Nambucca Canoe Polo Competition

The "Dapto Bats" Canoe Polo team (L-R Mitchell, Dalibor, Peter, Wayne and Mr. Wilson) spent the last weekend of their school Easter break playing in a competition organised by the University of New England crew from Armidale in Nth NSW.  We left Dapto on Friday morning headed for the White Albatross Resort at Nambucca Heads, arriving and setting up our tent just after dark.  We were warmly greeted by other competitors from NSW and Queensland then prepared ourselves for the competition the next morning by trying to get to sleep at a reasonable hour - NOT!!  [The excitement was too great so that didn't happen.]  Saturday morning we were up early and took our boats out to the surf for a warm-up paddle before the games began.

Muscles loosened and ready we assisted setting up the field in the lagoon and drew the honour of being in the first game of the day.  The energy level and resilience of the boys amazed the rest of the players and we were encouraged by the positive feedback about our playing skills.   As we did in the Queanbeyan competition in 1995 we loaned players to another team that was short on numbers, a testament to the boys' passion for the sport and their willingness to help out where required.  After two days of playing full combat games we were exhausted but still very happy.  The trip home on Monday was a very quiet one as the boys slept most of the way... I wish cars had Autopilot!

We have been invited to play in future competitions organised by the UNE club, as well as the Newcastle and Brisbane clubs.  Strong friendships have been fostered and we will continue to work together to promote this great sport in our communities.  The next competition we plan to enter is at Swansea near Newcastle in August.  Go the BATS!  Mr. Wilson

More photos below

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Mitchell blocks a goal shot	Mr. Wilson about to go under with a little help from a foe
Wayne resting	Dalibor prepared for battle
Scrum time!	Peter poised to pass the ball
Mr. Wilson taking a goal shot	Wayne moving with stealth
Mitchell blocks another goal shot	Mr. Wilson in battle for the ball
Our ball!	Mr. Wilson maneuvering
Mitchell the Goalie	The Bats in defense positions

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