HISTORIC DAY FOR DRUMMOYNE DEVILS AT AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE FINALS

The Drummoyne Devils have claimed their first ever Australian Waterpolo League title, defeating Sydney Uni Lions 11-10 in today’s men’s gold medal match.

Having finished second five times in the history of the league, it was Drummoyne’s turn to hold the cup high today at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.

But it wasn’t an easy feat, Sydney Uni Lions pushing the devils to their limits throughout all four quarters.

For Drummoyne Devils and Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks captain Blake Edwards it was an emotional win.

It’s a phenomenal achievement, and for the club it means so much. We’ve had some tough years coming really close in a similar situation, and to finally achieve that milestone it just means the world.

“It really is a community effort, from the last volunteer to the last man on the roster, everyone contributed in some way to achieve this and I’m overwhelmed with joy that we managed to do it,” he said.

Edwards said he was impressed by the maturity his team showed in the dying seconds of the game.

“It’s just really important not to think about the outcome in that moment, and just the process and what your role is.

“To the guys credit, they held their calm and I thought Laurence Barker was just phenomenal in the maturity he showed in that moment and how calm he was, it was just huge.

“I’ll just keep saying it, I’m so happy,” he said.

For Edwards, it was a special occasion to share with his brother and fellow Olympian Lachlan Edwards, saying it was one of the first grand finals they’ve been able to enjoy a win.

“We’ve had many losses in grand finals, from Victoria to USC and with Drummoyne. So to finally get one done…hopefully the curse is finished now and buried.

“I think it’s a bit of a story of both of our water polo careers, things didn’t come easy for either of us - we’ve had to go through failures and disappointments.

“I hope that we can inspire other young kids, that maybe their journey is not the ideal path that they expect. But with hard work, dedication and persistence things turn around.

“I’m extremely proud of everyone involved that we were able to do it today,” he said.

In the women’s gold medal match, season favourite’s Griffith University Queensland Thunder continued their winning run to take out their third Australian Waterpolo League title.

A star studded lineup featured for the Queensland Thunder, including seven members of the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers Olympic squad.

Queensland Thunder captain and Tokyo Olympian Elle Armit said it was great to finish the season on a high.

“We’ve worked hard all season, we’ve come together well. We’ve had girls in and out of the squad with Stingers commitments and we’re just really excited to get here at the end,” Armit said.

“It was a bit of a wakeup call in the first quarter, and I think we just lifted the intensity from there and played our game all the way to the end which is good.

“Queensland is back, we’re back baby!” she said.

AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE FINALS

MEN | Drummoyne Devils 11 d Sydney Uni Lions 10

WOMEN | Griffith University Queensland Thunder 13 d Fremantle Marlins 9

For full results from today’s matches - click here