Early in the week, Sydney Uni Lions Blue coach Ivana Drakulic said her side had been building towards victory at the Water Polo NSW Under 14 Girls Championships.
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On Friday afternoon at Dubbo Aquatic Leisure Centre, all the hard work came to fruition as her side claimed the title following an enthralling final against SNB Breakers Blue.
The Lions had to endure a semi-final which went to a penalty shootout in the morning but in the grand final there was no sign of nerves or fatigue.
Sydney Uni Lions Blues shot out to a 5-0 lead early in the fourth quarter, and while an Andie Kearns-inspired Breakers Blue rallied it was a case of too little too late.
“That game this morning was so nail-biting and it was just some luck at the end of the day and I think (in the final) our girls really pushed up and started well which got us that better lead and we felt more comfortable,” Drakulic said after being dunked in the pool by her overjoyed team.
“The second half they (Lions) could play a bit more relaxed and have some fun and could do what they normally do without stressing too much and that’s something young girls can tend to do every now and then.”
The first quarter was a tense one, SNB keeper Olivia Fernie and her counterpart Victoria Ridhalgh were kept busy, and while Lions Blue had the better chances it remained 0-0 at the first break.
Breakers Blue had chances of their own but the Lions Blue pressure soon paid off and a Samantha Hardingham double, the second and outstanding goal from long distance, made it 2-0 at the main break.
The third quarter was where the Sydney Uni outfit really began to dominate.
The side created chance after chance and goals to Millie Quin and Phoebe Cummins were just rewards for some quality ball movement and build-up.
The lead was extended early in the fourth quarter when Sienna Green got in the act and scored from close range and with such a dominant lead and only minutes remaining the Lions outfit took the foot off the gas.
Kearins, who tried her heart out for Breakers Blue all tournament, scored a quickfire double and then further goals Magali Ogg and Molly Prendergast added some excitement late on but it wasn’t to be.
“SNB is always great competition and we love playing them in the regular season their coach Carla (Woolley) does a great job with them and they never give up,” Drakulic said, before speaking about the winning moment.
“The girls are thrilled and we’re really happy to bring this home for Sydney University. We’re really proud.”
UNSW Wests Killer Whales Yellow, the side which just went down to Lions Blue in the semis, finished in third place after brushing aside Hunter Hurricanes 9-1 in their match.
To cap off Lions Blue’s success, Quinn was named as player of the finals series while Green and Hardingham made the seven-player team of the tournament.
Joining those two were UNSW’s Bernadette Hughes, Madissyn Powells of Ryde and Hunter pair Jessica Norgard and Beth Martini.
In Division B, Canberra Dolphins finished as winners after downing UNSW Wests Killer Whales Black 3-1.
“I think everyone did really well and everyone had fun as well, which is good for the tournament,” Drakulic said.
Nick Guthrie
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
I started working at the Daily Liberal in 2013 and now hold the position of senior journalist. I cover all that's happening in sport in Dubbo and the wider western area and have a passion for doing so. If you've got a story that needs telling, reach out.
