BARRAS WIN BATTLE OF BRISBANE

The Australian Youth Water Polo Championships 12&U Men’s gold medal match was the Battle of Brisbane with local team Brisbane Barracudas securing the title over River City in a narrow 2-1 victory.

Barras placed second in their state championships, while River City ran fourth, but both trained hard looking to take on Australia's best teams from around the country.

Previously in the tournament these two sides faced each other with the result delivering a 5-5 all draw - setting up the gold medal game for a tight match.

Barras grabbed an early lead in the final with a five metre penalty thanks to Joseph Gallagher, which proved to be the only goal until the last quarter.

In a high intensity match, both goalkeepers were crucial for their sides defensive efforts continuously repelling shots on goal until Gallagher scored his second five metre penalty to take his side two goals to nil.

River City narrowed the gap to one goal just 10 seconds later and the last moments of the match kept the crowd on the edge of their seats as River City pushed hard for an equaliser. But the Barras managed to hold on clench the gold medal with a 2-1 win.

Joseph Cervetto from Barras said his first national championships was the cherry on top of a fantastic week.

“This has been one of the best moments I have had playing water polo. It has been a really good week playing with all my mates.

“When the siren went it was so good to win the game, I can’t describe the feeling,” he said.

Barras Assistant Coach Noah Bright gave credit to the local support for getting his team over the line.

“It was amazing effort from the boys, they really lifted for this game.

“Both those two five metre penalties stood out to me, but they played well as a team for the whole match,” he said.

Speaking after the victory Bright said the new event had been a valuable opportunity for the team and himself.

“It’s been a good learning experience for everyone, I have learnt a few extra coaching tips, but I have to give credit to Kyra (Barra's Head Coach) she’s done an amazing job.

“It’s fantastic to be part of a Club like this, the energy and the comradery is pretty special,” said Bright.

Completing the podium, Sydney Uni Lions Men's claimed the Club’s second bronze medal of the day with a 3-0 win over SNB Breakers.

For full results – visit the Match Centre.

Want to watch the game? Catch the game in full on OVO Play.

The new event will return to the Queensland capital again in early 2020, stay tuned to the Water Polo Australia website for more information to come.

2019 12&U MEN'S AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS STANDINGS:

Gold - Brisbane Barracudas
Silver - River City
Bronze - Sydney Uni Lions    
4 - SNB Breakers
5 - Polo Bears
6 - UNSW Wests Magpies
7 - ACU Cronulla Sharks
8 - Mantas
9 - Sydney Uni Cubs
10 - Hunter
11 - Cudas