Local success in pool play

Both Marlborough sides at last week’s South Island Junior secondary schools water polo tournament claimed podium finishes.

Leading the way was the Marlborough Girls’ College junior side who forged an unbeaten record over the four-day event, staged at Marlborough Lines Stadium.

They overcame particularly stiff opposition from Villa Maria College, who they played on three occasions, including Friday’s final in which they prevailed 10-6.

Four of the MGC side were included in the tournament team, namely Poppy Clark, Elizabeth Douthett, Hayley McCormick and Koko Wong.

The Marlborough Boys’ College junior side finished in third position, beating Christ’s College 20-2 in the battle for the bronze medal.

They lost to both finalists, St Bede’s and Christchurch Boys’ High School A but proved very competitive as the tournament progressed, pushing eventual winners St Bede’s hard in pool play before going down 9-6.

Goalie Fynn Russell and George Adams made the boys’ tournament team.

MGC squad: Poppy Clark, Elizabeth Douthett, Hayley McCormick, Carys McNabb, Gabby Miller, India Nathan, Katie Pugh, Libby Senior, Koko Wong.

MBC squad: Fynn Russell, Leon Edsall, Ben Lindfield, Alex McLeish, George Adams, Hugo Edsall, Stian Kuun, Mason Nicklin, Jamie Harrison, William McCallum.

Results:

MGC: bt Villa Maria 10-4; bt St Hilda’s 31-4; bt Columba 26-3; bt Columba 30-1; bt Villa 10-6; bt Villa 10-6 (final)

MBC: lost to St Bede’s 19-5; bt CBHS B 20-3; bt Kings 17-0; lost to CBHS 11-4; bt Christ’s 17-5; bt Kings 25-2; lost to St Bede’s 9-6; bt CBHS B 28-3; bt Christ’s 20-2 (third/fourth play-off).