The Oceania club titles in both the men’s and women’s categories will be decided at the Australian Open Club Championship in Geelong, to be held from May 24 to 27. The winner of the men’s competition will not only become champion of the continent, but will secure their place at the 2018 IHF Super Globe in October in Doha, Qatar.

 

Sydney University Handball Club will aim to defend their title won at the previous editions and claim their seventh continental trophy. The team from Australia’s biggest city have contested the last six Super Globes as representatives of the continent.

 

“Sydney University HC, like every year will fight for the best result. The team is looking quite strong, especially in terms of defence. Like every year we will have a few new players but the core of the team this year will be similar to our squad last year,” says Sydney left wing Tomasz Szklarski.

“In Geelong, like every year, we don't want to underestimate any opponent. In our group we will face St Kilda. That team is always strong and well prepared for this tournament. In other groups there is UTS, finalists from last year. I think they will try to repeat their success and will be hard to play against, and of course, there is the University of Queensland (combined with Wolves [semi-finalists in 2017] to my knowledge). That team was always unpredictable and have a mix of young and experienced players. In my eyes, these teams will be setting up the pace of the tournament, but as I said at the beginning we will give 100% against any opponent.”

 

The 2017 AOCC women’s trophy was won by AS Dumbea from New Caledonia. The 2018 edition will once more see teams from across the continent vying for the title, with eight men’s teams and six women’s sides from Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia to contest the event.

 

For the third edition of the AOCC, Sport and Recreation Victoria has contributed significant funding, which Vice-President of Handball Victoria Sebastian Bures says is vital to helping develop the event: “We are very happy the state government has recognised our hard work and efforts. This will make our tournament an even better experience.”

 

Attendance at matches is free for all, and fringe activities such as a wheelchair handball exhibition match and a ‘meet and greet’ with national team players are planned as part of the programme.

 

More information on the AOCC can be found on the official website.