16.07.2012

Day 4: At morning training today we beat Canada, 6-5, after having lost to them two days ago. This win pumped us up for the game against USA in the afternoon. This was a tough match but we put in a good fight and improved our security in defence with set plays that led us to a win, 10-6.

Traditional Hungarian homemade goulash served from a cauldron was enjoyed by the team for dinner along with crepes and homemade peach jam. This was all in the comfort of a Hungarian host family’s home which was particularly interesting as the father’s favourite hobby was hunting. He proudly presented the impressive collection of stuffed animal heads, animal antlers and trophies. By Kassia Ralston and Megan du Toit.

Day 5: Today was our day off before the start of the Olympic Hopefuls Tournament. We were given the opportunity to spend the day in Budapest. We travelled into Budapest by bus heading for the castle on the Bud side of the Danube first. The train up to the castle was not working so it was necessary to walk up to the castle stopping to see the Church of Matthios first, listen to a history lesson and talk a walk around the streets of Bud outside the castle. From the castle grounds there is an excellent view of Pest across the Danube.

We went from the castle to the main square in Pest where we ate lunch and then did a little bit of souvenir shopping.

It was then time for the main event of the day. We travelled by bus onto Margaret Island in the centre of the Danube which is a pool devoted entirely to water polo. We were there to support the Australian men in their game against the Spanish Olympic team. The Australian men played strongly, coming from two goals behind at the end of the third quarter to draw the game 7-7. This was followed by Italy vs Hungary. This was another very close game which Italy won 10-9. The atmosphere of the game was incredible with grandstands packed with noisy Hungarian fans. We were all inspired as junior players by this opportunity to see this outstanding standard of international water polo. Another highlight was the photo we had with the Australian Men’s team. By Bel Symons and Lilian Hedges.

Days 1-3

Travel: Our journey as a team began at Singapore Airport where we all met up from our respective home states. The New South Wales and South Australian team members waited five hours for the Western Australian and Queensland girls to touch down. All together we continued the lengthy expedition to Frankfurt. On the twelve hour flight we experienced the famous Frankfurt sausages. The flight was so unpleasant to say the least but we were all comforted by the thought that Budapest and Dunaujvaros were right around the corner.

The next and final stage of our journey was the short hour flight to Budapest - just enough time to snack on some tasty cookies. Directed by our Hungarian host we lugged our bags up the stairs towards the bus. This was the first weight training session of our tour. As we drove to Dunaujvaros, the spectacular countryside got us excited to taste more of Hungary. By Steph El Safty and Fiona Walsh

Day 1: After thirty hours of traveling we finally arrived in sunny, 30 degree Hungary. For some of us it was our first time in Hungary so the bus trip to Dunaujvaros through the beautiful sunflower fields and luscious greenery was an eye opener. After settling in our rooms and having lunch, we wasted no time getting into our training program. Jet lagged and not having played together for a while we took on the Hungarians. We did our best to keep up with the speed and physical play of the Hungarians and demonstrated that we will be a force to be reckoned with at next week’s tournament. After our first insight into what to expect on the tour we enjoyed our first Hungarian meal consisting of soup, chicken and rice. It was then time for a lengthy sleep and to contemplate what was ahead of us. By Pascalle Casey and Rebecca Curtis

Day 2: Today we trained against the American team. This was the first time we had played them and we did not know what to expect. The scrimmage was very physical and we were becoming more aware of what is expected at the international level. This was an evenly matched training game. By Shannan Martin and Jade Appel

Day 3: Today we faced Canada. The heavy training session with them in the morning prepared our team for what to expect in the afternoon game. We were determined to match their physical style of play. The final score favoured the Canadians slightly but we were developing a more physical style of play and were getting to know our team mates in a realistic game situation. By Tiana Andersen and Ainsley Masek

Contributed by team manager Jenny McGregor