UNDEFEATED LIONS TAME BARRACUDAS FOR GOLD

Sydney Uni Lions (Blue) have remained undefeated in the 16&U Men’s Australian Youth Water Polo Championships topping the podium with a 6-4 win against Brisbane Barracudas.

In another State of Origin duel Lions shot out to an early lead going into the first quarter 2-0.

Lions maintained their lead with both teams netting two goals in the second quarter.

Despite a strong fight back from the Barras in the second half, Lions continued to keep their noses in front.

Tyler Krenkels scored his third of the game to extend the Lions lead to three.  But deep in the fourth quarter Barras scored again and were within a fighting chance.

However the team from Sydney maintained their composure to claim a memorable 6-4 victory.

After scoring a hat trick, Lions co-captain Krenkels was ecstatic that all their hard work paid off in the end.

“It’s just the best, we’ve been working towards this for such a long time, nothing beats this feeling, absolutely nothing.

“Heading into the match we were focused on the intensity, we wanted to play it at our pace and we had a really strong first half which set us up well,” he said.

First time national champion Krenkels credited their head coach with the title.

“He (Dragan Bakic) is probably our secret, he’s the master mind and master planner, we wouldn’t be here without him.

“The way he talks, how he treats us and how he coaches us in and out of the pool is amazing and he has an amazing ability to make the right calls at the right time,” said Krenkels.

Bakic took control of this group three months ago when he moved to Sydney from America and said he felt relived after the final siren went.

“This is by far the best group I have ever coached.

“From the very first day they gave me so much respect and trust and I couldn’t be more proud of them because of all the hard work they’ve put in.

“There is no star player, every single one of them plays for the team which showed in the semi-final yesterday and the final today,” he said.

Already looking ahead to 2020 when the event returns to Brisbane, Bakic sent out a warning to their rivals.

“I love Brisbane, I love this place, the tournament is organised extremely well, I can’t wait to come back again next year and win it,” he said.

Lions have successfully pulled of the state and nationals double after claiming gold at the NSW state championships late last year.

The bronze medal went to DVE/Aquatic followng their 5-4 vicotyr over River City.

For full results – visit the Match Centre.

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

The 16&U Men’s competition has wrapped up at the inaugural Australian Youth Water Polo Championships which has seen 3,000 competitors from over 170 teams converge on Brisbane across two weeks.

The new event will return to the Queensland capital again in early 2020, stay tuned to www.waterpoloaustralia.com.au for more information to come.

2019 16&U MEN'S AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS STANDINGS:

Gold - Sydney Uni Blue
Silver - Barras
Bronze - DVE/Aquatic
4 - River City
5 - UWA Bears
6 - Drummoyne Devils
7 - Hunter Hurricanes A
8 - Adelaide Jets
9 - UNSW Magpies
10 - ACU Cronulla Blue
11 - Sydney Uni Gold
12 - Melville Sharks
13 - Canberra Dolphins
14 - UTS Balmain Tigers
15 - Melville Saints
16 - Sunshine Coast
17 - Sandy Bay/Honey Badgers
18 - Central Coast
19 - Ovens & Murray
20 - Ryde Rhinos
21 - ACU Cronulla Black
22 - UWA Blue
23 - Drummoyne Black
24 - Triton Blue
25 - River City Blue
26 - Adelaide Stealth
27 - Cudas
28 - Hunter Hurricanes B
29 - Toowoomba
30 - Phantoms