Our U16 teams both played strong polo to make the finals. Considering this is an international event with State and Australian teams entered, it shows the depth within our club members who are committed to this sport, as we are featuring in four finals out of four – not bad for a club of 320 players. Both our girls and boys played in the Pre Pan Pac’s tournament and then the series held at our pool against Queensland and this assisted the build up towards Pan Pac’s. Our U16 girls have been working hard alongside their coach, Matt Payne. Matt is considered one of the best coaches in NZ and has proven himself time and time again as a consistent and fair coach. He never becomes rattled, just talks with his teams and offers advice when needed. The young team of girls started the game by scoring first and from there on continued to show their strength and dominance throughout. Our girls had many chances to convert but just couldn’t get that Mikasa ball into the goal, everywhere else but not there J . The girls stayed focused and continued with the game plan that their coach has set them. When you look at these girls, they swim up and down up and down and parents and supporters yelling support throughout – it’s tough but not once did the girls become agitated and lose focus. The team came out on top and took the gold medal – a third one for our club at Pan Pac’s. Congratulations Matt, Ang and girls. A well derserved win to start the U16 season for 2016. Well done Bernie for getting MVP. 

Our U16 boys were up next and they were set to play Canberra who have always been strong team and who we have had some great tussles with over the years. A few days before NH U16 boys had a warm up series and coach Davor Carevic had felt the Queensland / North Harbour series had assisted his team greatly in their build up towards this event. The boys started well and the game was even throughout. Canberra were definitely a strong structured team and North Harbour had to work hard to gain the extra metres at all times. It was great to see the referees let the game flow and this made for a wonderful game of young guys water polo. The entire game was goal for goal and ended up 4-4 at full time. Yes we had our chances near the end but that’s the way it goes in games that apply pressure to teams J The stands were quiet while 5 players were chosen from each team to take the penalty shot out. It is a hard way to finish a final and unfortunately for our boys it wasn’t our day. 4-5 loose in shot out but all the team should be proud of their achievements. Davor hit it on the head when he said “well done boys top NZ team in this event”. Congratulations Davor, Megan and boys a great game.

WELL DONE U16 BOYS AND GIRLS FOR 2016 PAN PACIFIC YOUTH SERIES.