A TALENTED crop of young athletes from the Port Stephens region have left their mark at the inaugural Fijian Cup OzTag tournament in Saratoga.
Competing under the Hunter Brothers banner, the skilful contingent produced top displays to reach the finals of the international Men’s Division, staged at Lawaqa Park on Fiji’s Coral Coast.
The young Bandits proved fine ambassadors and role models, and came together with competitors from seven other teams to help build a strong foundation for OzTag in Fiji.
Staged before Christmas, the inaugural OzTag tournament showcased unique talents and celebrated the spirit of unity that defines the Fijian people.
Teams from various communities and backgrounds trekked to the island of Viti Levu to participate in the much-anticipated event, where new friendships were forged.
Other sides to compete in the Men’s category included the Dream Team, AFL, Sigatoka, Real Ones, Hoodlegends, Eastern Saints and Seabreeze.
Port Stephens OzTag are now preparing for the upcoming Junior State Cup championships, to be staged at Werrington and Coffs Harbour this month.
The state’s best young OzTag players in the 9s to 11s age divisions will square off at The Kingsway Playing Fields in Werrington from Friday, 6 February to Sunday, 8 February.
All roads lead to Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour for the Junior State OzTag Cup’s 12s to 17s tournament, to be staged from Friday, 20 February to Sunday, 22 February.
Port Stephens OzTag officials have selected the following squads for this weekend’s 9s to 11s championships at Werrington.
U9/10 GIRLS: Ava Page, Avalon Christie, Elki Germon, Emmie Smith, Henley Goodsir, Isla Curtis, Isla Dark, Memphis Scully, Mikaylah Green, Mitali Nowlan, Olivia Gordon, Piper Ashpole, Poppy Gordon, Ruby Randall and Violetta Papamau. Coach: Cameron Scully.
U11 GIRLS: Audrey Brown, Aylah Rendall, Charlotte McKay, Evelyn Papamau, Grace Schmahl, Isla Daly, Lily Nolan, Maddie Pennicott, Piper Mace, Pippa Maher, Qwun Poolkerd, Ruby Fraser, Stella Cox and Willow Brind. Coach: Bonnie Daly.
U9 BOYS: Austin Mace, Hudson Morrison, Isaiah Page, Jax Hosegood, Kaleb Jones, Lawrence Wilson, Lennox Phillips, Max Borthwick, Reed Maher, Reeve Crossing, Riley Cousens, Sebastian Hansen and Tyler Cousens. Coach: Amber Jones.
U10 BOYS: Harlen Webber, Hayden Eirth, Hudson Smith, Kade Russell, Lamar West, Landen Weine, Nate Lui, Nate Ridley, Nixon Reed, Patrick Smith, Sunny Burgess, Will Einam and Ziggy Osborne. Coach: Joel Osborne.
U11 BOYS: Antonio Dixon, Aston Van Eldik, Austin Lodge, Bentley Muir, Clayton Curtis, Jackson Barry, Jahkari Wotherspoon, Jax Green, Layne Spruce, Lebron Elis, Levis Toplis, Lincoln Giles, Lleyton Stanley, Mason Munro, Nate Watling and Randall Blanch; Shadows: Nate Newman and Byron Giles. Coach: Taylah Spruce.
By Chris KARAS
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