BALMAIN BOYS READY TO STEP UP

After recently taking bronze at the 16&U Nationals in Perth, the Balmain men’s side is ready to step up into the U18 division come the 2019 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships that kicks off in Brisbane on 12 January.

Having played together since they were 12 years old, this tight knit team produced the best result at nationals for a Balmain boys team in some 15 years, with coach Phil Bower putting it down to years of hard work.

“Well I’ve only taken over as coach this year, but for six years they have been coached by Bronwyn Smith. 

“They have all come through together, playing together since they were 12 and 13 years old,” he said

Smith, a dual Olympian who famously won gold at Sydney 2000, ushered this junior men’s side through the divisions before handing over the baton to Bower in 2018.

Coincidentally it was Bower who used to coach Bronwyn Smith during her career, so no doubt some similar coaching styles for the boys.

Bower said next year will be the big year for his team once they get to the older end of the age division. But that hasn’t stopped them aiming high for the 2019 Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

“We have a pretty young team but I do think we’ll be competitive in Brisbane.

“Two of our boys recently went on the Australian School Boys tour and another two have been named in the 16&U Australian Squad,” he said.

As always the U18’s will be fiercely competitive, with Bower admitting there will be plenty of quality sides to watch out for.

“Wests (Magpies) are always good. UWA (Torpedoes) are also very good, they have won past U18 and U16 titles.

“In our pool Drummoyne will be very competitive and New Zealand will be an unknown… but it’s good to get experience against an international team you wouldn't always play against.

“Our focus is to finish first or second in our pool and then take it from there.

“I think the concept (Australian Youth Water Polo Championships) is great, it will be good to have all the teams together for sure,” he said.

 The 18&U Men’s and Women’s competition will kick off the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships on the 12 January, with the finals to be played on the 17 January at Sleeman Centre, Brisbane.

BE PART OF THE EXPERIENCE

Join us at the AYWPC Welcome Functions – click here for tickets.

Pre-purchase your merchandise – click here. 

Teams will have free entry to the first test match between Australia and Japan. Want to come along to the second test match? Purchase your tickets here.

Want to make the most of your time in Brisbane? Find out more - click here to download your FREE guide to Brisbane.