In two exciting finals, the Cronulla Blue boys over came a tough KFC Breakers side 9-4, while the girls defeated Melville 8-4.
The win was a family affair with husband and wife team Mark and Sandra Holden, coaching the successful teams which included their children, Rhys and Kiara. For Sandra, the win was the perfect end to months of training. “The girls have trained hard all year and they absolutely deserved the result they got,” Sandra said. “They work hard as a team, and that’s the key to the win.”
For both coaches, to take home the double is special. “It is fantastic to take both championships, both teams work hard and support each other in and out of the pool,” Mark said. “Both teams have big hearts, and they always play with passion,” Sandra added.
For girl’s captain Samantha Mitchell, winning the gold wasn’t her only achievement of the day, she also took home the Player of the Series award. But for Sam, the award wouldn’t have even been possible if not for her team. “It is amazing, to win the championships and then Player of the Series,” Mitchell said. “But without my team I couldn’t have got either. We played amazing today and were rewarded with the gold.” Mitchell’s teammate Maddison Nusdorfer was awarded the Goal Keeper of the Series in the girl’s tournament.
Boy’s:
Gold – Cronulla Sharks Blue; Silver – KFC Breakers; Bronze – Melville Sharks
Player of the Series - Rowan Farrell (Drummoyne Devils); Leading Goal Scorer – Jake Robinson (Hunter Hurricanes); Goal Keeper - Lucas Pensini (Melville Sharks)
Girl’s:
Gold – Cronulla Sharks Blue; Silver – Melville Sharks; Bronze – Drummoyne Devils
Player of the Series - Samantha Mitchell (Cronulla Blue); Leading Goal Scorer – Kristy Donkin (Sydney