.

2012 U14 State Championships

2012-02-15T21:00:00.000-08:00

A strong contingent from Cronulla ventured the 400km’s to Tamworth for the 2012 U14 State Championships.

The group rounds played over Friday and Saturday saw our Boys and Girls Blue teams compete very strongly. The girls remained undefeated through these rounds while the boys met a very good team in Hunter and suffered their only loss in the group games.

Our boys Black team, did very well, wining two of their round games to finish second in their group, a great effort for a second team, while our Boys and Girls White teams competed strongly but were unable to get over the line during the group games, although they did come close a couple of times.

The Boys Blue and Black teams played their Quarter final qualifiers on Saturday afternoon, with the Blue team successfully defeating Alstonville while the Blacks couldn’t quite get there against Ovens & Murray.

As with all State Championships, Sunday is what it is all about. Our Blue girls continued their winning ways with a strong win over SNB in the Quarter Final and a close 1 goal victory over UNSW in the Semi Final. Our Blue boys had a great quarter final win over Drummoyne which resulted in a re-match with Hunter in the semi. Unfortunately for the boys, the result was the same as the round games with a very strong Hunter team proving too good.

Also on Sunday, our Boys White, who became affectionately known as the ‘mighty whities’ enjoyed their first victory with a win over Ryde. Our White Girls finished their tournament with a draw against Syd Uni and our Black boys had a close loss the Alstonville in their final game.

Sunday 3.15pm saw our Girls Blue play a strong Ovens & Murray team. Despite their best efforts our girls had to settle for silver as O & M ran out winners 9 – 4.

Congratulations to Ovens & Murray in the girls and Hunter in the boys on their victories. While it hurts Cronulla weren’t the victors, it is a State Championship so it is good to see the sport strong around the state.

Thank you to the teams, coaches and managers for representing our club proudly and a special thank you to the support crew who made the weekend an enjoyable time for all, especially the kids.

Finally, congratulations to all the boys and girls selected in the U14 State Squads & U13 Development Squads. Good luck to the U14’s with the selection process and we look forward to seeing as many sharks as possible representing NSW.

We were fortunate to have 7 girls, 5 boys & 2 reserves selected in the U14 Squad and 5 girls and 11 boys selected in the U13 Squad.

‘Sideline Eye’

Trivia Night

2012-02-08T14:56:00.001-08:00

CRONULLA HIGH SCHOOL

Friday 2nd March 2012

6:30pm for 7pm Start

Major Fundraiser for the

Cronulla Sharks Men’s and Women’s National League Teams

Get your team to get a table together

BYO FOOD & DRINKS

ENTRY FEE: $15 PER PERSON

FUN, GAMES, PRIZES, RAFFLE

BOOK TABLES OF 10 OR AS INDIVIDUALS

NUMBERS LIMITED – GET IN EARLY

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL BY 24/2/12

Can all managers organise their teams

Email lisa@ecoya.com.au

All donations of prizes most welcome!

A FUN NIGHT THAT ALL THE FAMILY WILL ENJOY!

ATTENTION Players in L1, L2 and U18

2012-02-06T15:12:00.000-08:00

In January, Predrag Mihailovic, Cronulla Head Coach, took 16 senior men’s players on a training camp to Europe. By all reports, this training camp was a spectacular success. Predrag is now proposing to take a similar tour for senior ladies at the end of June 2012.

It is still only an idea at this stage – but we would like to understand if there is any interest in going to the next stage.

The general details for the proposed tour are:

a) Commence end of June

b) Approximately 2-3 weeks

c) Destinations – Istanbul, Belgrade and Greece (TBC)

d) Training and sparing games

e) Cost - approximately $5,000

f) Manager – a manager will be appointed for the tour – but this is subject to discussion.

g) Limited to 13 participants.

We are not asking for firm commitment at this stage – we are simply trying to gauge if there is enough interest to proceed to the next step – which involves detailed pricing and preliminary organisation.

Please register your interest in attending this tour to Chris Brooks, chris.j.brooks@team.telstra.com or call 0439 670 165 by this Friday 10^th Feb, 2012 so we can determine if this is going to the next stage.

Thanks

Season Opener Sharks V Jets

2012-01-26T16:38:00.000-08:00

28.01.12. The Mens Sharks Team were out to prove that the opening game was no fluke. After a good start they quickly blew out to a two goal lead in the first quarter. This was then pegged back by the Jets to make it 3-3 at half time. Neither team could break away leaving the score at 6-6 at full time despite the great full length of the pool shot by Alex Bennie that went just over the bar in the last second.

This then set up a very exciting penalty shootout which is how draws are going to be decided this season. With a great save by Patrick in goals the Sharks managed to scrape home for the second consecutive game. The women's team also backed up their first win with a 7-4 victory.

26.1.2012 The Cronulla Sharks Mens team got their 2012 Season off to a dream start with good team work and some geat goalkeeping by Patrick Northem (below) the Sharks got out to an early lead only to be hauled back by half time.

Chris Batty (top) and Patch Falson (above) had strong games both contibuting 5 goals between them. The win sets up the team for a promising season under the guidance of the new coach, Predrag Mihailovic. The fittness and experience from the recent camp seems to be paying off.

Earlier in the day the Womens team accounted for the Jets 8-4. The Sharks got off to a slow start but eventually clicked into gear in the second half moving away to a comfortable win.

The Sharks fielded a very young side but guided by the more experienced girls such as Australian Stinger, Nicola Zagame (above), the younger ones, like 15 year old Lena Mihailovic (below) were able to contribute to the win.

Photos by Dick davies

Men's European Training Camp 2012

2012-01-21T18:31:00.000-08:00

Serbian Parliament House

Tour Group

Click here to read Tight's Diary

Budva Montenegro

International Test Match Series

2012-01-05T14:57:00.000-08:00

Cronulla rise to the top. U18 State Champions.

2011-12-18T12:55:00.000-08:00

Just one week after Cronulla won the Col Smee (U20) tournament, the Cronulla U18 Men’s side has put in a dominant performance to win the U18 State Club Championships at Ashfield last weekend. With 10 of the side backing up from the Col Smee tournament, the Cronulla boys played some strong water polo to remain undefeated in this competition. Cronulla won the final against Drummoyne 13-5 – in what was a hard fought match.

The standout characteristics of the team were again their strong team work and general overall fitness. They supported each other throughout every game and remained in control of each match. Again – this shows the benefits of Predrag’s short time as the Cronulla Head Coach and is a great indicator for the future of the Men’s Program.

Uga Mihailovic was awarded the Most Valuable Player, and Cronulla had 3 players named in the Team of the Tournament (Blake, Nic B, and Uga).

The gold medal winning team are: Sam Cocokios, Uga Mihailovic, Jack Jameson, Wade Turner, Matt Schweighoffer, Dylan Holden, Nic Brooks, Blake Buckley, Zac Quinn, Kieran Brunner-Evans, Keeland Tracy, Lachlan Greer.

Summer Holiday Camp

2011-12-12T18:40:00.000-08:00

Hi all

Do you need more time to get some Christmas shopping done?
Have your kids really enjoyed the last few months of the water polo season?
Do your kids love the water, love playing with a ball & love being with friends?

Then bring them along to the Cronulla Water Polo Summer Camp.

See attached flyer & registration form for details.

Registrations close - Fri: 16th December - Limit of 40 kids!

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone!

Click Here for Details

Click Here for Rego Form

Last chance to order new Club Polo's

2011-12-12T14:46:00.000-08:00

Last chance to order new Club Polo's - Cost $39.00
Orders need to be in by Friday 16th December and should be ready by 3rd week in January.
Contact Carolyn Green carolyn_green@colpal.com

Cronulla State Champions

2011-12-11T20:00:00.000-08:00

2011 Men’s Col Smee (U20) Tournament

The Cronulla Men’s U20 side has remained undefeated to win the 2011 Col Smee tournament.

It was a very even competition, and the Cronulla players had to fight hard in every one of their 7 games over the weekend. The two highlights of the weekend were the very strong defence throughout the competition and the way that the team supported each other in every game. It was even commented on by a number of players from other teams, that the real standout feature of Cronulla’s play was their teamwork. Everyone played their part.

The team is a relatively young side, and did not allow themselves to be fazed by their opposition teams who came to the tournament with impressive reputations.

The semi-final win against Balmain on Sunday morning was a great game which Cronulla won 9-6, setting them up for the final against Hunter. After a torrential downpour, they played a very tight and at times physical match, which again demonstrated a very strong defensive side with Cronulla winning 8-5. The team showed the benefits that Predrag has provided to the club in his short period as Head Coach.

Sam Cocokios was brilliant in goals all weekend and was named tournament MVP. Cronulla has 4 players (Sam C, Nic B, Blake B and Sam B) named in the NSW U20 Blues squad and 3 players (Uga M, Dylan H and Keeland T) named in the NSW U20 Waratah squad.

The gold medal winning team is: Sam Cocokios, Uga Mihalovic, Jack Jameson, Daniel Simpson, Matt Schweighoffer, Dylan Holden, Nic Brooks, Blake Buckley, Dylan Turner, Sam Baraket, Keeland Tracey, Kieran Brunner-Evans, Lachlan Greer.

Cronulla Sharks 2011 Xmas Party

2011-11-29T16:52:00.000-08:00

Shark Hoodies

2011-11-16T22:18:00.000-08:00

Hi all Sharkies who have ordered a new Hoodie. Please organise to pay your money to your manager. Don't forget when you go to your games to wear the club colours. The club has a very proud history, so wear your uniform with pride.

Girls Night In.

2011-11-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

Boys and Girls National double Gold.

2011-10-19T01:52:00.000-07:00

Sydney club Cronulla have repeated their 2008 success by winning the boy’s and girl’s double at the 14 & Under National Club Championships in Canberra.

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 Northern Beaches Breakers); Goal Keeper - Maddison Nusdorfer (Cronulla Blue)

14's Supreme

2011-10-14T14:53:00.000-07:00

Cronulla sent 3 boys girls and 2 girls’ teams to a very hot Tamworth weekend. All teams performed well over the weekend with each team consistently making improvements and securing some great wins. The Boys Blue Team won gold and the Girls Blue Team won gold and went through the tournament undefeated.

The 14 Blue girls had one of the tougher pools which meant some harder games during the rounds which set us in good steed for the playoffs.

After an inspirational pep talk from Kerry Turner the girls came out all guns blazing in the final to secure an early lead over Drummoyne. The girls continued to dictate play and rise throughout the game to convincingly win the game 9-4. This win is a testament to the amount of talent we have within our junior members and the dedication of every player in this team.

Congratulations to Samantha Mitchell who was awarded MVP and to all the girls who made TAP and development squads.

Thank you to all the parents for your assistance and support over the weekend, you all helped achieve this fantastic result. We can’t wait for Nationals.

The 14 Blue boys started the tournament a bit slowly, but as the games went on the boys started to play some really good ‘team’ water polo. After finishing 2nd in our pool we found ourselves playing Parramatta in the playoffs. This was the game we started to build our confidence with a solid 15 – 2 win, which saw us having to return to the pool at 8am on Sunday for a game against the hot favourites Drummoyne Red.

After a great bonding session we started off strong and eventually took the game in the third quarter with a rewarding 6 – 0 lead and eventually wining 9 – 3 to see us progress to the Semi finals against Breakers.

Another solid performance saw us win 11 – 4 to earn our place in the final against Alstonville. We came out all guns firing against Alstonville and leading 5 – 0 at half time. Alstonville produced some impressive water polo to come back to 6 – 4 before the last quarter. The boys held their nerves and finished the game winners 9 – 6.

Col Smee

2011-10-14T14:31:00.000-07:00

Recently the U20's Cronulla boys competed in the U20 Col Smee Tournament at Parramatta pool on the 17th, 18th, 19th December.

The boys played well and were very competitive coming up against some well drilled teams and talented individuals. Well done to all who participated! Thank you to Glenn Simpson for assisting with the coaching and Chris Brooks for managing the boys. Congratulations to Blake Buckley, Sam Baraket and Sam Cocokios who were selected in the NSW U20's squad. It was Captain Luke Brbot's last year competing in the tournament. U18's Championships coming up February 4th-6th at Parramatta pool. Final Result 5^th Coach: Chris Batty

Sharks Futurama

2011-10-14T14:26:00.000-07:00

On Monday 10th and Tuesday 11th of January two Cronulla teams participated in an Invitational 12 years and under Water Polo Tournament at Dawn Fraser Baths, Balmain(Playing at the Dawn Fraser Baths was in itself an experience that will never be forgotten by the children) Cronulla played teams from Tamworth, UNSW Wests, Balmain and Barbarian teams. The Tournament was very well organised and of a very high standard. We would like to thank Ann-Marie Miranda and her Committee for the outstanding job they did.

The Cronulla Gummy Sharks Team was entered in a younger division. They made the finals and were runners up in that division going down in a hard fought battle to the Tamworth Tigerlillies, 6 - 3. A great effort!

The Cronulla Sharks Team went through the Tournament undefeated. They played eight games over the two days then won the Final against UNSW Wests 9-7. A very close and hard fought final showing the exceptional skills of boys in both teams. I would like to congratulate both teams for they fine effort and for the way they conducted themselves displaying good sportsmanship both in and around the pool. They were fine young ambassadors for the Cronulla Club. Congratulations boys on your fantastic achievement!

Back row : Keelan Milinkovic, Daniel McStravick, Ryan Greer, Jet Turner, Jed McStravick, Kylie Spencer (Coach)
Front row : Patrick Gibbons, Boyd Spencer, Matt Sparks, Andrew Condos, Declan Spencer

The Small Gummies

Around the world

2011-10-14T14:19:00.000-07:00

"Academy" opens a "Window to the World of Water Polo" - Maddie & Kristyn - representing Australia U18s European Tour.

Holly and Ziggy with their Silver medal and “C” ronulla

Australia

’s dreams of retaining its FINA World Cup women’s water polo crown in Christchurch August 22 were dashed when a very alert America came out fighting from the start. In an incredible game, the world and world league champion USA suffocated the Aussie Stingers in the first half, winning the first two quarters 3-0 and finishing 6-3 ahead. It wasn’t until Nicola Zagame sparked the Stingers into action at the start of the third quarter that a glimmer of hope remained in the camp. However, at 6-2 heading into the final quarter the writing was on the wall and head coach Greg McFadden was left lamenting what could have been.

Thank You Brew Falson

2011-10-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Bruce has had an association going back 21 years with NSW Water Polo, to 22nd November 1989 - he has now finished working with NSW Water Polo. Before Bruce started employment as Coaching Director with NSW Water Polo he was involved as a volunteer coaching NSW woman’s representative teams.

A staggering 24 teams over 14 years and nearly all teams won the tournament they played in. Bruce was a very understanding and knowledgeable coach and was able to readily empathise with his charges to bring out the best in them.

Bruce was responsible to the development of the NSWWPI Coach Education Program and drew on a vast range of resources when presenting the course. Feedback received from participants of courses conducted by Bruce was always positive, with the new coaches inoculated with an appreciation that the game of Water Polo is for the player’s enjoyment. Since AWPI has developed the National Coaching Accreditation Scheme Bruce has presented this course with the same passion he has always held for the sport. At international level as a coach Bruce excelled, coaching the Australian Junior women’s team over a thirteen-year period. The results were;

1995 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Saint Fe 2nd Place

1997 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Prague 2nd Place 1999 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Messina 1st Place

2001 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Perth 2rd Place 2003 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Calgary 6th Place

2005 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Perth 3rd Place 2007 FINA Junior Women's World Championships Porto 1st Place (unable to attend because of a leg injury)

Appointed to the position for 2009 but ultimately withdrew himself on health grounds.

In all that time Bruce lost about 6 games only as an Australian Coach, a remarkable achievement in the international arena. Bruce was remarkable for spotting talent and developing athletes through the junior ranks into senior National Teams and his knowledge of the game and scouting of opposition teams could not be faulted.

New South Wales Water Polo and Australian Water Polo wish Bruce every success with his future endeavours.

Bruce intends to keep himself involved with the sport, especially coaching his beloved Cronulla Sutherland Sharks.

Australian All Schools Championships

2011-10-14T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last month the Girls NSW All Schools won the Girls Australian All Schools Championships at Woy Woy Aquatic Centre. NSW consisting of four Sharks National League Players (Maddy Schmid, Emily Car, Michaela Davies and Jess Brookes) went through the championship undefeated beating Queensland 10-5 in the final. Maddy Schmid was named player of the Championship. Maddy was also named, along with Emily Car and Michaela Davies in the Australian All Schools Team to tour Europe at the end of the year finishing with a test series in NZ. The successful team was also managed by the tireless Shark, Sandra Holden.

The NSW Boys were runners up losing to Victoria in the final by one goal. Sharks Nic Bbot was a member of this team and was also name as a reserve for the Australian School boys Team

In other news from the Academy, Kristyn Watkin was named in the Aussie Born 93 squad.

Women's National League Team finishes 4th

2011-10-14T13:58:00.000-07:00

After finishing the normal season in

5th Place

the girls were faced with a tough draw to the final. Who would have dreamed that they’d draw 10-10 with Barracuda’s on Tuesday morning and then back up a few hours later to defeat a fresh KFC Breakers 11-9. They then went on to win their group.

They lost the Semi to Barracuda’s on Thursday so had to playoff on Saturday for Bronze against Fremantle. After a slow start our girls hit their straps but the clock beat them and they went down 11–9 to finish the season in 4th position. Nicola Zagame was named in the 2010 All-stars Team, and also along with Patrice O’Neal in the Stingers Squad.

Congratulations to Alicia McCormack, Bob Bryant and the Players for a fantastic season.

Sports Luncheon Hugh Success

2011-10-14T13:53:00.000-07:00

On the 16th April Cronulla Sharks Water Polo Club held their annual Sports Luncheon at the Georges River Sailing Club. It was a very successful afternoon raising funds for the Club and the Violet Foundation. Jon Harker was the MC and interviewed many special guests throughout the afternoon including Emma (Winter Olympian) and Holly (Australian Water Polo rep) Lincoln-Smith, Mieke Cabout (Sharks import and Olympic gold medallist), Greg McFadden (Olympian and Australian Women’s Coach), Brendan Gan (Sydney FC midfielder) and John Coates (AOC President). The crowd was also treated to a very entertaining segment with the Gold Gold Australia Gold, Norman May. Congratulations to Janine Kerr for a very well organised event and thank you to Kemp Strang for their continued corporate support. Make sure you don't miss this wonderful event next year.

Holy and Emma Lincoln Smith being interview by Jon Harker

Silver at Nationals

2011-10-14T13:48:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the U14 Boys who took out the Silver Medal at the recent National titles. This is to go with their Gold Medal from State. This is a fine team of the future who was coached by National League Players Emma Hamilton Foster and Nic Watkins,,, Well done.

Holly stands out in FINA World Championships

2011-10-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

Sharks player Holly Lincoln-Smith was recently named Australian Player of the FINA World Championships and Australian player of the tour. Nicola Zagame and Alicia McCormack also featured as Player of the match in games during the tour.

Nicola Zagame was named player of the match against South Africa after scoring 5 goals. Holly Lincoln-Smith (above) named player of the FINA World Championships. Alicia McCormack was named player of the match against Greece and Hungary in a Test Series.

Academy Shines

2011-10-12T15:01:00.000-07:00

Four Sharks players namely Jess Brooks, Kristyn Watkins, Lara Turnbull and Michaela Davies were an integral part of the NSW Blues Under 16 Girls team that captured the Pelorus Trust U18 Women’s Trophy when they beat the Marist U18 team 9-6 in the final at West Wave in Auckland. The girls were undefeated in the Tournament including beating the New Zealand Youth Team. Congratulations girls. Sharks Mel Forrester and Elysha Vom Brush competed in the NSW Waratahs. Cronulla also had 6 boys in the Waratahs (Dillon Turner, Nick Brbot, Cameron Bartlett, Blake Penny and Toby) and one in the Blues (Sam Baraket). Sam was also very proud in being named Captain of the Blues and also Captain of the squad. The Blues won 3, lost 2 and 2 draws.

Four Sharks girls namely Maddy Schmid, Jade Appel, Christina Riley and Zoe Barber were members of the NSWCHS Under 15 Girls who took back the Trans Tasman Under 15 Girls Shield with a 3 nil series win over the NZ Under 15 Girls. Cameron McDowell and Liam Thickett also competed in the boys series.

Cronulla Sharks U14 boys and U14 Girls dominated NSW teams at the East Coast Challenge held at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre last month.Eleven Cronulla players were in NSW teams and all 11 swam away with a medal against the Queensland, Victorian and South Australian sides. Mackenzie Moores-Sipos, Amy Graetz and Bianca Smith won Gold for the girls' Blues side against Queensland 9-6 in the Final match. While fellow boys Sam Cocokios, Zac Hughes, Nicholas Brooks and Mathew Schweighoffer also defeated Queensland Maroon 7-3 in the Final to collect their Gold medal.