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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!!!!

Girls end tournament with win

In a case of the Kylie Traub/Nicola Barrett show they scored 5 and 3 apiece along with Sarah Bentham and Megan Parkes to dominate the NZ Invitational team and win their last game on tour 10-5.

With the Boys match about to start, more later.

Quick update

For any night owls in South Africa or readers of this blog around the world who are in daytime...

In the final match last night, the Australian Boys sprung a major suprise on the New Zealanders as they beat them 6-5. This means there are only two outcomes for the South African Boys here this morning - if they lose to New Zealand they will share the Tri-Nations trophy with New Zealand but if they win, they return with the Tri-Nations trophy, the trophy in the three match series against New Zealand Under 18 and the trophy for the three match series against New Zealand Under 17 (already in the bag). All the boys know there is only one option...

More to come later.

Girls assured of at least some silverware

The SA Girls team overcame some stubborn defence from the New Zealand Under 17 Girls to edge them 4-2 and as a result take home the trophy for the three match series (having played two).

Megan Parkes put the visitors on the scoreboard in the first half - her shooting has added much to the team throughout the tournament. The second quarter remained scoreless, while the third was 2-2, through two goals by Laura Barrett. Thus, going into the final quarter the score was 3-2, with all to play for.

Megan Parkes put the result beyong reach with another well shot goal. Well done to the SA girls!!

SA Boys one step away from history!

The South African Boys are one game away from becoming the first SA team to win the Tri-Nations tournament, after an impressive 8-5 win over the Australians.

With the scores deadlocked at 0-0 at the end of the first quarter, it was going to take something special to break the impasse and this was done with real class through two goals apiece by Choc Malan and Jordan Zoghby. However, the opposition scored two of their own to leave the half-time score a tense 4-2.

The SA boys continued with their onslaught in the third, putting three past their keeper, through Malan, Peter Cressey and Nick Hock, who once again led from the front. Just because he asked me...let me say that Choc Malan is the KING! And a goal-scorer of note!

The final quarter had one goal each, this time to leftie Fabio Conversano who continues to impress as a stble defender and accurate shooter.

The pics above are of a happy team flattening some Subway sandwiches yesterday after beating Australia, the first series win 2-0 that I know of against our southern hemisphere rivals and one to be savoured.

The South African boys play the final Tri-Nations match against New Zealand tomorrow. In addition, one further match will be played against them in a three match series, for a separate trophy. With one trophy already in the bag (that for the series against the NZ U17 team), the SA boys will be going all out to make it a three trophy haul!

Girls impress against Australians

The South African girls player a great game against the fast and physical Australians at the impressive Diocesan School for Girls indoor facility this morning. At half time the score was 3-3, as both side defended ferociously and neither could break through the defences of the other.

Kylie Traub opened the scoring in the first quarter, with two goals in response. Bianca van Ellewee was magnificent in the goals, saving a penalty and preventing several other shots from crossing her goal-line.

In the second quarter, Nicola Barret scored twice, her left-arm shot proving accurate and powerful.

The third quarter proved the undoing of the SA team, as the opposition scored four times, making it an uphill battle all the way from there.

Despite a great save of a penalty shot from replacement goalie Caroline Booth, the South Africans could not score again but neither could the Aussies due to some determined defence, thus leaving the final score 4-7. A noteworthy and honourable defeat.

Boys put one over Aussies!

The SA boys overcame a 1-3 deficit at the end of the first quarter to win the match versus the Australians 12-8.

Playing sublime waterpolo in the second quarter, the SA team racked up 5 goals to lead at the half-time break 6-4. First quarter goal was scored by Choc Malan, who played his best game on tour thus far. The second quarter had goals by Malan, Nick Hock, Nick Schooling, Jordan Zoghby and Chris Rolfe. The third quarter was a lot tighter but the SA team kept the scoreboard ticking over with goals by Malan and two by Rolfe, to the two from the Aussies. The final quarter was again 3-2 with goals by Schooling, Fabio Conversano and Jordan Zoghby. Captain Nick Hock led from the front, playing every minute of the game and sewing up the defence.

It was an excited and pumped up team at the end of the match, knowing that there is all to play for in the follow-up match versus Australia tomorrow.

Last night's Girls game

I inadvertently placed last night's Girls' game report on the WP Schools bolg, to which this blog is linked. Please see http://www.wpschoolswaterpolo.blogspot.com for the report. As they won, it is all the more worthwhile to read the report!

SA Girls give good account

The South African Girls just ended an excellent match against the Aussies, in which they played some fine waterpolo. At half-time the score stood at 2-3 and it was only a rash of goals in the third quarter which sunk the SA side.

In the first quarter Lara Dendy-Young scored, to the two of the Australians. The second quarter saw one goal by Sarah Bentham and one by the opposition. However, in the third, a lone goal by Megan Parkes could not match the four by the Aussies. Megan scored again in the final quarter to the two of the opponents. The final score was thus a credible 4-9 loss to the Aussie powerhouses.

With the rain bucketing down today, the Boys team was glad for a slightly later lie-in - they play the Aussies for the first time in just over an hour, with key left-hander Fabio Conversano nursing an injuted thumb.

Boys pick up first trophy

The SA Boys picked up the first of a potential three trophies as they beat the NZ U17 team 8-5 in a match which was strewn with errors by both sides and in which only good defence on the man-down saved the SA team. Two players ended up with three majors and a number of others visited the corner in a physical encounter.

Goal scorers for the South Africans were Brad Pepler (2), Choc Malan (2), Nick Rodda (3) and Nick Schooling.

Improved play by Girls team

In the second match against New Zealand, the South African Girls showed more composure against their physical opponents, but still went down 4-8.

One goal per quarter was scored by the tourists - by Nicola Barrett, Megan Parkes, Kylie Traub and Amica Hallendorff - while the New Zealanders scored 4, 2, 0 and 2 per quarter.

At the same time, the Boys team was treated to a 'barby' near the beach, which was attended by both the Kiwi teams and the visiting Aussies. A rainstorm put a damper on the event, however, despite a big spread put on by the hosts' parents. Nick Hock made a good speech to thank them for their generosity.

SA Boys draw with NZ

The SA Boys team blew the chance of going one up in the series by conceding a goal 3 seconds from time.

The game swung throughout, with the SA team taking a first quarter lead through goals by Fabio Conversano and Chris Rolfe. 2-1. The second quarter was all black, with the opposition slotting four goals to one by Choc Malan. 3-5. The third was a solid fightback, two goals through Choc and Chris. 5-5. Into the last quarter, something special was required and the team obliged, with two goals scored by Peter Cressey and Nick Schooling. With one by the Kiwis, the score stood at 7-6 with 32 seconds on the clock.

Brad Rowe called a time-out and instructed the players to use the full 30 seconds and to pass the ball back to the keeper. Clearly a couple didn't listen and after a soft rob on the perimeter, the NZ team scored the final goal to end the game 7-7.

With many chances missed, it remains to be seen how much this draw will cost the team by the end of the tournament. Stand-out in this game defensively was Peter Cressey, who played every minute of the game.

A new day...

Saturday - and the day dawned, you guessed it, grey, overcast and drizzly.

After the Boys' victory last night we spent a fruitless half an hour searching for a place to eat but ended up back 'home', getting either Burger King or Chinese take-aways from the place next door. An ill-advised decision to see how many people could fit into the tiny lift (about 1 1/2 by 1 1/2m) to get to the rooms on the fourth floor had the not altogether unexpected result of a stuck lift - this at about 22h30 on a Friday night... It was a hot and sticky bunch that eventually disgorged themselves from the lift over an hour later. The technician could only look on in amazement as the stream of inhabitants climbed out.

It's a full day for the team today, with both our Boys and Girls teams playing their Kiwi opposition. The opposition Boys team is highly rated, so it will be interesting to see how our guys go against them. A 'barby' (braai) has been arranged for our Boys after the game; the interaction between the SA and NZ sides which has always been an important aspect of these Tri-Nations tours in the past, as the common antipathy towards the Australians really does seem to bond the SA/NZ connection.

Then, later in the day, both our teams play the Kiwi U17 sides. This should be a good chance for our Girls to continue with the form they showed in the last three quarters of the match last night.

More on the matches later...

Solid victory gets tour off to a good start for Boys team

The SA Boys team beat the New Zealand Under 17 team 13-5 in an impressive srtart to the tour. Solid defence in most parts of the game and some well-worked team goals saw the SA team dominate. Goals were scored by Captain Nick Hock (3), Choc (4), Chris (2), Jordan (2), Wesley and Fabio.

Sorry so rushed but it's now 10pm and the teams need food!!

First quarter sinks girls

The SA girls team found the going tough against their Kiwi counterparts, going down 0-5 in the first quarter. However, they fought back well thereafter with goals by Kylie (a penalty set up by Kelly) and Christy. The score half way through the game was 2-7. Nicola then scored in the third and Amica in the fourth, but the New Zealanders kept the scoreboard ticking over themselves, to end the game with a 10-4 win.

The boys play in ten minutes and I will try to get a match report through after their game, though we will be heading off for a late dinner so it may only come through tomorrow.

Training 17 Dec

Team arrives in New Zealand

The SA Team arrived in Auckland at midnight and then spent a frustrating delay courtesy of SAA who had left one of the bags in Durban... It was finally tracked down, sitting quite happily in South Africa, but should be here by tomorrow.

Three shuttle buses (with trailers), three mini-vans reminiscent of something from the Bad Old Taxi days in SA (are they better yet?), a long convoy made its way to the City Travellers Backpackers in central Auckland. The players had a quick shower and were finally in bed by 02h30...

This morning (it's 09h30 now) dawned overcast, with the promise of light rain. The Management were up early to move the mini-buses but surprisingly the players woke shortly thereafter and were checking out the area for a while. We are only four streets away from Queen Street and all the shopping areas, as well as just up the road from the sea.

We leave in ten minutes for the first training session at the Millenium Stadium, before the matches this evening.

Spirits are high!

Team arrives in Singapore

The SA team arrived safely in Singapore at 06h10 local time. We leave again just before 09h00 and arrive in Auckland in the middle of the night... Many tired faces already but spirits high!

Departure from Durban

Despite an unfortunate rear-ending for Tayla on her way to the airport in slippery conditions, the team all arrived, departed and arrived in Jo'burg, ready for the LONG haul to Singapore and Auckland.

Report on kit presentation

Kit presented to South African Under 18 Waterpolo players before leaving for New Zealand.

Although the weather did not play along and ended up rainy and miserable, the kit presentation was brief yet meaningful. It took place at the Clifton College clubhouse and grateful appreciation was extended to the sponsors of kit as well as to all the parents whose support has made it possible for the teams to play in the Tri-Nations.

Hank McGregor, legendary canoeist, spoke to the players about believing in themselves and he shared a personal anecdote about taking on the best. He then handed over the kit to each of the players.

Teams fly out on Wednesday morning.

Kit presentation

Well, the kit is rolling in from around the country, and with it the excitement. A couple of the Western Province and Gauteng players have helped me get some of it together and it's been great to see their eyes light up when they have seen the kit!

Kim Parkes (who I have to praise to the hilt!!) has just collected the bags and he tells me they look great - thanks Kim!!!!

My thanks again to all those who have sponsored kit or helped to arrange sponsors - more will be said about this at the presentation tomorrow afternoon (Tuesday 14th) at Clifton. We hope to start at 16h00 but it depends on how long the Prize-giving takes.

SA Schools tournament starts

On the eve of the SA Schools Waterpolo tournament, to be held in Durban, each one of the players in the SA Schools Under 18 teams will be focused entirely on ensuring that his or her provincial team comes out on top.

This blog will be updated throughout the Tri-Nations tour, with scores, match reports and other info. I hope that all who visit the blog will enjoy finding out about the tour as it progresses.

The kit presentation will take place at Clifton on Tuesday 14 December at 16h00 and the teams fly out at 09h50 on Wednesday 15 December, heading to Auckland via Johannesburg and Singapore.