Drummoyne Devils and UNSW Wests Magpies crowned KAP7 Cup champions

The 2022 Australian Waterpolo League got off to a flying start last week, with six teams going head to head across five intense days of competition.

With the KAP7 Cup up for grabs, teams put it all on the line to get an early lead before the traditional home and away season gets underway in a couple of weeks time.

Drummoyne Devils women were crowned KAP7 Cup champions, with an impressive four from five wins.

Captain Morgan Baxter said it was a great way to kick start their 2022 AWL campaign.

“It was a bit strange to be back playing AWL after such a long time, but it felt so great to be back in the water,” Baxter said.

“Coming in we were quite nervous as to where we stood - we knew we were minor premiers of the Sydney Super League but AWL is a whole new ball game.

“We knew we had to put in the hard work, but we were also up against a bit of a disjointed preparation, but every club was in the same boat.

“The KAP7 Cup win gives us a bit of a confidence boost heading into the regular home and away season and we’re looking forward to seeing what’s next,” she said.

In the men’s, it was UNSW Wests Magpies who took out the title after finishing the KAP7 Cup week undefeated.

Tokyo Olympian Nathan Power returned to the Magpies this year, after playing in Europe for the past few seasons.

Power said he relished the opportunity to be back playing in Australia’s premier water polo competition.

“There’s been a bit of change in some of the teams compared to the last time I was playing here, but it was such an enjoyable week and you could tell there was a really good atmosphere,” Power said.

“Everyone was just so excited to get back into the season after two years of disruptions due to COVID,” he said.

UNSW Wests Magpies claimed five from five wins in the KAP7 Cup, something Power attests to their preparation and ability to adapt.

“A big one for us coming in was that we had a few new pieces compared to what we had in the Sydney Super League,” Power said.

“So for us, a lot of the focus was internal, and each game we showed up for we knew was going to be a different challenge.

“But the big positive for us is that we were able to respond really well and remain in control across all five games which was a pleasing thing for us to start off the season with,” he said.

With Western Australia’s borders remaining closed, and WA clubs unfortunately unable to take part, WA players were given the opportunity to relocate to the eastern seaboard to play for another club if they had the ability to do so.

One of those players who is making the most of an opportunity to play for the Drummoyne Devils is dual Olympian Zoe Arancini.

Having also played for Drummoyne in the 2021 KAP7 Cup, Arancini was grateful for the support they continue to show her.

“I really appreciate Drummoyne taking me on last minute again, I”m so grateful for the opportunity to play in the AWL this year,” Arancini said.

“I’m looking forward to being a part of a hopefully successful season for the Drummoyne Devils.

“And using some of my experiences as an Olympian to help mentor some of their younger players,” she said.

With friends and family back home in WA, Arancini said it is so great for them to be able to watch her play through the News Corp Australia livestream.

“It’s so fantastic that some of our games are being live streamed through News Corp,” Arancini said.

“For myself personally, it means all my friends and family back in WA are able to watch me play from the other side of the country.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity to help grow the sport, and for it to be so accessible. I can’t thank News Corp Australia enough for all their support,” she said.

For full results from the KAP7 Cup tournament in Sydney - click here

Next stop for the 2022 Australian Waterpolo League is Adelaide, with the Queensland Thunder, Adelaide Jets and Victorian Phoenix battling it out for the KAP7 Cup.