The Australian Handball Federation [AHF] congratulates all the teams which participated in the 2009 Pacific Cup and the Junior National Championships held during 28th – 31st May 2009 at the Sleeman Sports Centre, Chandler [Brisbane, Queensland].

This year’s Pacific Cup had a ‘Tasman Cup’ touch with the tournament being contested by teams from Australia and New Zealand only.  The four teams which competed were:  Australian Senior Women’s Team, New Zealand Handball Federation, Handball New Zealand and Queensland.  The Queensland team was formed to fill the gap resulting from the withdrawal of New Caledonia.

The Australian Women’s team decidedly won the Pacific Cup which also doubled up as the qualifyer for the Women’s World Championship to be held in China in December 2009.  The AHF congratulates the Women’s Team and the Team Management - Katsu Kinoshita [Head Coach], John Calvert [Acting Manager] and Nicky Rolls [Physiotherapist] and wishes them the best as they prepare for the World Championship.  Congratulations are also extended to Tori Brunsberg for her award as 2009 Pacific Cup’s Highest Goal Scorer.

The Junior National Championships likewise had a ‘State of Origin’ flavour with participating teams only from New South Wales and Queensland.  It was pleasing to note, however, that Queensland had two u18 men’s teams in the competition.

All the 2009 Junior Titles [u18 men’s, u18 women’s, u21men’s and u21 women’s] were won by the New South Wales teams.  With the exception of the u17 men’s title, NSW teams also won the 2008 Junior Championships. In 2007, NSW won both u21 men’s and women’s titles, with Victoria winning the u18 men’s and u18 women’s.  AHF congratulates all the players who participated and also the respective team management.

AHF thanks Queensland Team Handball Association for hosting the two events, in particular Stephen Harbort [Competition Manager], Kim Harbort [Venue Preparation & Tournament Operations] and all those who assisted in ensuring the success of these events.

Detailed match reports and scoresheets are posted on the AHF website:  www.handballaustralia.org.au    For other information, please contact the AHF Media & Public Relations Officer, Violi Calvert by email: public.relations@handballaustralia.org.au. or by phone:  + 61 408 22 77 94.