Monday wrap | Rnd 7 OVO Australian Waterpolo League

Drummoyne Devils went up against cross-river rivals UTS Balmain Tigers as part of the OVO Play live-stream match of the week.

In the women’s event, Balmain proved too strong for the home side and they were rewarded with a 16-9 victory. Leading into the round ranked second on the ladder, the Devils men’s team were able to maintain their good form to defeat the visitors 10-5.

The Steve Large Shield, which was also contested, went to Balmain on a one-point aggregate.

Round 7 of the OVO Australian Water Polo League is also mental health round and outside of the pool the Drummoyne water polo community teamed with charitable organisation, LIVIN to raise awareness and funds for mental health.

Two-time Spanish Olympian and current Devils import Roser Tarragó understands the importance of a healthy mind and turned to counselling to support her mental health.

"At the height of my career as an Olympic athlete, I found myself trapped into a cycle of getting better, but still being told I wasn't good enough,” Roser said. 

"It got into my head and I felt trapped in a deep black hole. Someone suggested counselling. I went. It helped. I was told that was the first great step - seeking help.

“My family were so supportive.

“I stopped playing water polo for almost two years - it was too painful. I looked for other ways to find myself again: drawing, reading and surrounding myself with people and activities to become whole again. I now only play for myself and for enjoyment. And as a result I am in a much better place," she said.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

In other games, UNSW Wests travelled to Perth where the women’s and men’s teams each played Fremantle and UWA Torpedoes…twice.

It was a big weekend of water polo in the west and the players gave spectators plenty to cheer about.

To the travellers go the spoils and UNSW women won all four of their games while the men won three.

Fremantle Mariners men’s team upset UNSW’s clean sweep with a thrilling one-point defeat.

Mariners goal keeper John Hedges described it as the best win of his career.

“Definitely the best win I’ve had at this club. Best win I’ve ever had,” Hedges said. Watch more below…

UNSW teams soaked up the Perth sun with a visit to the beach.

FYFE Adelaide Jets found themselves in Brisbane, up against thunder…literally.

The home side proved too good for the Jets with the women’s team winning 12-6 and 17-4.

In the men’s event, Thunder won the first round 8-4 but lost to the Jets in a close finish, going down 8-9 in the second.

ACU Cronulla Sharks hosted UTS Balmain before they played Sydney Uni Lions on the road. The men won both games in tightly fought clashes – 12-10 against Balmain and 12-11 against the Lions.

UTS Balmain defeated ACU women 16-12 and the Lions also won against ACU women 10-8.

HANDY LINKS

CATCH UP and watch the men’s and women’s full match replays here.

View women’s upcoming OVO AWL round eight fixtures – click here.

View men’s upcoming OVO AWL round eight fixtures – click here.