Match 1/6

In very physical match the NZHF National Women's Team secured its first victory during the opening day of the Pacific Cup. 

The NZHF women team defeated HNZ by 12:7 (halftime score 6:3) in a hard fought encounter that was secured by the rock solid 3-2-1 defence displayed by the National Team.
Match Report is available for download here.

Match 2/6

The second match of the week against a Queensland State selection was a fantastic game of Handball. The NZHF took the lead with a couple of goals in the first 10min, only to be equalised by Queensland late in the 1st half. The NZHF reclaimed their lead by up to 2 points, but lost this margin and was down 4 points with only 10 minutes to go, A few spectacular goals by Sandra Gmuer narrowed the gap back to 2 points, but it was a bit too late, as the game finished on 17:19 (halftime 7:8) to Queensland. A stellar performance by newcomer goalie Melissa Huggins who saved a few fast breaks and seven metres like a pro. 
Match Report is available for download here.

Match 3/6

The NZHF National Team played the first of two matches against the Australian National Team on Wednesday. The AHF started out with a 5 goal lead, but our Team managed to improve their play and keep up with the tally. A strong 'shut them down' defence denied the Australians every attempt at scoring from fast breaks and at times the NZHF found gaps in the Australian 3:2:1 defence with ease. But it wasn't enough, and the NZHF had to accept a 24:14 (halftime 13:6) defeat.
Match Report is available for download here.

Match 4/6

In round 2 of the week long tournament the NZHF smashed HNZ in a fast game that made good use of our reserve players. 26:8 (halftime 12:4) says it all, and an outstanding debut performance by Hannah Chestnut in the NZHF goal, and Jocelyn Te Huia for scoring some awesome goals from pivot and fast breaks! Special mention to Tania Nedelcheva for getting her wing shots spot on and putting her body on the line for the goals! Another great day for the NZHF Womens' National Team. The game delighted Coach Lars Bock beyond words, as he was literally speechless, but continued to mutter the words: "Great Game! GREAT Game". Good on ya Lars!
Match Report is available for download here.

Match 5/6

The NZHF walked on court prepared for the second game against the Queensland State Selection, charged with spirit and determination we took the lead with the first goal, but it wasn't to last. We fought goal for goal to keep up, only ever trailing by one to two goals at any one time. Our defense was amazing, but there was room for improvement in our attacks. Nevertheless the girls are fired up now to have another crack at the aussies tomorrow.
Match Report is available for download here.

Match 6/6

A hard fought game against the Australian National Team, meant our girls walked off court with their heads held high, despite the 29:15 defeat. An absolutely astonishing defense made it a hard time for the ozzies to run their fast breaks. Next time girls! Next time!

Match Report is available for download here .

Summary

Back row: Lars Bock, Sandra Gmuer, Holly Taylor, Frances Tilly, Jojo Te Huia, Sally Grant, Nicole Odermatt.
Front row: Melissa Huggins, Claire Hammond, Tania Nedelcheva, Jess Barwick, Dijana Pietsch, Jaclyn Parker, Iva Sajdl, Hannah Chestnut.
The NZHF National Women's Team enjoyed a wonderful week of Handball under the expert guidance of Coach Lars Bock, and felt warmly welcomed by their Queensland hosts. What was particulary remarkable about our team is the comradery and friendship that developed in the relatively short time that these girls have been together. The good times off and on court contributed to all round positive experience for all involved. Thank you to all that supported the team, every contribution was appreciated and well worth it! The final placing in the Pacific Cup table sees the NZHF National team in 3rd place, behind the Australian National Team and the Queensland State Selection. More details are available via the AHF website, www.handballaustralia.org.au.