AYWPC Day 3 wrap

Day three of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships marked the half way point for the U14 and U18s competitors as teams gave it their all for the round games ahead of the all important finals off tomorrow.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL RESULTS & UPCOMING FIXTURES

The battle for the finals spots really heated up in the U18s Men’s division, with some old Club rivalries coming to life.

Crowds were kept on the edge of their seat for the highly entertaining Canberra Dolphins and ACU Cronulla Sharks match up.

Dolphins’ Bryce Svensson said it was an awesome feeling to edge away in the dying moments and secure a 6-4 win over their Sydney rivals.

“It was insane, we were even with about two minutes to go. We quickly came back with a nice cross pass from myself down to Aidan Heddle who scored a goal to put us in the lead. Then Gus Shepherd finished us off with a goal in the last two seconds which was nice.

“It was awesome to know that the boys all came together to get us up in the end – we were down most of the game. We have been working on our come-backs,” he said.

Speaking about the AYWPC atmosphere in Brisbane, Svensson was thrilled to be in the Queensland capital with all the other age groups.

“The atmosphere is awesome. It’s great that we’re able to support our younger ACT teams who are also doing pretty well.

“Being in Brisbane in summer is a nice place to be, the weather is nice and warm. Everyone is getting around it, lots of teams watching other teams and it’s just awesome to be here,” he said.

After achieving a top eight finish in the previous U18 Girls National Championships, UTS Balmain Tigers are feeling even more positive after a 10-3 win against Adelaide Jets.

Tigers’ player Megan Miranda said: “We got off to quite a good start, third quarter and fourth quarter was pretty close. We got away with the win 10-3, it was an aggressive game, but the girls pulled together and we came through.

“We came in here with a fairly high rank, but we haven’t been playing to our potential. After this morning’s game we’re really hoping to get to the finals,” she said.

Playing in her first national championships, eleven year old Jorja Matthew from Ryde’s U14 Women’s team said she felt a mix of emotions heading into the point end of the competition.

“It’s really exciting. It’s a bit nerve-racking being one of the youngest in the team, but I’m used to that.

“I’m pumped for every single game we get to play, we played some tough teams in this sport, but all I can do is try my best,” she said.

Her second time visiting Brisbane, Jorja has enjoyed travelling and experiencing the city and tournament with her Club.

“Our whole club had dinner at the Streets Beach (Southbank) and played in the water. We had lots of fun, and we’re excited for the rest of our days here in Brisbane,” she said.

For all up to date results and upcoming fixtures at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships - click here.

Five venues across Brisbane are hosting Australia’s next generation as part of the two-week long water polo spectacle.

Follow all the action from Brisbane online via @WaterPoloAus and get involved using the #AYWPC.

LET’S GET READY TO PARTY!

Attention ALL Clubs, join us at the AYWPC Welcome Functions that is your chance to mingle with all teams from across Australia. Don’t miss out on your tickets – click here.

View the official event merchandise on offer then head to the merch van out the front of Brisbane Aquatic Centre and buy your slice of AYWPC history – click here.

Don’t forget to make the most of your time in Brisbane and you could WIN the ultimate Aussie supporters pack using #AYWPCBrisbane - click here to download your FREE guide to Brisbane.

Take part in a Q&A with the Head Coaches from the Australian and Japanese Men’s and Women’s teams, don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity – click here for details.