Canberra Handball Club wins NSW Men's League title

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