New Zealand Junior Women 2010 - 2011
(Born 93-94)
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Follow their tour here.
Canada - Maple Leaf Tournament
Author:  Sharon Geary
Wednesday 27 July 2011
NZ Youth Girls travel home

Today saw the completion of the tour for the NZ Youth Girls who have visited Hungary and Canada over the past 19 days. The girls have played some fantastic water polo and everyone within the team have improved their own game. The girls have had to work against the aggressive play of the Hungarian girls to a holding game from the Canadians. The Coach Richard Claridge has told the girls he was proud of them but there is still a long way to go. Beating Hungary is a history making event for the girls but we need to ensure we continue to play the same way throughout the entire tour. Many players stood out on this tour and it bodes well for the future. The manager of the team Sharon Geary was pleased with the makeup of the team. The older girls ensured the new girls to the squad were very much part of the team. The entire team represented their country with pride at all times. A big part of the tour was the clothing sponsored by Under Armour. All the teams we played against wanted to swap our gear. Under Armour is a very well worn clothing brand worn in both countries we have visited, so a huge thank you again to John and his team at Under Armour. The gear has been great in the hot conditions we have endured throughout our time away.

The NZ Junior Squad will be named at the beginning of August. This squad will work towards the Junior Worlds 2012 and 2013.

2012 will see a tour to Adelaide, Australia for the 94's to complete in a series against the AUS 94's, a tour for the 93's to Sydney, Australia to compete in a series against the AUS 93's, a possible tour to Russia for the 93's; Pan Pacs in Auckland where a team will compete in the U20's. There is a lot coming up for this group of girls. Asst Coach Michael Buck is excited about the future and knows that these tours can only continue to bring our girls forward even further.


Sunday 24 July 2011
Finals day at Montreal

The NZ Youth Girls had finished 3rd in the pool of teams and were playing off for 3rd/4th today. The team were playing the born 94's after beating them convincingly yesterday. The quarter started slowly with our CF's having trouble converting 6 shots at goal within a few minutes. By the end of the first quarter NZ managed to score three goals to go into the lead 3-1 ( Lisa Tuke, Rachel Burns and Rebecca Parkes 1). The second quarter was a battle between referees calls and lack of discipline from the kiwi girls. They became aggitated when the referees were clearly not calling turnovers and fouls. This quarter saw NZ score two to lead 5-1 at half time. (Lisa Tuke, Rebecca Parkes 1). At half time the girls seemed to be clearly the better team but things took a turn for the worse in the third quarter when Canada born 94's scored four goals in quick succession to NZ's 1 bringing the 3rd quarter score to 6-5 to the Kiwis. Many of our girls seemed mentally tired and found it difficult to cope with the referees decisions. The final quarter saw Canada come out and completely pounce on NZ's weak defence, as they continually countered NZ and scored time after time. Canada scored 6 goals in the final quarter to beat NZ Youth girls 11-8. Coach Richard Claridge said to the girls after the game that you are only as good as you played in the game - any reference to past performances are forgotten in an instant. Unfortunately the girls left their mental toughness behind today and many of our girls took calls made against them personally in the pool. Our weaknesses were very evident in the last quarter and showed us that players must continue to strive to be the best in every game they play. Preparation prior to the start is so important along with continual talking in the pool. This game reflects a mental toughness that we need to acquire before Junior Worlds 2012 and 2013.
Most Valuable Player of the Tournament: Chelsea Geary (NZL) Other awards went to Canada 91 and Canada University Team members.

It was a disappointing note to finish on when both coaches felt NZ had the potential to win the game seemingly easy, but things can turn around fast and this is what happened to us today. The girls have two further trainings with the Canadian Girls before flying back to New Zealand.


Saturday 23 July 2011
NZ Youth Women take on Canada 91 and 94

Today saw the NZ Youth Girls take on the Canadian Junior Women. This time last year they both met in Los Angeles at the Global Championships and NZ lost 18-5 to a strong Canadian team. The feeling amongst the older girls in the Youth Squad was to go for everything as they really didnt have anything to lose. NZ started the scoring with Nina Lala, at which time the Junior women seemed to take control of the camp and potted 4 goals in quick concession. Pinky Rewi Henry and Lisa Tuke scored just before the end of the quarter to finish down 3-4. In the second quarter the girls played a slightly different defence and blocked a number of shots of goal. Goal scorers for NZ Sarah Landry and Rachel Burns. Canada score a further two goals this quarter, but without the experience of NZ goalie Olivia Murphy the score would have perhaps been higher for Canada. The coaching staff of Richard Claridge and Michael Buck spent half time reviewing the last few trainings and what they had learnt and how they could take this game. The girls from NZ were fired up and stared well with a goal in the top right hand corner by Chelsea Geary very quickly followed by a bounce shot by Kate Enoka. It was about this time that our CF Rebecca Parkes showed her colours and slotted three goals in to end the quarter ahead by 10-9. The final quarter was more aggresive as the minutes ticked by and NZ Caitlin Lopes Da Silva scored before the Canadian 91 girls slipped in 3 goals. The game ended with NZ losing 10-11. The coaches were pleased with many parts of the game and felt improvement had been made with a scoreline of 1 goal difference compared to
13 goals the same time last year.
The girls had a few hours break before taking on the born 94 Canadian team. Richard Claridge ensure a majority of the team were 94 and told them during the team talk to work on the basic skills as the rest would come together. A number of the younger girls were rearing to go and show Richard and Michael that they deserved a place in this team and that they did...NZ started strongly in the first quarter and lead 5-0 at the end of the first quarter with goal scorers Chelsea Geary, Caitlin Lopes da Silva (2) Kate Enoka and Pinky Rewi Henry. The second quarter saw both teams relatively even although NZ Youth girls certainly had their chances. Goal scorers Pinky Rewi Henry, Lisa Tuke and Kate Enoka while Canada 94's scored 3 goals. The third quarter, NZ Youth girls took off and scored 5 goals Jordan Milich Misikini, Ricki Ferigo,Chelsea Geary, Caitlin Lopes da Silva and Kate Enoka. At this stage the kiwi girls were in charge of this game and it was a matter of increasing the score line to finish on 13 -8 with the final goal scored by Rebecca Parkes.
Not a bad day for the kiwi girls who have improved out of sight since the commencement of this tour. Europe and Canada have proven to be the best thing we could have ever done for these girls.


Friday 22 July 2011
NZ Youth Girls score convincing victory over Canada born 93's
This morning saw the commencement of the Maple Leaf Tournament being held at the Olympic Pool in Montreal. NZ Youth Girls rallied together to help their team mate Pinky Rewi Henry after she received some bad news from home. The team decided to dedicate this game to Pinky and her family and they did come through with their promise....
NZ started well with Kate Enoka first on the goal board headed by Lisa Tuke and Caitlin Lopes da Silva. The girls defence was not able to be broken until the last minute of the quarter when Canada scored to bring the quarter to 3-1 in NZ's favour.
The second quarter saw the girls continue to attack and hold onto the lead with Lisa Tuke, Chelsea Geary, Sarah Landry and Rebecca Parkes scoring although Canada did come back with two late goals to bring the half time score to 7-3 to NZ.
At half time the coaches Richard Claridge and Michael Buck emphasized the importance of being aware where players were at all times and communication amongst the NZ girls in the water.
The third quarter saw NZ girls continue their dominance with a tight defensive zone with Canada trying everything to get the ball to their CF without success. Goal scorers in the third quarter Kate Enoka, Pinky Rewi Henry and Rebecca Parkes and Canada managed to score a further goal to bring their tally to 4 and NZ holding the lead at 10.
The final quarter saw Richard make some changes within the team and Elizabeth Wilten went into goal after Olivia Murphy had made some stunning saves during the game. Simone Couvee and Jordan Milich Misikini made up the 7 players in the pool for the final quarter and NZ scored a further three goals from Chelsea Geary, Sarah Landry and Rebecca Parkes. Canada did come back into this quarter and scored 4 goals in quick concession. As the NZ coach said at the end of the game with NZ winning 13-8, the team need to communicate in the water and when the teams dynamics change they need to learn to adjust to this. Every game is a learning curve for this group of girls and today they certainly proved that they are capable of taking on international teams. After the series win in Hungary, the girls are hoping they can continue their form throughout the three day series.
Last night saw each room cook their own dinner and the management team of Richard, Michael and Sharon were the judging panel and taste testers. The room of Rewi Henry, Tuke, Scragg and Enoka took out the win with steak, steamed broccoli, mixed vegetables and mushroom sauce followed by a Banana Pie for pudding. Great work by Pinky and great watching by the rest of her teammates who apparently assisted her by motivating her and cutting carrots!!!!! Tonight will be another adventure for our team of willing chefs!!!
Our next game is this afternoon against the Canada University Girls who are training towards the University Games. These girls average in age from 17-24 so it will be a tough game.
All in all, a good start to the tournament.

Hungary
Wednesday 20th July 2011
On the 18th July the NZ Youth girls arrived into Montreal after 10 hours of air travel from Hungary. The girls were met by the Canadian Water Polo association and taken to their hotel Le Roberval. This morning the girls left the hotel and travelled on the metro to the Olympique Stadium (PPO Pool). What an amazing complex with three fifty metre pools, a dive pool, two 25metre pools and numerous changing areas along with doctor, physio and massage rooms.. The girls were in awe of the arena when they arrived. We watched the Born 94, 93 and 91 Canadian girls train before beginning our first training in Canada.

This afternoon the NZ girls will scrimmage alongside the Canadian 94 girls in Jean Draneau Outdoor Pool. Tomorrow the NZ girls will train twice at the Olympique Staduim alongside Canada 93 and 91. The series "2011 Maple Leaf Cup" will commence on Thursday 21st July with NZ taking on the Born 93's at 9.00am and then at 4.30pm the University Team of Canada, who attended the World University Games recently.

These games will definitely test the NZ Girls who are a relatively young side but with the wins behind them in Hungary they can only learn more as they continue their build up to Junior Worlds 2012 and 2013.

The Canadian team are hosting a BBQ dinner for the NZ Girls on Wednesday night. This month is carnival month with the main street being closed to traffic so the team enjoyed a stroll amongst many street performers



Monday 18th July 2011
NZ YOUTH vs USA Training Game

It was unfortunate that the two goalies from USA had not arrived into Dunaujvaros this afternoon, due to being held up in New York after their flight had been cancelled. All but two pieces of luggage had been lost in transit so USA have not had a good start to their seven day tour of Hungary. With no caps, balls or other equipment a decision was made to play a training game only with USA prior to the NZ Youth Girls flying out to Canada tomorrow morning. Our goalie Elizabeth Andree Wilten had the pleasure on putting on the red cap for USA. The NZ Youth girls took to the water and unfortunately many lacked the aggressive play that saw them beat Hungary earlier in the week. There were many unforced errors in the game which was disappointing for coach Richard Claridge and asst coach Michael Buck who felt some girls turned up to the game not mentally prepared. The final score was 8-5 to USA with a very lack lustre performance overall from the NZ Girls. Tomorrow morning the girls will have their final swim set at 7.00am prior to flying out to Montreal via Munich.

Once in Montreal the girls will compete in the Maple Leaf Cup going up against Canada born 91's, 93's, 94's and the High Performance University team.


Sunday 17 July 2011
Airlines cause havoc for USA Youth Girls

Yesterday the NZ Youth Girls were ready to take on the Youth team from USA when texts began flowing in from the coaching staff of the americans - three flights had been delayed in LAX and 10 of the team members were involved. This meant the USA Youth Girls would not be arriving into Hungary for another 10-12 hours and the game against them had to be postponed.

Today the girls from NZ are spending a day on a well earned break travelling to Budapest and visiting some of the beautiful sights. An english translater will travel with the team and give them a history lesson on Hungary and an insight into the Hungarian culture. Many of the New Zealand girls have made friends with the Hungarian Youth Water Polo team and are learning a few words of the local language. Its amazing to see the girls interacting with the Hungarians when neither of them really know what each other is saying!!  The food has been fantastic with breakfasts normally being eggs and bacon, crossiants, cornflakes and youghurts. Lunch is the main meal of the day where everyone is served soup, main and dessert. Dinner has been a variety of foods including pastas and chicken. The day starts with a temperature of around 25 degrees and it has got up to 36 degrees so most of the training is done indoors away from the sun - much to the disappointment of some of the team members who were hoping for a sun tan!!!

We are hoping this evening, if the USA girls have all arrived from their various destinations, the game will be played. The Americans start a 6 day camp with the Hungarians on Monday when we travel to Montreal to contest the Maple Cup Tournament..

Saturday 16 July 2011
Stunning victory for NZ Youth Women
Tonight the NZ Youth Women confirmed that they are a force on the international youth stage with a convincing 14-11 win over the Hungarian Youth Women.
In a match that contrasted greatly to last nights affair where the the NZ Women trailed for the majority, the NZ Women stamped their mark on the game early, with Chelsea Geary scoring in the first possession, followed by a further 3 from Rebecca Parkes and one each from Sarah Landry and Pinky Rewi Henry to finish the quarter 6-1 up.
In the second quarter the NZ Women consolidated with two great goals from Caitlin Lopes da Silva and a penalty from Kate Enoka for a half time score of 9-2.
At the half time break coach Richard Claridge emphasised discipline and to stick to the game plan, however the Hungarians had different ideas and came out firing, scoring two early goals to put the pressure back on the kiwi girls. The third quarter see-sawed between the two teams, both showing great skills with the Hungarians scoring 5 goals to New Zealand's 3; 2 from Rebecca Parkes and 1 from Lisa Tuke for a three quarter score of 12-7.
The third quarter was a tight affair, neither team giving an inch. The kiwi girls played tenacious defence and made crucial blocks when it counted the most. The Hungarians fought the whole way and scored three goals to New Zealand's two by Sarah Landry and a stunning flick goal over the approaching goalie by Rachel Burns.
Throughout the game, goalie Olivia Murphy directed the defence effectively and made some outstanding saves to play her best game in the black cap.
This was a stunning night for New Zealand Womens waterpolo, announcing their presence to future opposition. Now they set their sights on the USA Youth women who fly into Hungary tomorrow and will be aiming to repeat their ground breaking achievements.


Friday 15 July 2011
NZ Youth Girls score historic win over Hungary Girls

NZ Youth Girls took to the water tonight to score the most sensational win ever recorded within this age group by beating the favoured Hungarian U17 girls 11-10. The game was a reminder to all players that water polo is not for the meek and mild. The NZ Girls started the game slowly soon being down 1-4 at the end of the first quarter with the sole goal scorer for NZ being Pinky Rewi Henry. NZ Youth Head coach, Richard Claridge reminded the girls why they were here in Hungary and what skills they had use in order to beat the well drilled Hungarians. The second quarter saw the nerves from the NZ Girls settle somewhat and the quarter ended with NZ being down 5-7. Goal scorers for NZ  Enoka (2) and Henry and Tuke.
The game was at all times aggressive and fast, a reminder to the Youth Girls that they were in Europe playing one of the strongest youth teams in the world. It was imperative the NZ Girls did not make errors as Hungary were onto our mistakes immediately.
The third quarter saw NZ score a further 5 goals to clearly take the quarter 4-2 but more importantly hold the Hungarians to one goal going into the final quarter. Goal scorers were Enoka(2) Tuke, Parkes, Henry. NZ received 5 ejections this quarter clearly outplaying the girls from Hungary. The beginning of the final quarter saw the NZ Youth girls return to the pool for the final 8 minutes clearly determined to win this game. They stepped up their attack and continued to gain the advantage over their competitors from Hungary by gaining those all important kick outs and turnovers and take the final quarter to win the game 11-10. Goal scorers Parkes, Landry. Goal keeper Murphy saved 4 shots that could have resulted in a further goal to Hungary.
Head coach Richard Claridge said after the game, "This was an awesome result from a team of girls that were determined to prove to the world that NZ can be competitive within this sport. There were still many errors within the game that NZ need to work on and improve on but overall it was a great effort".
The girls will play their second test tomorrow evening Hungary time and then the following day take on the USA Youth Girls who arrive in Hungary tomorrow afternoon.
The girls were estatic about the win but also know that they must continue to improve and stop making those errors that can be a match loser. Fitness was a major factor in the win tonight with many of the girls playing a majority of the match.
Smiles all around tonight and an ice cream from the local supermarket saw the girls return to their accommodation, sleep and get ready for another day in temperatures that rose to 31 degrees.
Today will stay in the history books as one game to remember and where many of the NZ Girls took blows from all angles but continued to work through the game plan and come out the other end as winners for the day.


Thursday 14 July 2011
After 32 hours of travel the NZ Youth Girls arrived in Budapest to an armed police force closing down the airport due to a bomb scare!! One of our girls decided to declare a tin of cream rice and was not allowed to leave customs for a period of time!!! Finally arrived at our hotel at 2am 14 July. At 9.00am the girls jumped into the water at Dunaujvaros and scrummaged with the Hungarian Youth Women.. The food is great and the girls are enjoying chicken snitzel, creamed eggs, salads and pasta dishes. This evening the girls played a practise game against the Hungarian Youth team. At the end of full time it was 14-14 therefore another quarter was contested with NZ coming out in front 17-15. Tomorrow night is the first international game against our friends from Hungary and another game the following evening. On Saturday evening we have a one game test against USA Youth Women.
The Hungarian women are very strong and play with aggressiveness at all times. Some of the newer girls to the squad found it difficult today but this is why we are here to get as much international competition as possible.
The weather is humid, hot and sticky. We walk outside and find our clothes sticking to our bodies. The pool is a 10 minute walk from the hotel and there are 4 50 metre pools within the enclosure and 2 30 metre pools with 2 huge play pools for the children. If only we had something like this in NZ.


The following players have been chosen to represent NZ at the Canadian U18 Tournament being held in Canada in July/August 2011. The team will travel to Hungary prior to the event and train with the Hungarian National Age group team.

Sarah Landry                  North Harbour
Chelsea Geary                North Harbour
Lisa Tuke                        North Harbour
Olivia Murphy                  North Harbour
Pinky Rewi Henry            North Harbour
Rebecca Parkes            North Harbour
Nina Lala                          North Harbour
Caitlin Lopes da Silva    North Harbour
Charlotte Eglinton          Tauranga
Simone Couvee              Tauranga
Jordan Milich Miskini      Marist
Elizabeth Andree Wilten Marist
Gabryel Oloapu              Marist
Rachel Burns                  Marist
Ricci Ferigo                      Marist
Ella Brown                        Harbour City
Kate Enoka                      Hutt
Dominique Scragg          Waitakere
Miranda Chase                Waitakere

Coach: Richard Claridge    Wellington
Asst Coach: Michael Buck  Auckland

Any comments:
Sharon Geary  - Women's Convenor  women@waterpolo.org.nz