The Greece Mixed Opens Oztag side will look to continue their strong run of results at international tournaments when the rescheduled International Invitational Challenge is held on the Central Coast in November.
The tournament was initially scheduled to be held this weekend but heavy rainfall during the week forced Central Coast Council to close fields and reschedule the event.
“It’s disappointing but I think it’s pretty understandable considering how much rain we had earlier in the week,” Greece Mixed Opens gun Kate McPherson told Oztag Australia.
Greece won the Oceania Tournament back in 2016 and finished second at last year’s Tag World Cup and McPherson seems confident they can collect some more silverware later this year.
“The majority of the squad has played one or two tournaments together if not more and then we’ve got a few new faces this year, which is exciting,” she said.
“The World Cup last year was amazing and we were thrilled to finish with a silver medal. We were beaten in the grand final by the Australians, but considering how limited our preparation was, I think it was a great result.
“We’ve also got a lot of young talent coming through the younger age groups as well, so it’s an exciting time for Greece Oztag.”
McPherson said the Greek Australian Oztag community is going from strength to strength, largely thanks to the hard work of Arthur Kyriakopoulos, and that most players jumped at the opportunity to play wear the blue and white jersey.
“It actually means quite a lot to me. I feel like I’m doing my grandparents proud by representing their heritage and a part of my heritage as well.
“It’s a nice feeling to make your family proud, especially when you’re able to put on the colours of the country that your grandparents have come from.”
The postponement will give McPherson and her side more time to prepare to play Australia, Lebanon and Pacific Islands in the round robin tournament set to be played on November 24.
“I think we’ve definitely got a team that can upset Australia but I don’t just think it’s Australia we need to be worried about.
“All the teams will be really strong but I think we’ve got the players to step up and match it with the best later this year.
“There could be an upset or two on the cards.”