Girls 17 & Under Team Report

The inaugural Tom Hoad Cup was held in 2003 and has occurred every year since. The competition is based on various levels with an international club team component and a junior competition in 2 age groups.

For the last few years two Cronulla teams - generally in the 17 & Under

Age group have travelled to Perth on invitation from the Melville Water Polo Club to compete in this tournament.  This year was no exception with a boy’s team and a girl’s team competing in the born 1990 or later competition.

Unfortunately, due to conflicting priorities a number of the older girls had to withdraw from the team at late notice.  This created an opportunity for a couple of the younger girls to participate in this prestigious event.  Due to timing and capacity to find a replacement Cronulla goal keeper within this age group, a goal keeper from the Sydney University Water polo Club was invited and provided with a unique opportunity to play for Cronulla and experience the amazing competition that the Tom Hoad Cup offers.

The girls who represented Cronulla during this competition were: Kate Housten, Lauren Housten ©, Taylor Joseph, Rebecca Lissa, Rochelle Taylor, Beth Timilty, Kristyn Watkins and Catherine Watters.  Whilst in Perth they were coached by Steve Timility.

I know many of the girls were disappointed with their individual performances however, considering the team was pulled together at very late notice and did not have an opportunity to train together, the girls represented Cronulla to the best of their ability under the circumstances. (Some of the girls had never even met each other before).

Our "ring in" goal keeper, Catherine Watters not only fitted in like a glove, but played superbly and was awarded our player of the tournament.

The Cronulla teams also had an opportunity to watch teams from Serbia, Romania, China, Western Australia and the Australian Men’s Under 20's Team and experience the amazing atmosphere that can be generated when international teams are competing. 

This tournament is a great opportunity to experience the excitement of international water polo, to compete against clubs that we rarely have an opportunity to play due to distance, to meet new friends and see a different part of Australia.  To the juniors rising through the ranks of the Cronulla Club I would recommend that you set competing in this tournament as one of your goals in future years. 

If you want to know more about it just have a chat to one of the club members who has benefited from the experience.  Also check out the photos in the gallery!

The girl’s behaviour and sportsmanship was a credit to the Cronulla Water Polo Club and their families and I was very proud to be their manager.  Thanks again girls (and of course Timmo) for a great trip.

Thank you also Melville Water Polo Club for inviting the Cronulla teams and hosting a great tournament.

Di Watkins

Manager Girls 2007