2017 Canoe Polo Oceania Championships- Victorians representing Australia

The 2017 Oceania Canoe Polo Championships, in April, continued the rivalry between Australia and New Zealand for dominance in the region. Held every two years, the championships are eagerly looked forward to, not only as a chance to compete but also for valuable time to catch up with friends. This year around fifty players flew over the Tasman to compete in senior men, senior women, U21, U18, 30+, and 45+. A great turnout showing the range of players we now enjoy.

Our senior men came in third against two strong NZ teams. But all was not lost, as the competition progressed the men pulled together to play great polo and receive compliments from the locals. And, as we rebuild our women’s team, taking on the current world champions was always a big ask. But the learnings will benefit as the work of building Australia’s women’s continues. Taking it up to NZ and continuing the success of last year’s development tour, U21 men claimed second place. Some challenging games for U18 men and women coming in third. 45+ men came home second but the highlight was 30+ men taking gold!

For full results go to: http://paddle.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/2017-Oceania-results.pdf

A good tour by all accounts with everyone setting a professional standard on and off the water. A special thanks to team managers John Moore and Kylie Rawson for pulling it all together and getting everyone there and back, happily and safely.

Well done everyone!

Ian Beasley
Australian Canoeing
Chair, Canoe Polo Technical Committee

  

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