Tigers tame Devils for 16&U Girls National title

Published Mon 08 Oct 2018

UTS Balmain Tigers Gold have flexed their muscles over Drummoyne Devils and claimed Water Polo Australia’s 16&U National Aged Club Championships, 7-5.

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After six days of fierce competition between 26 teams from across the nation, it all came down to the 103rd match of the tournament at Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre.

To view a match replay – click here.

In a tight battle where Tigers held a narrow lead throughout, players from both teams went up and down the pool all day long in a bid to claim the national trophy.

Devils performed well and had opportunities but just couldn’t quite execute as well as they would’ve liked.

The Tigers trio of Evie Glover-Rylah, Maeve Ryan (tournament MVP) and Nioka Thomas helped lead their side to a memorable victory.

With an experience head leading their coaching ranks in dual Olympian and former Aussie Sharks captain Nathan Thomas, the young players were able to secure the national title.

Thomas says the victory was extremely satisfying due to the growth and development he has seen in the players since taking up the coaching reigns three years ago.

“It was a tough tournament with lots of difficult games, those 13 girls are a classy team and managed to find an extra gear to lift and get the job done on the day.

“They started really well, but the Devils team were tough and fought right to the death. We were feeling the pressure, Drummoyne worked hard to bring the score line back and they were unlucky in a couple of significant moments.

“We had some courageous efforts from individuals in our team, especially our goalkeeper Evie (Glover-Rylah) who made two screaming saves late in the game,” he said.

With an approach of one game at a time for the tournament, Thomas’ key messages to the team were relatively simple.

“It’s more about making sure everyone is ready to perform at their best, making sure at the start of each game they’re focused.

“At the beginning of the last quarter they were three goals up and I just told them you’ve got six minutes between you and being a national champion – give it everything you have.

“All 13 got in the water and everyone did their job, there were no passengers, they all contributed in defence and attack. It’s great to see individuals improve but the team worked together on the goals which is what’s really satisfying,” he said.

Four members from the winning team will remain in the 16&U age group looking to defend their title at the inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships. While the nine other Championship winning players will compete in the 18&U age division in Brisbane.

In the bronze medal match, Sydney University Lions Blue prevailed over Triton Water Polo club 10-6 to claim third place.

To view all results from the tournament - click here.

Teams will now look to refresh and refocus on the next national tournament in January 2019 at the inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC) to be held in Brisbane, Queensland.

AYWPC team entries are now open! More information on this two-week festival of water polo can be found at the event web page.