Silver-lining for Greeks at OzTag Oceania Cup

·

Greece’s over 45’s Oz-tag team took the silver medal at the weekend’s Oceania Cup in New Zealand, with the Australian-based side narrowly going down in Sunday’s grand final to the tournament hosts in Auckland.

Greece came into the tournament final with five wins, including impressive showings against the Cook Islands, American Samoa, and New Zealand Invitational to secure a grand final berth against New Zealand Maori.

Comprised of Sydney-based former lower grade Rugby League players including the likes of George Siambis, John Filipis and Peter Mougios, the Greeks went to Auckland with enough talent to make a statement.

Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.
All photos from New Zealand Tag Football Inc.
Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.

With the grand final hanging in the balance at the back end of the second half, the Greeks seemingly had the Kiwis on the ropes thanks to a build-up of momentum sparked by an incredible defensive showing, coupled by their superior territorial game and an inspirational try by captain Con Benardos.

The home-side would ultimately be too good on the day though, running away with a narrow 5-2 victory.

Proud Greek player and Ouzo Talk Podcast host, Nick Athanassiou, said that it was the clock that ultimately beat the Greek side.

“If there were five more minutes in that game, we would have beaten them,” Nick told The Greek Herald.

Greeces over 45's oz-tag team.
Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.

“The boys put in such a great effort over the weekend and everything seemed to align for us. This is our highest ever finish at the tournament, which really says a lot about how much we’ve improved over the years! We just seem to be getting better with age.”

The Greeks were a hit with the locals as well as their fellow competitors, with plenty of banter exchanges before and after matches.

“We developed such a great relationship with some of these teams – particularly the Cook Islands boys,” Athanassiou added.

Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.
Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.

“They invited us into their tent, we shared food, drinks and there was just this great feeling of camaraderie all throughout the tournament. It’s what sport is all about.”

A small contingent of Cook islander kids followed the Greek team over the weekend cheering with every great play and running onto the field with high fives after a try was scored.

“I don’t even get this support from my own kids” Vass Anastasiou joked.

Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.
Greece's over 45's Oz-tag team.

The gracious supportive kids did manage to walk away with Greek gear donated generously by members of the team on the last day of competition.

Oztag is a non-tackling version of Rugby League. Each team has eight players at any one time on the field, and must remove one or both tags worn on the opposition ball-carrier’s shorts to stop attacker’s progress.

The squad members are: Angelo Berios, Con Benardos, Foti Hristopanos, George Siambis, Harry Georges,  Ilias Tsivitis, Jimmy Binios, John Filipis, John Tzavaras, Michael Bourdakis, Nektario Stefanis, Nick Athanassiou, Peter Constantiniou, Peter Mougios, Savas Topalidis, Vass Anastasiou.

*All photos from New Zealand Tag Football Inc.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

What will it take to save Greek language in Australia?

Italian Greeks first proposed the creation of International Greek Language Day on February 9to celebrate the rich history of the Greek language.

Biracial families keeping Greek culture and language alive for the next generation

One recurring question when discussing Australia’s Hellenic community is how the next generation will be affected. Will they hold onto the language?

Professor Giorgos Babiniotis: ‘The Greek language is not a tool; it is a value system’

International Greek Language Day, celebrated annually on February 9, pays homage to the influence of the Greek language on human civilisation.

An ode to the Greek language by a teacher’s daughter

My mother, the teacher, always reminded me when we left Istanbul, where I was born, to come to Australia, for the sake of our language.

Niki Louca shares her favourite recipe for Lime Pistachio Cake

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for lime pistachio cake with The Greek Herald. 

You May Also Like

Here’s how you can commemorate OXI Day around Australia this year

It’s that time of the year again as Greek communities around Australia prepare to commemorate OXI Day on October 28.

Immigration Minister Andrew Giles sends message ahead of Orthodox Easter

The Federal Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Andrew Giles MP, has sent a message for Orthodox Easter.

Greek teacher, Petros Damianos, creates TV classes for inmates

Petros Damianos, Director of the school at Greece’s Avlona Special Youth Detention Center, has created TV classes for inmates.