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The SA team arrived back in South Africa at 07h00 on the 24th, after a long and tiring 28 hours of flying, including 7 hours in Singapore Airport.

On arrival, David O'Sullivan of 702 had a live interview with Manager, Neil Malherbe, and Jordan Zoghby. We thank David for the promotion he has given the team over the past week, as well as 5fm and Algoa, who carried the results of the teams' success.

So that's it - to all the families and friends who have been part of this journey, thank you, and to those who will be celebrating, have a blessed and meaningful Christmas tomorrow. May your new year also bring all you hope for.

Last night out

A relaxed and pleasant dinner was held at the 'waterfront' restaurant in the harbour area for the parents who have supported the teams on tour, as well as the players.

As we fly out this morning, a big thank you to everyone 'back home' for the great support. We really have felt it, even here on the other side of the world. I know we have featured on several radio stations over there and I had an email today from David O'Sullivan of 702 to say that he has also given out or results over the air. We hope to connect with him on air when we land.

Just a reminder that we are in at 07h20 on the 24th on Singapore Air.

Thanks again for the over 2000 hits on the site and for all the messages. See you soon!

Neil Malherbe

Team photos

Although these are just proof copies of what will be sent to us in SA and there are a few errors which will be corrected, I thought you might like to have a look at these...

Boys draw last game

South African boys facing down the haka challenge from the Kiwis.

South African Boys about to face the haka.

As was probably to be expected, the SA boys struggled to raise their game for the last clash of what has been a long two weeks of SA Schools and Tri-Nations waterpolo. They were always one step off the pace in this last game against the New Zealand Under 18 team and spent most of the game playing catch-up.

Choc Malan and Chris Rolfe got the scoreboard moving, with three goals against, in the first quarter. Nick Hock, Peter Cressey and Jordan added to the tally in the second but the Kiwis slotted four in reply. The third was more of the same, with four from the opposition but this time the South Africans pulled themselves together to score through Lele Ramphele, Choc Malan, Nick Rodda and Chris Rolfe (2).

Going into the final quarter the opposition led 11-10 but three well shot goals to their two in the final quarter saw the game shared. Our goals were scored by Malan (2) and Peter Cressey.

Following the game, the Kiwis showed the SA team the ultimate respect by doing the haka, as seen in the pics above.

The trophy presentation is about to take place and this afternoon will be spent going up the Sky Tower. This evening the SA parents who have travelled over here to support us will join us at the Harbour for dinner. More posts to come later.

First of two Prizegiving ceremonies - South Africans excel!

Last night, after the match between New Zealand and Australia, the first of two Prize-giving ceremonies was held, and it was a proud moment for the South Africans, as Captain Nick Hock stepped forward to accept the Tri-Nations trophy for the first time in the event's history.

Nick then thanked the opposition, tournament organisers and congratulated his SA team-mates on their tremendous performance in the tournament.

The Girls were also rewarded for their win in the three match series against the New Zealand Invitational team. Captain, Kylie Traub, shows off the trophy.

Most Promising Player in the South African team was awarded to Peter Cressey, after an outstanding tournament, particularly on defence. On several occasions, Peter played the entire game so valuable was he as an asset to the team. Well done, Peter!

In the Girls tournament, Amica Hallendorff was named the Most Promising player, after an excellent tournament during which she showed great maturity as a player and scored numerous goals. Well done, Amica!

Boys pick up another win

The SA Boys made it three out of three against the New Zealand Under 17 team, as they won 6-4 in the final match of the series. Because the match was a dead rubber and was played at 21h00, it was decided to play a shortened 5 minutes playing time per quarter. As a consequence, the coach largely played many of the SA players who had come into previous games as replacements, for most of this match.

Nick Schooling slotted two in the first quarter and Jordan Zoghby one in the second, to the opposition's three in the second, leaving it all tied up at 3-3 at the halfway break.

A better defensive effort in the second half restricted their scoring to one, while our players scored another three, to Nick Rodda, Chris Rolfe and Jean Michau.

The SA team plays its last game this morning, against the NZ U18 team, to determine the winner of the three match series against them. With the Tri-Nations and Under 17 series trophies already wrapped up, the South African boys will be hoping to make it three out of three...

Boys win Tri-Nations for the first time!!!!

It is an ecstatic South African Boys team in Auckland as they celebrate the first ever victory in the Tri-Nations! With a 7-3 win over the Kiwis they cemented their place at the top of the standings and with the victory walk away with the Tri-Nations trophy; the series win over the New Zealand U17 and potentially an outright series victory over the Under 18's, which will be finalised tomorrow. The worst they can do is share that series trophy.

The game started at a frenetic pace, as both sides tried to outswim the other. The SA team was goalless at the end of the first, having conceded one. Once again, the second quarter saw some fantastic waterpolo, with goals to Fabio Conversano, Choc Malan and Chris Rolfe. The third quarter saw the pace take its toll on the home side, and Brad Pepler slotted two goals to their one.

Finally it was the last quarter and with the game still not sealed, it was with huge relief that two more SA goals crassed the line, courtesy of Nick Rodda and Chris Rolfe.

There will be great celebrations already, despite the fact that two more games remain - against the NZ U17 and U18 teams.

The teams wish to thank all those back home for their huge support, from which they have drawn much strength. This blog has already had over 1500 hits from around the world and I have no doubt that each player has enjoyed that level of support.

Until later, enjoy the victory with us back home!!!!