Australia are off to the Asian handball championships after seeing of New Zealand

AUSTRALIA overcame New Zealand in two-match Oceania women’s handball championships at the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope to qualify for the 2017 Asian Championships.

The Australian women's handball team: back row, from left: Caleb Gahan (coach), Danelia dos Santos, Aline Viana, Jemima Harbort, Ana Medjed, Aminta Thomas, Laura Player, Kayla Zissler, Renata Rusmir Anthony Keyes (manager). Front row: from left: Tanya Beths, Emma Guilgard, Vanja Smiljanic, Kylie Go, Madeliene McAfee, Heather Cooper, Olivia Mowat and Brianna Keyes.

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AUSTRALIA overcame New Zealand in two-match Oceania women’s handball championships at the Blacktown Leisure Centre Stanhope to qualify for the 2017 Asian Championships.

They won the first match 24-12 last Wednesday before storming to a 31-9 victory on Thursday to make it to Asian Championships in South Korea next March.

The Australians have to win in South Korea to progress to the World Championships later next year.

Action from the Australia v New Zealand handball game at Blacktown Leisure Centre. Picture: Peter Kelly

Australian players ham it up before the game. Picture: Peter Kelly

Heather Cooper and Ana Medjed led the scoring in the championships with five goals apiece, followed by Madeline McAfee and Daniela dos Santos (four each).

Kellyville’s Brianna Keyes and Acacia Garden’s Jess Wood played a part in the victory, with coaches Tomasz Szlarski and Caleb Gahan said they were proud of their team’s performances.

Australia’s Brianna Keyes shoots for goal. Picture: Peter Kelly

“It’s hard to choose the best player, because the whole point was to play as a team, but if I had to choose one it would definitely be our goalkeeper, Jemima Harbort, as she put a massive wall into that goal,” Tomasz said.

New Zealand on the attack. Picture: Peter Kelly

Australia’s Jessie Wood has reasons to smile.

Australia vs. New Zealand action. Picture: Peter Kelly

“The Australian performance was not only tactically correct, but demonstrated the true attitude of athletes.”

The Australian women had trained hard towards this challenge and took all advice, both on and off court, seriously.

Australia’s Brianna Keyes attacks a New Zealand player for the ball.

Tomasz said the more experienced players took care of those just starting on their senior team journey.

“All of this helped create a team that allowed us to win, but also showed how many things are involved in the handball game,” he said.

Australia’s Ana Medjired in action.

“This test showed how much harder we have to work for our next challenge, but I believe in them and I hope they believe in me and us.

“Also special thanks to all families, family, friends and fans that are supporting the team.”

Squad: Tanya Beths, Emma Guilgard, Vanja Smiljanic, Kylie Go, Madeliene McAfee, Heather Cooper, Olivia Mowat, Brianna Keyes, Danelia dos Santos, Aline Viana, Jemima Harbort, Ana Medjed, Aminta Thomas, Laura Player, Kayla Zissler, Renata Rusmir. Coaches: Tomasz Szlarski and Caleb Gahan. Manager: Anthony Keyes.