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Drummoyne in historic first grade victory

Sydney (January 1).— Playing in the NSW Men's 1st Grade grand final for the first time in over 40 years Drummoyne Water Polo Club defeated Sydney University 11-9 before a packed crowd at the Ryde Aquatic Centre.

Defending premiers Sydney University outscored Drummoyne 4-1 in the opening quarter but Drummoyne remained patient and converted their opportunities in the 2nd half to secure the clubs first 1st Grade premiership since 1913. The victory in the summer competition is a good lead up to the debut of the Drummoyne Devils in the 2008 Australian National Water Polo League.

Australian Vice Captain Trent Franklin opened the scoring for Sydney Uni before an AJ Roach cross pass to Igor Bosnic leveled the scores but missed extra man opportunities and a missed penalty by Drummoyne gave Sydney Uni a 3 goal lead in the opening quarter after goals to Tom Woudwyk, Ben Turner and Trent Franklin his second. Drummoyne outscored Sydney Uni 2-1 in the 2nd quarter with Grant Richardson on target and Mitch Emery on extra man on the post. Improved defence by Drummoyne led by Sean Boyd kept Sydney Uni scoreless who went to the main break with a 4-3 lead.

In front of a noisy crowd both teams scored 4 goals in 3rd quarter for Sydney Uni to maintain a 1 goal lead going into the final quarter. A clinical performance in the final quarter by Drummoyne who finished stronger outscoring Sydney Uni 4-1 to set up their first 1st Grade title. Drummoyne’s defence continued to improve as they forcing Sydney Uni to shoot from outside but several key saves by goalkeeper John Hahn frustrated Sydney Uni. A man of the match performance by Dean Semmens saw him score his third goal, Igor Bosnic his third and Samuelle Avallone his second goal in the final quarter.

The win will give the Drummoyne Devils confidence as they prepare for their opening game away to Wests Magpies in their initial season in the Australian National Water Polo League before the Drummoyne Devils play their first home game against Brisbane Barracudas at Drummoyne pool on 28 January 2008 from 6.30pm.

Success in the Grand Final was capped off with Grant Richardson and Aidan Roach invited to play for the Australian All Stars at the Tom Hoad Cup tournament in Perth and 9 Drummoyne players were selected in teams to compete in the Australian Under 20 Nationals. Following a selection camp in Brisbane 3 girls were selected in the Under 16 Australia squad and 6 boys in the NSW teams to play in the under 20 tournament in Adelaide in January 2008.

Mens 1st Grade Grand Final Drummoyne Devils 11 (Dean Semmens 3, Igor Bosnic 3, Grant Richardson 2, Samuelle Avallone 2, Mitchell Emery 1) d Sydney University 9 (Trent Franklin 3, Ben Turner 3, Tom Woudwyk 2, Scott Nicholson 1)

Visit www.drummoynewaterpolo.com.au for more information about Drummoyne Water Polo Club and their Junior Development Program.

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