Canberra women win over UTS
Sydney Olympic Park, 8 November — Canberra Handball Club women delivered a confident performance in their 31–22 friendly win over UTS in Sydney yesterday.
Canberra pivot Laura Madesn breaks through to shoot past UTS keeper Amy Thomas
The first half was tight, with both teams trading goals and staying level for much of the opening period. However, Canberra lifted their intensity after the break, combining solid defence to and efficient attacks to pull away and secure the win.
The match marked the first appearance for new goalkeeper Patricia Baria dos Santos who impressed in goal. The team also welcomed Isabel Brandt and Laura Madsen, along with the support of loaned players Vera Zhubi, Kimberly Horostecki, and Stella Sevilla, all contributing to a well-rounded team effort.
This friendly served as valuable preparation for the upcoming National Championship later this month, giving Canberra an important opportunity to fine-tune combinations and build momentum.
Canberra dominate UNSW to extend perfect start
Sydney Olympic Park, 8 November — Canberra Handball Club Men continued their outstanding form with a commanding 35–19 victory over the University of New South Wales, making it three wins from three games to lead the New South Wales Handball League.
Canberra left wing Zacharie Rummelhart breaks throough the UNSW defence to add to Canberra’s lead
Canberra once again impressed with their strong defensive structure and quick transitions, controlling the tempo from start to finish. The team’s well-organised back line limited UNSW’s scoring opportunities while turning defence into fast, efficient attacks.
Centre back Hegoitz Hierro led Canberra’s offence, working tirelessly to create scoring chances and keep the attack flowing.
The match also marked a special moment for 15-year-old debutant Lucas Babic, who scored his first goal for the club - sealing the win with a confident finish on a fast break.
Canberra leads the league with 3 wins from 3 games.
Canberra : UNSW 35 : 19 (16:13)
Canberra: Jorgiano (18 saves), Warrener (5 goals), Sestic A. (2), Sestic S. (8), Bajraktarevic (3), Prpic, Mayer (6), Hierro (2), Ali (1), Graoville (3), Babic (1), Rummelhart (4).
Canberra defeats Sydney Uni for the first time in 15 years
Sydney Olympic Park, 8 November — Canberra Handball Club Men claimed a 31–27 victory over Sydney University yesterday, marking their first win against Australia’s top club side since 2010.
Canberra made a strong start and never looked back, leading from the opening whistle. Despite Sydney University rallying on three separate occasions, Canberra remained composed and ensured the lead was never surrendered.
Canberra HC captain Karl Warrener shoots at goal during yesterday’s win over Sydney University
Goalkeeper Emerson Jorgiano anchored a solid defensive performance, repeatedly denying Sydney Uni’s attacking efforts and setting the tone for a string of transition goals.
In attack, Canberra’s new left wing Sacha Graoville made an immediate impact on debut, scoring a perfect 4 goals from 4 shots. The team’s balanced offense and disciplined defending proved decisive across the full 60 minutes.
With this result, Canberra now sits atop the New South Wales Handball League standings, boasting two wins from two games.
Canberra : Sydney Uni 31 : 27 (12:11)
Canberra: Jorgiano (14 saves), Warrener (3 goals), Sestic A., Sestic S. (6), Bajraktarevic, Ashurst, Prpic (7), Mayer (6), Hierro (1), Ali (1), Graoville (4), Babic, Rummelhart (3)
National Participation Plan workshop
Canberra Handball will host the next National Participation Plan workshop this month to discuss the future of handball in the ACT.
Lee Wilson, National Participation Manager, will talk about the Handball Introductory Program (HIP) and how it’s rolling out in the ACT and nationally.
Details
🗓 Tuesday, 11 November 2025
📍Online: https://meet.google.com/shf-rdja-nhg
⏰ 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Players, coaches, volunteers we want your voice!
Canberra Handball Club wins NSW Men's League title
Canberra Handball Club has won the 2025 NSW Men's Handball League, defeating UTS 29:28 in a nail-biting final on Saturday at Sydney Olympic Park.
SYDNEY, NSW – May 24, 2025 – Canberra Handball Club has won the 2025 NSW Men's Handball League, defeating UTS 29:28 in a nail-biting final on Saturday at Sydney Olympic Park. This marks Canberra's first league title since 2010, a victory made even more special as it's the first stint at the helm for coach Xavier Orsatti, who was part of the playing squad that won the title in 2010.
Canberra was behind for most of the match, trailing by as much as nine goals (4:15) after 15 minutes. However, they steadily worked their way back into the game.
In the final minute, with Canberra down by one goal, 17-year-old Aleks Sestic scored from the right wing to tie the game. With 30 seconds on the clock, UTS had an opportunity to win, but Canberra's defence, led by experienced players Karl Warrener and Hegoitz Hierro, along with goalkeeper Emerson Ferreira, thwarted their final attack. This allowed Canberra to respond with a quick counter-attack, which Edgar Silva converted spectacularly from the left wing to secure the win with just three seconds left.
Canberra’s goalkeeper Emerson Ferreira was man of the match, with an outstanding 26 saves and one end-to-end goal from his own area.
Canberra's Sasa Sestic, who missed the final, was the league's top scorer, with 58 goals.
Canberra Handball Club will now set their sights on the 2025 Australia Handball Club Championship, which will be held in Coffs Harbour from 4 to 8 June.
Photos courtesy NSW Handball Association