College teams claim water polo podiums

A rigorous training regime and the experience of time spent together in the pool helped teams from both Marlborough Boys’ and Girls’ Colleges claim podium positions at the recent South Island secondary schools water polo tournament.

Jellie Park in Christchurch hosted 20 boys’ and girls’ teams from across the South Island, providing plenty of tough opposition for the Marlborough contingent.

MGC clicked immediately during pool play, the result of competing together for around two years, and progressed smoothly to the semifinal stage.

After their only loss of the tournament in the semifinal, MGC took on Rangi Ruru Girls School for third and fourth position.  Once again, the girls showed their experience and skill, taking out the game 7-5.

MGC were recognised during the tournament for their “unbeatable teamwork, unbreakable spirit and unrelenting drive to succeed” with the “Altogether Better Award”.  That spirit was also seen during the boys’ games where the MGC crew provided much-appreciated vocal support for the boys.

MBC fought hard during their pool games against some accomplished rivals, losing just once, to St Bede’s Senior A team.

During the quarter finals MBC beat Burnside High, setting up a semifinal clash with Christchurch BHS, which they lost 13-3.

The play-off for third and fourth place against St Andrew’s College, was a nail biter, featuring some superb teamwork, great goals and tenacious defence. The score was 8-8 at full time, meaning a penalty shoot-out was required to decide the winner. George Adams, Jacob McLeish and Liam McIntyre all successfully scored while goalkeeper, Fynn Russell saved two penalty shots before taking the final shot to win the game 12-10.

The MGC team head north in mid-April to play in the New Zealand Secondary School tournament in Auckland.

Marlborough Water Polo Club invites anyone interested in playing water polo to come along to Stadium 2000 on Wednesday and Fridays from 5pm during term time.