The short, but sweet,  21 and under season has finished with double gold for Harbour.The Maroon men coached by Chava Gomez Aguera and managed by Dino Pavlovich won their final against Tauranga with a score of 10 - 5.  A strong result given our boys had lost to Tauranga in pool play.  Special mention to Matt Morris who was named tournament MVP and James Tyras named tournament goalie. 

Our Maroon women, coached by Richard Claridge and managed by Priscilla Stewart,  also won their gold medal match beating Waitakere Gold 15 - 7.  Again - hugely well done to tournament MVP Emily Nicholson and tournament goalie Bridget Layburn. 

Coach Claridge was really impressed with the women this season. “They worked hard as a team and were determined to play hard throughout. The season has been short but these girls have been working alongside the senior women and it is exciting to see the depth coming through North Harbour. Coaching is an important part of a team’s make up” said Claridge who has coached NZ National teams to 6th in the world, “but a group of women who want to learn continuously and try new skills is a thrill to coach.

The season ahead should be another great stepping stone for the women who are keen to include overseas tours next season.” Chava who took on our U21 Men after the senior competition finished said “The boys did it for the team. They set themselves up to give it everything and I was there to help them achieve it. A very good result for a group of young men with futures”. 

Well done too, to our Black men who came sixth in the tournament. Congratulations Ricky Thomson and John Matthews. A great result against other NZ U21 teams.

Article added: Sunday 30 June 2019