NSW POLOCROSSE JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2012

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Mervin Matthews
5 years ago
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1 NSW POLOCROSSE JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT REPORT was again another big year for polocrosse, however some of the regular fixtures were unable to run, for various reasons. With Nationals early in the year, the Australian Junior Classic and coaching was unable to run, due to a clash with Warwick s Nationals. This was very disappointing as the annual event is looked forward to by many. We must endeavour so see that these events do not clash into the future. The Subbies managed to fly the polocrosse flag at the Royal Easter Show in Sydney, and in wet conditions, proved that they love playing no matter what! A big thanks to the coaches and organisers, who continue to showcase Junior Polocrosse at Homebush.

2 At the Nationals, NSW were successful with the Junior Mixed, who made it into the final on a countback, but proved that it is not over until the final bell. Unfortunately the Open Juniors had gone through undefeated until the final, only to be beaten in by a strong Qld team. The Subbies too had a successful series of Exhibition matches, but were just pipped by another Qld team! Congratulations to all the players, coaches and managers, as well as the endless pit crew of family and supporters that enable these teams to play. I believe Cassilis, Western Districts and the Tumt club, held successful, and well supported, Junior Coaching Clinics in 2012, and all are to be congratulated on their continued encouragement of Juniors in our sport. Unfortunately the NSW Club Championships had to be abandoned for a second year, which is a shame for both the players and the organisers.

3 The South West Slopes hosted the incoming USA Juniors for three carnivals in June/July. A big thank you to horse owners and billet families for hosting these kids. NSW also hosted the 2 NZ exchange players at the same time. NZ then asked if they could bring out a Junior team to compete at a club carnival, so the SWS Junior Quadrangular was born, and staged at the Tumt Carnival held at Tarcutta. A coaching day on Friday followed by competition on the weekend, made a big weeked of Junior Polocrosse. 4 Mixed teams from NZ, USA, SWS and SH played out some very exciting games, with NZ being the eventual winners by 1 goal over SWS. A big thankyou must be extended to the Tumut club, and GJ Hulm for sponsoring this competition. At the same time, NSW had a Junior team heading to the UK, and from all reports they had a wonderful, but maybe wet time!

4 12 Junior and 7 sub junior teams competed at the NSW Zone Championships in Young which is most encouraging. Numbers may have been down a little on previous years, but none the less, a high standard was displayed. Possibly the most exciting game of the Zones was the Subbies final, which was enjoyed by all excepting those who had no fingers left! I understand that 7 teams competitions are difficult to run, but I also think that with inconsistencies, especially in Junior and Sub Junior grades, that we can never assume because a team is rated at xx, that they are so much better (or worse) than the rest, and that we can allow them a bye. Kids love to play polocrosse, so we should be able to maintain a draw where each team has an equal amount of playing time, and can play their way to the final. Finally the Intermediate and Junior Australian Squad players were invited to the Rosebowl Tournament at Warwick in

5 August, to play some exhibition matches. The Australian selectors put together 2 even teams from each age group, to play 3 matches. WOW, what talent we have! This was a great spectacle, and it would be fantastic to allow these young people to showcase this sport on a regular basis. I have enjoyed my time as NSW Junior Development Officer, and believe we need to keep offering as many opportunities to young players as we can, on ALL levels, to ensure the growth of polocrosse into the future. Sara Grills

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