HISTORY MAKING AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE FINALS DAY
The men’s game was a hotly contested affair, the team’s neck and neck throughout. In the first quarter, it was the UWA Torpedoes that got an early lead, firing six goals into the back of the net.
The momentum in the second quarter swung in the favour of the UNSW Magpies, and a goal from Olympian Jarrod Gilchrist in his 300th game levelled the scores at 11-11 heading into the half time break.
An evenly matched third quarter saw the UNSW Wests Magpies take a one goal lead into the last quarter.
But it was the last quarter where UNSW upped the ante, to bring the title home, scoring six goals to claim a 23-18 win.
UNSW Wests captain Michael de Gail has been a part of all eight titles, but said today’s was extra special.
“It means the world, I’m absolutely speechless. It was such a tough final against UWA, they’re a great team. It was a full team effort, and we’re just really happy to get the job done,” de Gail said.
“To have that accolade for the club…there’s a lot of hard work from a lot of different individuals to bring it to the point where we were at, so it feels great.
“This club means absolutely so much, (I’ve played) 300 games and I just love being a part of it.
“It’s a good mix of boys, we’ve got some older guys and young talent coming through so…a lot of really, really good water polo players in the team,” he said.
In the women’s game, it was the Griffith University Queensland Thunder who won, beating the Sydney Uni Lions 12-10.
It was an historic win for the club, who have now won four of the last five Australian Waterpolo League seasons.
The defending champions came out firing, scoring three goals in the first quarter whilst also managing to keep their opponents scoreless.
The Lions hit back in the second quarter, scoring six goals to Queensland’s three, with the scores locked at 6-6 at half time.
It was an evenly matched third quarter, with three goals to each team, and all coming down to the final quarter.
Some impressive saves in the last quarter from Thunder goalkeeper Alyssa West proved the difference, handing the Queenslanders the victory.
Olympic silver medalist Alice Williams was instrumental in not only today’s win, but the success of the Thunder’s season.
“It was an interesting game because at the start we had a big lead, and then they really came back in the second (quarter),” Williams said.
“And then in the last half, it was anyone’s game which made it super exciting. Sydney Uni have such experienced, amazing players like Keesja (Gofers) and Anni (Espar), so you can never take your foot off the pedal, you can never relax.
“I think it was an exciting game and we’re really happy to come away with the win,” she said.
For Williams, she was proud to see so many of the next generation taking the step up into the AWL ranks this year and rising to the occasion in today’s final.
“I’ve really enjoyed this season - for me this year it’s been a bit different because I’ve been in a bit more of a leadership role.
“So it was really exciting for me, and I was really honoured to be alongside them for their first big games,” she said.
