16&U ready to put it all on the line for national championship title

Published Wed 22 Jan 2020

Tomorrow the National Champions will be crowned after an intense week long competition at the 2020 KAP7 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

Teams will put it all on the line tomorrow across Bowl, Plate and Shield divisions tomorrow, but the attention will be on the Championships finals at Brisbane Aquatic Centre with medal matches for both age groups will be streamed live on OVO Play.

The 16&U division have been fighting it out all week, with many matches going down to the wire and some intense battles in the pool.

Semi final one saw two Brisbane teams go head to head, with Mermaids Pink coming out victorious over St Rita’s.

Mermaids’ Tori Kininmonth said that her team have been working towards this all week.

“That was a really good game, we’ve all been trying really hard all week and we’re pretty pumped ahead of tomorrow’s final,” Kininmonth said.

“It’s been really fun playing together this week and we can’t wait to do it again tomorrow

Semi final two saw Sydney Uni Blue defeat cross town rivals UNSW Wests Killer Whales to earn their spot in the gold medal match.

Sydney Uni’s Sienna Green said that her team will use their semi finals win as motivation in tomorrow’s grand final.

“That was a really tough game, but we’re really happy that we came out with a win,” Green said.

“Tomorrow we’ll be hoping to play to our strengths and repeat today’s result.”

In the boys, Melville earnt their spot in the final after defeating River City 10-2 in semi final one.

Patrick Dart said that tonight’s win was extra special for his team.

“In 14&U they (River City) beat us in the bronze medal match, so it feels good to get a win back on them,” Dart said.

“The boys really got around each other in that game and that was what got us through,” he said.

“Tomorrow we just need to keep up that effort and tomorrow hopefully we’ll get the win.”

Melville will meet Sydney Uni Blue, after they defeated UNSW Wests Magpies 9-6 in semi final two.

Thomas Oates said that the feeling among the team is great after getting the win tonight.

“It’s a great feeling – I don’t think we played to our full potential tonight but it’s really great to get the win and move on to the final tomorrow,” Oates said.

“We’re feeling confident in ourselves and hopefully we can take it home tomorrow.”

Tune in live from 9:00am AET (Qld) for the live stream of all medal matches for 12&U and 16&U divisions on OVO Play or download the OVO Play APP.