2009 Beach Handball Nationals

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Posted on February 10, 2009 James McDonald

The first ever Australian Beach Handball Championships were held at Scarborough Beach, Western Australia on the weekend of 7, 8 February 2009.

I would like to thank all 32 Victorians that travelled to Scarborough Beach last weekend for the first ever Australian Beach Handball Championships. It was very easy to be exceptionally proud of everyone that took part both on and off the court.

Particular thanks to Oliver for organising the accommodation. Also to Oliver, Sebastian and Nanna for assisting with refereeing. Similarly Camilla, Kate, Nanna, Camilla, Taylor, Aleksandra, Tanja and Amelia for helping with scoring duties. Special thanks to Taylor, for so understandingly copping the duties assigned to the youngest player. From filling drink bottles, carrying luggage and being the designated ball boy.

A special note also to Jim, Mark, Sam, Gabriella, Judith, Magali and Kass. It’s a long way to travel to not take the court. There is no doubt the players and officials value having the additional familiar faces in the crowd, as you were for every Victorian match.

Now, to the results… The Senior Men were amongst the biggest surprise results of the weekend. After a slow start in the first match the guys pulled it together and nailed their remaining matches. After playing 6 matches in less than 8 hours during the heat of the day they had finished on top of the preliminary round. Unfortunately Sunday started the same way as Saturday and a after a slow start the team never really got it together. A loss in the shootout saw the Senior Men finish equal third overall. A shock result in the other semi final saw the team which finished last in the preliminary rounds take out a very close shootout in the final. Congratulations to Western Australia’s B Team.

The Women were well prepared and had reason to be confident. Despite having the smallest squad at the competition the girls did not let the heat get to them. The final on Sunday was a great chance for the girls, most of who had been in the squad that lost the final in sudden death overtime at the 2008 Australian Senior Handball Championships, to revenge that loss and claim a gold medal. The West Australian girls were a fantastic outfit who stepped up even more in the final. Despite an early injury to star goal keeper Amelia the girls adapted well to force a shootout. The shootout went to sudden death but the girls were unable to take their gold. It was another silver to add to the cabinet.

The Junior’s were the real unknown quantity of the Victorian effort. A very condensed preparation period had seen a lot of hours put in on the beach in preparation. The boys had never played a competitive handball match prior to arriving at Perth. With the way the draw played out they had only seen, in person, on match in person prior to their first. The 3 days of competition saw some fantastic battles on the beach. Several shootouts, lots of close calls. The somewhat random approach to offence blended perfectly with some powerful defence. When it came to the final the boys were too big, too strong and the experience from their other sports shone threw. An amazing journey to bring home Handball Victoria’s first ever Gold Medal. Well done boys!!

Finally special congratulations to two outstanding players. Playing in goals on the beach can be a pretty tough gig. However Jack Hall took every advantage to be unanimously voted the most valuable player of the Junior Competition. Awesome job Jack.

The Women’s competition was deep with talent in all teams. However the experience and capabilities of Nanna Hedberg saw her awarded the most valuable player of the Women’s competition (yet another to add to the cabinet). In typical style Nanna down played the accomplishment but there was no doubting her deservedness.

Full match results will be posted as soon as we have them.



2009 Tourament Information

Dates:
7 - 8 February, 2009

Venue:
Scarborough Beach
Perth, WA
See location on Google Maps



2009 schedule

For more information about the schedule, referees, accommodation, transport, etc, visit www.handballwest.org.au