intercepted the ball and passed to Lucy Niccol who
scored her first international goal while Laura McInnes tipped out a
Swedish pass. Tori Kettor caught the rebound from a shot at goal by
Heather Cooper, scoring her first international goal. Strong defence
from Laura McInnes and Heather Cooper saw a passive call on Sweden.
Ashleigh McKimm passed to Lucy Niccol for her second goal of the match
before Lucy then jumped high for a successful block gaining possession
from Sweden. Amy Beths worked hard in pivot to make space for the team
and Jessie Woods scored her first international goal. Olivia Mowat kept
the winger from her shot before scoring herself. During the final few
seconds of the game, Heather Cooper was fouled and Sweden was sent off
for 2 minutes. Heather then quickly shot at goal hitting the post on the
buzzer. Coach, Lilly Maher, felt this was a great improvement where the
aim was to improve on the team’s previous score. She felt Alexis Gardner
had her best game of the tournament so far as did Ashleigh McKimm who is
looking more and more like a confident handball centre back.
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Australia in defense -
Photo Bob Wood
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U20 Game 3 29/6/12 17:00 vs 1K Savehof-2 Sweden
Half time
score: Australia 5 – Sweden 8
Full time
score: Australia 7 - Sweden 15
The Spanish
heat was taking its toll on the Australian girls, but they kept up a
strong fight to get their closest finish yet. Kate Nolan saved the first
shot at goal and Madeleine McAfee scored a penalty shot before also
scoring from a pass from Sally Cash bringing the score to 3 for
Australia, 4 for Sweden. Brianna Keyes and Annalese Smith sped up and
down the court, while Jessie Wood, Lucy Niccol and Amy Beths worked hard
in the oppressive heat. Tegan Poulton scored and also managed three 2
minute suspensions. Sally Cash made a brilliant block and a rebound
catch with a fast break from Brianna Keyes seeing the score rise again.
Olivia Mowat scored her goal straight between the legs of the goalie
before Brianna Keyes scored again. Heather Cooper worked hard in both
defence and attack scoring an ‘egg’ to her head from a Swedish elbow.
Brianna Keyes took off down the court on another fast break before being
sent sliding into the wall by the Swedish defence. Madeleine McAfee
received a two minute suspension right on the final buzzer, but Kate
Nolan saved her first penalty shot. The Australian girls were exhausted
but happy with their achievement. Coach, Lilly Maher, felt the girls dug
deep in difficult conditions and responded well when asked to play a
fast and aggressive tactical game.
U18
Game 3 29/6/12 17:40 vs BM Granollers
Half time
score: Australia 3 – Granollers 14
Full time
score: Australia 4 – Granollers 26
Captain Esther
Soulard led the team through warm up while coach Lilly Maher finished
with the U20 game. Some of the younger players quickly left the U20 game
against Sweden to play with the U18 game versus Granollers. The late
afternoon heat was certainly getting to everyone, but the team continued
to play hard. Unfortunately Esther Soulard tumbled over another player
during the match and injuring her ankle, leaving Marissa Mentis to step
up as captain on short notice. A new approach was attempted in this game
in consideration of the strong opposition. The aim being to build self
confidence, once goals were scored by an individual, players were asked
to create scoring opportunities for their team mates. Coach, Lilly
Maher, was encouraged by the efforts to fulfil the game plan. This game
took a physical toll on all players, but their heads remained high.
U18
Game 4 29/6/12 21:00 vs Ystad - Sweden
Half time
score: Australia 3 – Sweden 7
Full time
score: Australia 6 – Sweden 15
Nine o’clock
and it was still 30 degrees and the U18’s had their final game for the
day, a day that was very long and tiring. This was, by far, their best
performance as a team. For the first time in this tournament, Australia
scored first and led the game. Seven minutes into the first half the
score was locked at just one goal each. Lucy Niccol received a bad bump
to the head and Kate Nolan in goals played a great game, however
aggravating her injured back. Alexis Gardner and Tori Kettor worked hard
in the heat and Olivia Mowat was successful in scoring a penalty shot.
The other players who scored goals with the help of their team mates
were Laura McInnes with one goal, Heather Cooper with two goals and
Marissa Mentis with two goals. Another long, hot, but successful day.
Coach, Lilly Maher, was impressed to see the initiative of the young
centre players in bringing set moves into the team attack of their own
accord.
U20 Game 4 30/6/12 9:40 vs Ordizia Eskubaloia
Half time
score: Australia 4 – Eskubaloia 5
Full time
score: Australia 11 - Eskubaloia 11
Australia
scored the first goal and led the game for most of the first half to
finish half time only one point behind. One of the highlights of the
game was when injured Tamie Duker came on court to successfully take two
penalty shots The team played well with Alexis Gardner really stepping
up in goals while injured Kate Nolan had to satisfy herself cheering
from the bench. Lucy Niccol, Laura McInnes, Marissa Mentis, Brianna
Keyes and Heather Cooper continued to add value to the team, both in
attack and defence. Madeleine McAfee scored three times, along with
Tegan Poulton who made three fantastic goals from the right wing.
Annalese Smith scored twice and Olivia Mowat added one goal to the final
score. The whole team were on edge in the final moments as they tried to
post their first win. However, the team were elated with the draw and
cheered and smiled at their success before racing to the next court for
the next U18 game. Captain Madeleine McAfee led the team with confidence
in this, her best game.
U18
Game 5 30/6/12 10:20 vs H VIC
Half time
score: Australia 5 – H Vic 9
Full time
score: Australia 9 – H Vic 18
Esther Soulard
sped on her crutches from the U20 game to captain her team from the
sidelines – nothing was going to slow her down! The team took the court
and played strongly with Alexis Gardner saving over 17 shots at goal.
Laura McInnes played well on the wing, scoring both a goal and a yellow
card. Amy Betts was ecstatic as she scored her first international goal
and Lucy Niccol again showed some good height with her jumps. Tori
Kettor scored again with Heather Cooper and Marissa Mentis both scoring
three goals each. Ashleigh McKimm, Jessie Wood and Olivia Mowat had
several attempts at goal and played strongly in defence. Coach, Lilly
Maher, was pleased with the first half, however is hoping to improve
performances in the second half of matches.
U20 Game 5 30/6/12 19:40 vs Puig
Half time
score: Australia 7 – Puig 16
Full time
score: Australia 11 - Puig 27
Australia
scored the first goal with the opposition’s first goal being a penalty
shot. After starting well, Australia was unable to follow through into
the second half. Annalese Smith was the top scorer with six goals – five
in the first half. Olivia Mowat scored one goal; Madeleine McAfee scored
three goals and Sally Cash one goal. Alexis Gardner saved a great
penalty shot and Kate Nolan stopped over 11 attempts at goal. After
successfully scoring penalty shots in her earlier game, Tamie Duker came
on court for her first game of the tournament playing a full game in
defence. Tegan Poulton, Amy Beths, Brianna Keyes, Laura McInnes, Ashley
McKimm and Tori Kettor all took part in this final game before the
semis. Coach, Lilly Maher, commented that support both in attack and
defence was less than the team were capable of leading to a
disappointing scoreline. However, she is confident the team will bounce
back for the semis the following day.
U20 Semi Final 1st vs 4th 1/7/12 11:40 vs KH7 BM
Granollers
Half time
score: Australia 5 – Granollers 7
Full time
score: Australia 9 – Granollers 12
The Australian
boys stood clothed in Australian flags as their voices filled the arena
with the sounds of Advance Australia Fair as the players took the court
for the semi final match against the leading team, BM Granollers. After
the heat of the past few days, everyone was relieved with the cooler,
wet weather. The opposition scored first 1m 15s into the game, quickly
followed by an attempt by Madeleine Mcafee which led to a yellow card to
the opposition. Tegan Poulton scored the first goal for Australia at 2m
11s and Australia took the lead with its second goal at 2m 30s. The
score was three all ten minutes into the game. Tegan scored her second
goal in the first half, Marissa Mentis scored one goal in the first
half, Annalese Smith and Brianna Keyes scored a goal each in both halves
of the game and Madeleine McAfee scored two goals in the second half.
Returning to goals with a back injury, Kate Nolan stopped over a dozen
attempts, including a great penalty shot and a fantastic fast break pass
to Annalese to score. All players including, Alexis Gardner, Sally Cash,
Lucy Niccol, Heather Cooper and Olivia Mowat were all part of this great
game which ended with Australia only three goals behind this leading
team. The pervious confrontation saw the gap between the two teams close
dramatically from 19 goals to just 3. BM Granollers went on to become
tournament runners up by only a few goals to Norway. Coach, Lilly Maher,
congratulated the players on their improved performance in this game,
where they all “played together like a team” with a special mention to
Annalese Smith who showed the team just how dangerous a handballer she
can be.
U20 Semi Final 3rd vs 4th 1/7/12 11:40 vs St
Quirze
Half time
score: Australia 2 – St Quirze 5
Full time
score: Australia 8 – St Quirze 15
The Australian
boys once again filled the room with their voices as the game began.
Laura McInnes, Lucy Niccol and Annalese Smith all had shots at goal in
the first minute of the game with the first goal going to the opposition
at 3 minutes via a penalty shot. A fast break run from Brianna Keyes
with a quick last second pass to Annalese Smith saw Australia score
their first goal. The second goal to Australia was a successful penalty
shot from Tamie Duker. Heather Cooper and Amy Beths both worked hard in
defence with a yellow card each and Annalese Smith stopped an attempt at
goal with a great block. Marissa Mentis provided a great pass to
Annalese Smith in the second half for her second goal. Tamie Duker took
two more successful penalty shots, one from a goal attempt by Brianna
Keyes. Alexis Gardner proved her resilience and determination in this
game as she focussed on anticipating shot placement and improving her
goal saving technique. Laura McInnes and Jessie Wood are continuing to
develop their skills as utility wing players. All the Australian players
took part in this final match which saw the team finish in fourth place
for the tournament.
- Compiled by Kerri Keyes |
