AUSTRALIA TAKES GOLD IN SWEDEN

Australia has achieved its greatest success in its 10 year World Floorball Championship history by defeating Hungary in the B-Division final and in doing so, clinching the very valuable 8th automatic qualification for WFC2011 in Switzerland.

The Aussie Angels were cool headed and tough from the very beginning of the match and a 2-0 first period set up the win. The second and third periods were both 1-1 and it was a fabulous display of maturity, teamwork and mental strength that complimented their fantastic floorball skills, and they were awarded with the gold medal after the 60 minutes.

The opening goal was scored by Jessi Laidler from a pass from Mel Cathie, who had already been working hard to get the ball in front of goal. 1-0. The Finnish referees were allowing a fair bit of physical play and the forwards were always under pressure. But the girls remained tough and gave as good as they got. Less than one minute later, Mel Cathie scored Australia’s second goal, assisted by Tania Perpoli. 2-0.

The second period began as the first, physical and Australia’s defensive effort was giving nothing to the Hungarians. Leith Woods in goal was continuing her good form and was proving very hard to beat as well. Eight and a half minutes into the period Tara Keogh converted from Fiona Wainwright and the Aussies were up 3-0.

Every Australian seemed to be stretching that extra centimetre that enabled them to get a touch or a block on every ball the opposition was trying to get under control. Narelle Roediger was so strong in defence and the support was fantastic. However, the Hungarians managed to get free for a chance on Woods net and made the score 3-1 going into the last break.

Two goals to the good, Australia started the third period with a mixture of excitement and nerves. That did not stop the forward moves and the chances continued to come for Australia. After five minutes, Hungary took the score to 3-2. Now the nerves were increasing again. It was really a test now to see how the team would handle the pressure. The next eight minutes were perhaps the longest of the match, the last two minutes of those being an Aussie powerplay. Hungary killed the penalty and Australia looked to be under pressure again. Mel Cathie then worked the ball forward and passed to Jemima Kanerva who reinstated the 2 goal lead for Australia. 4-2.

The last six and a half minutes of the game felt a little easier to bear, but noone was willing to claim victory until the hooter had well and truly sounded. And sound it did, with 27 players and staff leaping up into the air and racing out to meet each other in the middle of the court. What a fantastic effort by the girls. What a fantastic effort by the coaching staff, a truly remarkable feat and jubilation is not a strong enough word to describe the feelings.

Simply a sensational effort with every single one of the 27 contributing 100% to bring home the gold for Australia.

Thanks must go to all the supporters that made the journey and their support was not only felt during the matches, but every minute during the tournament. Thank you all so much from all the players and team staff.

Final score: Australia 4 defeated Hungary 2 (2-0, 1-1, 1-1) [Mel Cathie 1+2, Tara Keogh, Jemima Kanerva, Jessi Laidler 1+0, Tania Perpoli and Fiona Wainwright 0+1]

Player of the Match AUSTRALIA – Jessi Laidler

Mel Cathie was chosen as a forward in the All Star B-Division team! 

Thanks everyone for reading and it has been a great pleasure keeping you updated with all the news from Sweden.

Kevan Lyons - Team Manager