AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS - WEEK 2 DAY 2 WRAP

The competition at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships is heating up, as the 12&U and 16&U age groups reach the cross over stages.

With the halfway point of the second week of the competition fast approaching, teams put it all on the line to vye for the finals positions up for grabs.

To watch the replays from today’s livestream - click here

In the 12&U Girls division, cross town rivals Hunter Hurricanes and Sydney Uni Lions were closely matched in their final pool game.

The two Sydney clubs were inseparable, with the scores drawn at 14-14 at full time.

Teammates Carrie Phillips and Annabelle Movigliatti said they’re loving being part of Hunter Hurricanes first ever 12&U team at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

“It’s been really fun, this is the first time Hurricanes have sent a 12s team,” Phillips said.

“It’s so fun because at home we only really play against the other Hurricanes teams, and so it’s been good to play against some different teams here,” Movigliatti said.

“We love meeting people from all the other teams, getting to know our team mates better and just being able to hang around our friends every day,” Phillips added.

Hamilton Boys High School have made the trip to Brisbane from New Zealand to play at the event.

For Cole Schmidt, it was his second time in Australia in a matter of months, having travelled for the National State Championships as well at the end of 2023.

Now in Brisbane, the New Zealand team are loving the challenge of playing against a different style of water polo.

“The Aussies are probably a little bit faster than what we play against back home in New Zealand,” said Schmidt’s team mate Jacob Keightley.

“But we’re loving being here and playing against all the Aussie teams,” he said.

“I think one of the highlights for us as well was getting to watch Australia play against Japan last night,” Schmidt said.

“That was so good to watch and we really learnt a lot,” he said.

North Brisbane Polo Bears 16&U Girls have enjoyed having the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships in their own backyard this week.

For Abbey Crowe, not only has it been a great experience to play against some different teams, but to have family here to watch as well.

“We’re pretty happy to have finished first in our pool this morning,” Crowe said.

“It’s really good to be playing here in Brisbane, and to have all my family come and watch.

“It’s a really good environment, we always get really pumped up before games and it’s such a good place to be…I love my team,” she said.

Sydney Uni Lions 12&U Boys Blue have been enjoying playing some great water polo so far.

For Jamie Irvine, it’s been the experience of getting to know his team mates better that has been one of the highlights so far.

“It’s fun, everything is new to us and there’s lots of great teams for us to learn from,” Irvine said.

“Apart from getting to play lots of water polo, I love being able to hang out with my friends out of the pool.

“This is the first time I’ve been to the AYC, and I’m loving it so far.

“In the next few days we’re hoping to play well, and hopefully win some games,” he said.

For all the results from day two and upcoming draw - click here

TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE

You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC). Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.

We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences. 

CLICK HERE to find out more.