JADE'S CUP RUNNETH OVER IN LILLE

WATERPOLO, October 5: Victorian Tigers Water Polo star Jade Hanson, has been awarded the MVP and Highest Goal Scorer at the Coupe De France (French Cup) Water Polo tournament for 2010.

Along with fellow Victorian Tiger Charlotte Banks, the girls have joined Lille Water Polo Club in Northern France to play the French Cup, European Cup LEN Trophy and the upcoming French National League Season.

Hanson continued a great 2010, having a sensational tournament scoring an average of 5 goals per match playing mainly as Centre Back and Driver.

The Victorian managed to earn Best Player in each of the matches she played.

Against reigning five-time champions Nice, Hanson found herself not only double teamed but also triple teamed during stages of the match.

Lille narrowly lost to the Premiers but managed to draw against Nancy and easily overcame arch rival Bordeaux.

Past history has shown that Lille have always been just below the top two teams in Nice and Nancy. But Hanson admits that maybe the time has come for the young girls of Lille to finally break into the top two.

"We (Charlotte and myself) have only managed two weeks training with the girls since getting over here, so for both of us to come out and help play some great polo really sets up an exciting season for Lille," Hanson said.

"I'm happy with some parts of my game, there's always things I need to work on, but I'm feeling really fit and strong."

The two-time Victorian Tigers Best and Fairest winner will stay in France until February 2011, where she will then head back to Australia to play in the National League Season with the Tigers.

 "I'm not looking too far ahead at the moment, but I would love nothing more than to enjoy some success with Lille, then head home and continue what we are building back in Victoria, a medal come finals time would be great," said Hanson.

Hanson, previously played with Lille from 2005-2007, captaining the team to their first European Cup Len Trophy assault. The former Queensland Breakers player then came back to Australia joining the Victorian Tigers.