2024 AUSTRALIAN YOUTH WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS - DAY 2 WRAP
Published Sun 07 Jan 2024
More fun in the sun on day two of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, as junior players across Brisbane put it all on the line for club honours.
With teams traveling from Western Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and right across Australia as well as USA and New Zealand, the level of talent is high.
Tasmanian brothers Darcy and Willoughby Johnson are relishing their time in the sunshine state, and loving the level of competition that the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships has to offer.
“I’m really proud of the team’s efforts so far, especially in our game this afternoon we all persevered and ended up winning,” Darcy said.
“We’ve spent almost two years training with each other, so we have a lot of team cohesion. We’ve played against each other in club competition as well so we know how each other play and we can really work off that as a team,” he said.
“It’s pretty nice to be in Brisbane, the city is like nothing we’ve seen. The first day we got here we were a bit shocked with how humid it was, definitely took a bit of getting used to,” Willoughy said.
“I think the boys are enjoying, and being able to come up here is a privilege and we’re super thankful to be here,” he said.
Returning to Brisbane after a year away, Queensland sides are relishing the home State advantage at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.
18&U Girls defending champions, Mermaid’s Pink, are off to a strong start in their title defence with four consecutive wins.
Sienna Owen from the Mermaid’s team, is enjoying being back at AYWPC in her hometown.
“We do feel a little home ground advantage for sure. Sleeping in our own beds every night, we are comfortable and know these pools and a home crowd of course. Hopefully we can use this to our advantage.
“Every team we come up against at the AYC we have to work our best, we’ve been training for this forever and every chance we get to keep moving forward is a great opportunity.
“Everyone’s goal is to hopefully finish on top. But for us we just want to know we’ve done the best we can.
“Some of us have been playing together for five years, we do have some newcomers, but we all gel together really well and we get on amazingly,” she said.
In the 14&U Girls, cross town rivals UQ Barras and All Hallows School went head to head, with the Barras delivering a strong win.
UQ Barra’s Annabelle Spall said her side is pleased with how the tournament is going for their side so far.
“That game was a bit tough in the first quarter, but we pulled out in the last quarter.
“We are starting to work together as a team and this event is giving us a good opportunity [to play]. This is our second year playing together as a team and our first AYC together.
“It’s great to be able to get to know people and play against other teams that I haven’t played against before. We are out here to have fun and want to be able to do our best,” she said.
Sunshine Coast’s Edward Sheppard, said his 14&U Boys team, is enjoying his first ever time at the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.
“This is my first year of AYWPC. It’s really good… I like competing against teams from all across the country.
“We’ve had some new kids join the team and we’ve been training together over the last couple of weeks.
“We are hoping we can win [AYWPC] or a medal,” he said.
For all the results from day two and upcoming draw - click here
ORD MINNETT TEST MATCH SERIES
The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will also be in Brisbane for the AYWPC, playing in a three test match series. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.
TOP 17 THINGS TO DO IN BRISBANE
You’ll have a ball in Brisbane while here for the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships (AYWPC). Plunge into the city and surrounds with this list of must-do experiences, from island hopping and adrenaline-fueled fun, to a foodie feast and endless summer sport.
We hope to see you, your team and family out and about exploring Brisbane’s must-do experiences.
CLICK HERE to find out more.
