NEWSLETTERS

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 30 MAY 2007

Finals Series Just Incredible
Long days and equally tough ones for the spectators and officials let alone the players made for an intriguing Finals Series.Staged at Sydney University (and thanks to the club officials under Bruce Hammond for their fantastic contribution) on the first two days for the Elimination Finals and then on to SOPAC for the Semifinals, Grand Finals and Bronze-Medal matches.
Those who turned out enjoyed the action in what proved to be a very close series in both divisions.
KFC Queensland Breakers used a three-game strategy over outgoing champions Fremantle Mariners in the men’s series and then used the barest minimum of games against perennial grand finalists Sydney University Lions in the main event.
It was the first crown for the club after being admitted to the NWPL in 2003.
Minor premiers Wests waterpolo Magpies, who succumbed to the Lions in the semifinals in a two-game series, could only go away with the bronze medal and the scalp of Fremantle Mariners, whose run of 10 consecutive Grand-Final appearances came to an abrupt halt.
Fremantle Marlins women maintained their amazing run at the finals with a third crown in four years and going two better than last year’s bronze medal.
It was not so easy though, having to go to a third game to beat KFC Queensland Breakers in the semifinals.
However, in the Grand Final series it was much easier with a four-goal and a five-goal advantage over Brisbane Barracudas.
The Breakers collected bronze with a one-goal win over Sydney University Lions.
 
Extra Time, Sudden Death
Four of the Elimination Finals were won by one goal. Brisbane needed a third game to defeat outgoing champions Cronulla Sharks.
Then it became really interesting. The Breakers needed extra time and nearly three minutes of sudden death to defeat Fremantle Mariners on the opening day of the semifinals. Two other games were within two goals.
The Breakers women needed extra time to down the Marlins on the second day to force a third game. Fremantle men thumped the Breakers by 10 goals to force a third game in the men’s series. Sydney Uni men needed extra time and 1:49 of sudden death to defeat Wests for the clean sweep. Brisbane women needed extra time to pass the Lions and win the series.
By comparison teams were spent and the finals were tame affairs, if one can say that.
All in all, a fantastic series and probably one of the closest on record.
 
Awards Night A Success
The awards dinner staged at the Harold Park Paceway on the final night was a grand success.
Many thanks to MC Kurt Hanson and special guests Neil Martin, President of Swimming Australia, and Bryan Wilson, of the Australian Sports Commission, who presented awards.
For those who missed the night it was a full dinner with a few drinks and nearly 300 sat down to witness the awards presentation.
 
Keen Spectators
Well done to the KFC Queensland Breakers spectators who flew south for the final day and the function. This handful of hardy screamers witnessed their club emerge as the country’s leading club with gold and bronze medals.
 
Busy website
Many thanks to the hundreds of people who followed the blow-by-blow descriptions of the matches and photos during the week. We could see people logging in and out and the large number of hits proved that the hard work was worthwhile.
 
Finals Photos
Superb action photos were taken by Anthony Pearse and a comprehensive range of these can be viewed on his website www,pearsephotography.com.au. We urge you to check in and see what is on offer. Remember, you might not be playing again and you should buy some photographs to remember in your olds age!
 
Milestones
Milestones achieved in the season included players passing the following number of games:
Trent Birkett        300 (and 501 goals)
Craig Miller          250
Alistair Vich         250
Gavin Woods       200
Peter Tresise        200
Adam Richardson 200
Matthew Martin   150
 
Acknowledgements
Many thanks to all those people who have made the NWPL the success it was in a demanding year with games straddling seven months because of the FINA World Championships. To the NWPL General Manager Peter Hobday, NWPL Commission, clubs, coaches, athletes, managers, assistants, spectators and pool staff around the country, well done. We look forward to meeting you all again in the 2008 series.
 
Siblings win MVP Awards
Brother and sister Olympians Gavin and Taryn Woods have won Australia’s top water polo awards for 2007.
The Balmain Tigers pair gained the Most Valuable Player awards for the National Water Polo League season at the awards dinner in Sydney.
Gavin, who capped a stellar year with a fine showing at the FINA World Championships in Melbourne, won the Charles Turner Medal and Taryn the Debbie Watson Medal.
At least one newspaper phone the NWPL Media Director to ask why she wasn’t in the national team and would she be making herself available?
KFC Queensland Breakers’ Anthony Martin and Fremantle Marlins’ Katie Finucane were named MVPs of the Finals Series with gutsy efforts all week. Who could forget the fantastic lone goal of Martin in the grand-final series to cap the titles?
 
2007 NWPL Awards
Men:
NWPL Champions Trophy (Premiers): KFC Queensland Breakers.
Southern Cross Trophy (Minor premiers): Wests waterpolo Magpies.
Charles Turner Medal (Season MVP): Gavin Woods (Balmain Tigers).
Tom Hoad Medal (Finals MVP): Anthony Martin (KFC Queensland Breakers).
Highest goal-scorer: Richard Campbell (Wests waterpolo Magpies) 57.
All Star team: James Stanton (Fremantle Mariners), Richard Campbell (Wests waterpolo Magpies), Aaron Feltham (Victorian Tigers), Rhys Howden (Brisbane Barracudas), Craig Miller (Cronulla Sharks), Phil Reid (Hunter Hurricanes), Gavin Woods (Balmain Tigers).
Women:
NWPL Champions Trophy (Premiers): Fremantle Marlins.
Southern Cross Trophy (Minor premiers): Fremantle Marlins.
Debbie Watson Medal (Season MVP): Taryn Woods (Balmain Tigers).
Finals MVP: Katie Finucane (Fremantle Marlins).
Highest goal-scorer: Nikita Cuffe (Sydney University Lions) 70.
All Star team: Lea Barta (UNSW Killer Whales); Gemma Beadsworth (Fremantle Marlins), Lisa Callahan (Adelaide Jets), Nikita Cuffe (Sydney University Lions), Mel Rippon (Brisbane Barracudas), Jenna Santoromito (Cronulla Sharks), Taryn Woods (Balmain Tigers).
 
Final Series Results
Men:
May 21:
Elimination Final A1: Victorian Tigers 10 (A Schoneberger 3, L Gavin 2, R Moody, A Feltham, S Boyd, C Gronow, S Lewis) Sydney University Lions 9 (A Visch 3, T Franklin, G Richardson 2, R Maitland, L Hollis).
Elimination final B1: Fremantle Mariners 12 (P Tresise, M Ainsworth 3, T Seress, T Neesham 2, T Cleland, A Richardson) Balmain Tigers 11 (G Woods 4, N Falzon, C Dyson, T Delany 2, A Laws).
May 22:
Elimination Final A2: Sydney University Lions 9 (N Cargill 3, J Young, A Visch 2, G Richardson, T Woudwyk) Victorian Tigers 7 (R Moody, I Lark 2, L Gavin, C Gronow, T Birkett).
Elimination final B2: Fremantle Mariners 11 (P Tresise, T Neesham, D Lawrence, M Ainsworth 2, N O’Halloran, A Younger, A Richardson) Balmain Tigers 5 (T Delany 4, G Woods). Fremantle wins series 2-0.
Elimination Final A3: Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin 3, G Richardson, A Visch 2, R Maitland, K Mitchell) Victorian Tigers 5 (A Feltham 2, C Gronow, A Edwards). Lions win series 2-1.
May 23:
Semifinal A1: KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (B Miller, S Dornin 2, C Corbin, T Jenkins, A Martin, M McCann) Fremantle Mariners 7 (T Neesham 3, N O'Halloran, D Lawrence, M Ainsworth, A Richardson) at 2:59 into sudden death (FT: 6-6. ET: 7-7).
Semifinal B1: Sydney University Lions 14 (G Richardson, T Woudwyk 3, T Franklin, R Maitland, J Young 2, L Hollis, K Mitchell) Wests waterpolo Magpies 13 (J Cotterill 4, R Campbell, D Stein 3, T Marks, S Cody, D Streets).
May 24:
Semifinal A2: Fremantle Mariners 14 (J Swift 3, N O'Halloran, T Seress, M Ainsworth 2, T Cleland, P Tresise, D Lawrence, J Dodd, A Richardson) KFC Queensland Breakers 4 (D Marsden 2, J Votan, S Dornin).
Semifinal B2: Sydney University Lions 10 (R Maitland, G Richardson, A Visch 2, T Franklin, L Hollis, T Woudwyk, K Mitchell) Wests waterpolo Magpies 9 (J Cotterill, S Cody, M Turnbull 2, R Campbell, D Stein, D Streets) 1:49 into sudden death (FT: 9-9. ET: 9-9). Sydney University wins series 2-0.
Semifinal A3: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (S Dornin 3, A Martin 2, D Marsden, B Miller, C Corbin, S Robertson) Fremantle Mariners 7 (T Cleland 2, N O'Halloran, T Seress, T Neesham, M Ainsworth, D Lawrence). KFC wins series 2-1.
May 25:
Grand Final 1: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (S Dornin 4, D Marsden, B Miller, C Corbin, A Martin, D Semmens) Sydney University Lions 7 (T Franklin, G Richardson 2, N Cargill, R Maitland, K Mitchell).
May 26:
Bronze medal final: Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (D Streets, J Cotterill 4, R Campbell, D Stein 2, D Swinnerton, M Turnbull) Fremantle Mariners 9 (N O'Halloran, T Neesham 2, T Cleland, T Seress, P Tresise, J Swift, M Ainsworth).
Gold medal final 2: KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (A Martin 3, D Marsden, S Dornin 2, D Semmens) Sydney University Lions 6 (T Franklin, T Woudwyk, L Hollis, G Richardson, K Mitchell, A Visch). KFC wins series 2-0.
Women:
May 21:
Elimination Final A1: KFC Queensland Breakers 15 (B Knox 5, S Mills 3, N McCarthy, A Hetzel, K Miller 2, S Horgan) Balmain Tigers 10 (T Woods 4, L Simms, A Turnbull 2, N Dyson, N Saville).
Elimination Final B1: Cronulla Sharks 17 (B Appel 4, J Santoromito, N Zagame, K Gruber 3, H Lincoln-Smith, J Liessmann, E Douglass, C Kerr) Brisbane Barracudas 15 (K Gynther 5, S Smith 4, J Moran, M Rippon 3).
May 22:
Elimination Final A2: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (B Knox 3, S Horgan, N McCarthy, S Fraser, S Mills, A Hetzel, K Miller) Balmain Tigers 8 (T Woods 5, L Simms, L Varlow, A Turnbull). KFC wins series 2-0.
Elimination Final B2: Brisbane Barracudas 10 (J Moran 3, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh 2, M Rippon) Cronulla Sharks 9 J Liessmann, J Santoromito 2, B Appel, H Lincoln-Smith, A Miller, E Douglass, K Gruber) in extra time. FT: 8-8.
Elimination Final B3: Brisbane Barracudas 10 (J Moran 3, M Rippon 2, S Smith, C Grayson, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh) Cronulla Sharks 8 (H Lincoln-Smith 3, B Appel, J Liessmann, J Santoromito, E Douglass, K Douglass). Brisbane wins series 2-1.
May 23:
Semifinal A1: Brisbane Barracudas 14 (S Smith 4, M Rippon 3, J Moran, K Gynther 2, G Wikman, C Grayson, K Bryce) Sydney University 12 (N Cuffe 8, M Hammond 2, L Robertson, K Gofers).
Semifinal B1: Fremantle Marlins 9 (G Beadsworth 4, G Ralph 3, K Finucane 2) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (N McCarthy, S Fraser, B Knox, S Mills, K Miller).
May 24:
Semifinal A2: Sydney University Lions 10 (M Hammond 3, N Cuffe, K Gofers 2, A Russell, L Robertson, J Whitehorn) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (K Gynther 4, S Smith, C Grayson 2, K Bryce).
Semifinal B2: KFC Queensland Breakers 13 (A Hetzel 5, S Fraser 3, S Mills 2, N McCarthy, B Knox, K Miller) Fremantle Marlins 12 (K Finucane 3, G Beadsworth, S Wheelock, G Ralph 2, L Chaves, B Brooks, Z Arancini).
Semifinal A3: Brisbane Barracudas 12 (J Moran 4, K Gynther 3, M Rippon 2, A Miller, E Keogh, C Miller) Sydney University Lions 11 (J Whitehorn, M Hammond 3, K Gofers 2, L Robertson, N Cuffe, S Cuffe) in extra time (FT: 10-10). Brisbane wins series 2-1.
Semifinal B3: Fremantle Marlins 9 (K Finucane 4, G Beadsworth, S Wheelock, B Brooks, G Ralph, Z Arancini) KFC Queensland Breakers 7 (S Fraser, A Miller, A Hetzel 2, B Knox). Fremantle wins series 2-1.
May 25:
Grand Final 1: Fremantle Marlins 11 (Z Arancini 3, K Finucane, S Wheelock, B Brooks 2, G Ralph, L O'Halloran) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (K Gynther 3, M Rippon 2, A Miller, K Bryce).
May 26:
Bronze medal final: KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (N McCarthy 3, S Fraser 2, L Hawkins, B Knox, A Hetzel) Sydney University Lions 7 (N Cuffe, J Whitehorn 2, L Robertson, K Gofers, M Hammond).
Gold medal final 2: Fremantle Marlins 11 (K Finucane, G Ralph 3, G Beadsworth, B Brooks 2, L O'Halloran) Brisbane Barracudas 6 (K Gynther 3, G Wikman, J Moran, C Miller). Fremantle wins series 2-0.
 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER 07 MAY 2007

Congratulations
Well done to the 12 teams who have already qualified for the NWPL Finals in Sydney.
With a week to run in the preliminary rounds no results can change the top six in each division but the men’s positions could shuffle.
KFC Queensland Breakers currently holds down second spot on the ladder with three games in hand. With the threatening Victorian Tigers, fifth on the ladder, due in Brisbane this weekend, the Breakers’ position could be under consideration.
Should the Tigers win both games, the Breakers will need to call on their unplayed game with Balmain to decide the final position. At the start of the season the game was called off when the lights failed at Dawn Fraser Pool. That game would be played in Sydney next week.
However, should the Breakers go with form and win both, the unplayed game may not be played.
Wests waterpolo Magpies need to beat Cronulla to confirm top spot. Fremantle Mariners in third and Sydney University Lions in fourth, having finished their campaigns, are confirmed but it up to Victorian Tigers to see what the final placings will be. Balmain Tigers have the sixth position.
Fremantle Marlins women swept aside UWA Comets last night and have top place almost sewn up with just two matches against St George Dragons remaining.
Sydney University Lions are hot on Fremantle heels and can’t be shifted from the top two. Balmain Tigers and the two Brisbane teams are shuffling for position while reigning champion Cronulla has sixth place.

The Coming Week
St George Dragons continue their late charge following three games last weekend. They will fly to Perth and take on the two women’s teams, Fremantle Marlins and UWA Comets. The Victorian Tigers travel to Brisbane for a full weekend programme; Cronulla hosts UNSW Killer Whales and Wests; Hunter finishes its season by hosting Balmain on Saturday and Cronulla on Sunday.

Finals Format
The Elimination Finals start at Sydney University on Monday, May 21 from noon. There is an early afternoon session for the women’s matches and evening games for the men.
Tuesday games start at 9am to allow for the contingency of having a third game in the series later in the day.
The fourth team will play the fifth team and the third team the sixth team in each division.
From the Wednesday, all games will be staged at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre (SOPAC).
Games start at 3.45pm and run until 9.20pm.
Thursday matches start at noon and finish after third games, if necessary.
Grand finals start on Friday with the matches at 6pm and 7.45pm.
Saturday’s bronze-medal games are at 8.30am and 10.15am. The second grand-final matches are noon and 1.45pm. If required, the third women’s match would be at 3pm and the men’s at 4.45pm.

Finals Function
Details of this important function, with the distribution of awards, will be released next week.

Points Tables
Check out www.australianwaterpolo.com.au and go to the NWPL links.

Last Week’s Results
Men:
May 3:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 12 (P Reid, R O’Brien 4, N Campbell, S Berry, T Hunt, C Eames) Adelaide Jets 8 (A Martin 3, N Martin 2, J Thomas, P Harmer, M Thomas).
May 4:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 8 (R O’Brien, C Eames 2, N Campbell, S Berry, T Hunt, P Reid) Adelaide Jets 6 (P Harmer 2, N Martin, M Radosavljevic, A Martin, C Martin).
May 5:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (B Miller, A Martin 3, D Marsden, S Dornin 2, T Jenkins, T Knox, J Votan, S Robinson) Brisbane Barracudas 6 (R Howden, J Hopkins 2, S Gynther, C Petersen).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 11 (T Franklin, G Richardson 2, N Cargill, R Maitland, L Hollis, J Young, A Visch, B Turner, K Mitchell) Cronulla Sharks 7 (R Tracy 4, B Kinsel 2, S Hedlund).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 22 (A Feltham 6, R Moody 5, L Gavin, C Gronow, T Birkett, J Thompson 2, A Schoneberger, S Lewis, M Corr) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, C Martin 3, W Gibbs).
May 6:
In Newcastle: Sydney University Lions 14 (T Franklin, J Young, A Visch 3, N Cargill 2, R Maitland, L Hollis, K Mitchell) Hunter Hurricanes 4 (P Reid 2, M Rapsey, C Eames).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 13 (R Moody, L Gavin 3, A Schoneberger 2, L Disken, C Gronow, M Bridgeman, T Birkett, J Thompson) Adelaide Jets 6 (N Martin, P Harmer, A Martin, M Thomas, C Martin, J Frost).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 15 (P Tresise 4, T Seress, A Richardson 3, N O’Halloran, D Lawrence 2, S Kovalenko) UWA Torpedoes 4 (M Lucas, L Campbell, B Roslyn, T Jasper).
Women:
May 3:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 10 (L Magann, C Benzie, B Russell 2, S Jones, J Bendeich, K Jones, N McJannet) Adelaide Jets 5 (P Kerry 2, S Murphy, L Callahan, L Maksimovic).
May 4:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 5 (L Magann 3, G Sainsbury, B Russell) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan 2, S Murphy, K Green).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 12 (S Cuffe 4, L Robertson 3, M Hammond 2, J Whitehorn, K Gofers, B Day) St George Dragons 10 (K Card 5, A Bartho, J Cox 2, A Brightwell).
May 5:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (S Mills 3, A Hetzel 2, S Fraser, L Hawkins, B Knox) Brisbane Barracudas 5 (M Rippon 2, S Smith, J Moran, K Gynther).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 6 (E Walsh 3, J Liessmann, J Santoromito, K Gruber), Sydney University Lions 5 (L Robertson 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond, B Day), Balmain Tigers 6 (L Varlow, T Woods 2, L Simms, Y Schmidt) St George Dragons 3 (A Brightwell 2, K Card).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 10 (R Webster 5, C Henderson 2, A Van Ommen, E Rossato, C Banks) Adelaide Jets 7 (L Callahan 4, S Murphy, P Kerry, J Green).
May 6:
In Newcastle: Sydney University Lions 10 (Y Higgins, M Hammond 3, K Gofers, A Cox, S Cuffe, B Day) Hunter Hurricanes 3 (J Hoade 2, L Magann).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 11 (H Lincoln-Smith 4, K Gruber 3, A McCormack, J Santoromito, S Davie, K Douglass) St George Dragons 3 (K Card 2, S Hart).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (R Webster 3, A Van Ommen, R Kelly, E Rossato, C Henderson 2, S Hurst, A Scattolin, K Dowling, L Baldwin) Adelaide Jets 7 (S Ricketts 3, E O’Neill 2, P Kerry, J Green).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 15 (G Beadsworth 5, K Finucane 4, S Wheelock 2, L Chaves, E Neesham, G Ralph, L O’Halloran) UWA Comets 3 (G Hadley 2, J Avins).

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER APRIL 30, 2007

The Week That Was
A lot of emphasis was on how Fremantle Mariners would go against the table-topping Wests waterpolo Magpies. The first game was a beauty and Wests showed how good they were with a 14-8 victory. The return match on Sunday morning, with a large crowd, saw Wests on top early before Mariners mounted a comeback and won the game 10-7.
Therefore there is no clear indication who would win the crown should they get through the semifinals and face again.
Coaches Erkin Shagaev (Wests) and David Swift (Fremantle) said their teams were rusty after the long break. Wests looked rusty in the first UWA Torpedoes clash but had the firepower to win easily. Good to see the Torpedoes play a top game.
Swift bemoaned the fact that he has not played his full team all year and with Tim Neesham out, Christian Hoad added to the worries with a poke in the eye in the first clash with the Magpies.
The UNSW Killer Whales would have been happy with their road trip, winning twice in Adelaide, beating the UWA Comets and drawing with them while having the two losses to the top-of-the-table Fremantle Marlins.
The sidelining of Gemma Hadley for the first clash with the Killer Whales was a huge talking point at UWA and gave them no chance of making the finals.
Up in Brisbane there was plenty of action with the Hunter Hurricanes showing their force but not quite getting over the line. The Hurricanes men pressured the second-ranked KFC Queensland Breakers, belying their lower rank on the ladder. Following a five-goal loss to the Breakers on Thursday, the Hurricanes followed up with three one-goal losses to the Brisbane Barracudas and Breakers.
The Hurricanes women found it tougher but still managed to score a lot of goals, including 11 in one match.
The St George Dragons headed north for no reward.
In Sydney the much-anticipated clash between Sydney University Lions and Balmain Tigers gave the home team Lions a two-goal victory. Balmain is without Bec Rippon, who is playing in Greece, and she was sorely missed again.
Balmain Tigers without a sick Gavin Woods, is not the team of old and lost heavily to the Lions. Cronulla Sharks even took Balmain to task at the weekend while the Cronulla women had a great win over Balmain, as well.

Aussie Stingers Team Named
The Aussie Stingers were named for the upcoming World League encounters in China and head coach Greg McFadden said he had a chance to select players outside the recent silver-medal-winning World Championship team. Congratulations to those women who are fine-tuning their skills in the NWPL before heading overseas. Most noticeable high performers in the NWPL recently to gain the nod include Brisbane Barracudas’ Sophie Smith and Jane Moran.
Team:
Goalkeepers: Alicia McCormack (Cronulla Sharks), Victoria Brown (Victorian Tigers).
Centre forwards/centre backs: Nikita Cuffe (Sydney University Lions); Erin Douglass, Holly Lincoln-Smith (Cronulla Sharks); Gemma Beadsworth, Katie Finucane (Fremantle Marlins).
Counter attackers/drivers/shooters: Suzie Fraser, Sarah Mills (KFC Queensland Breakers); Jane Moran, Sophie Smith, Kate Gynther (Brisbane Barracudas); Jenna Santoromito (Cronulla Sharks); Rowena Webster (Victorian Tigers); Gemma Hadley (UWA Comets).

This Week’s Action
Games start tomorrow and Thursday night in Newcastle when Hunter hosts Adelaide Jets. The Jets then play their two games in Melbourne against Victorian Tigers. Hunter also hosts Sydney University while in Perth the two clubs have their second round of derbies. The Breakers and Barracudas face off in Brisbane. St George Dragons have a busy hosting time, playing Sydney Uni, Balmain and Cronulla.
Clean Scoresheets
Just a small request to fill out all the sections of the scoresheets, with totals, etc. Always good to have the name of the teams up top and please fax or scan the top sheet.

Points Tables
Check out the current table at www.australianwaterpolo.com.au and go to the NWPL/scores section.

Last Week’s Results
Men:
April 24:
In Adelaide: Wests waterpolo Magpies 13 (R Campbell 5, J Cotterill 3, D Swinnerton 2, D Stein, S Cody, K Graham) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, P Harmer 2, M Martin, C Martin, M Thomas).
April 25:
In Adelaide: Wests waterpolo Magpies 16 (J Cotterill 5, K Graham 3, R Campbell, D Stein 2, S Cody, A Donovan, D Robinson, M Turnbull) Adelaide Jets 7 (P Harmer, C Martin 3, T Martin).
April 26:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (A Martin 3, R Crowe 2, T Jenkins, T Knox, M McCann, S Dornin) Hunter Hurricanes 4 (S Berry 2, M Rapsey, C Eames).
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 17 (D Stein 4, R Campbell 3, P De Gail, K Graham, M Turnbull 2, D Swinnerton, A Donovan, J Cotterill, D Streets) UWA Torpedoes 7 (B Roslyn, B McGhie 3, L Swanson).
April 27:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 10 (J Hopkins 3, K Smoker, D Gynther 2, R Howden, A Yeates, C Petersen) Hunter Hurricanes 9 (N Campbell, M Rapsey, R O’Brien 2, S Berry, P Reid, C Eames).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 16 (K Miller 4, A Visch 3, G Richardson, M Baird 2, N Cargill, T Franklin, R Maitland, D Carrick, J Young) Balmain Tigers 5 (A Laws, T Delany 2, C Dyson).
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (R Campbell, J Cotterill, S Cody 3, M Turnbull 2, K Graham, D Stein, D Swinnerton) Fremantle Mariners 8 (T Cleland 4, J Swift, T Seress, P Tresise, D Lawrence).
April 28:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (S Dornin 4, J Votan 2, B Miller, C Corbin, T Jenkins) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (P Reid 4, R O’Brien 2, E Deloraine, C Eames).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 12 (C Miller, B Kinsel, S Mackenzie 3, B Bacharach, M Timilty, N Russell) Balmain Tigers 2 (N Falzon, A Laws).
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 13 (T Marks 3, J Cotterill, S Cody, K Graham 2, D Swinnerton, A Donovan, D Streets, D Robinson) UWA Torpedoes 4 (B Mercer 2, L Campbell, T Jasper).
April 29:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (R Howden, K Smoker, J Hopkins 2, D Gynther, D Young) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (T Hunt, P Reid 2, M Rapsey, C Eames, R O’Brien).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland, P Tresise 3, N O’Halloran 2, T Seress, M Ainsworth) Wests waterpolo Magpies 7 (R Campbell, J Cotterill 3, P De Gail).
Women:
April 24:
In Adelaide: UNSW Killer Whales 8 (C Flynn 3, K Armstrong, A Carter, M Kearney, H Hawtin, S Rees) Adelaide Jets 7 (L Callahan 4, J Green 3).
April 25:
In Adelaide: UNSW Killer Whales 9 (H Hawtin 4, K Armstrong 3, C Flynn 2) Adelaide Jets 6 (L Callahan 4, S Ricketts 2).
April 26:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 13 (M Rippon 5, J Moran 3, K Gynther 2, S Smith, K Bryce, C Miller) St George Dragons 5 (A Brightwell, K Card 2, A Bartho), KFC Queensland Breakers 15 (A Hetzel 4, S Fraser, B Knox, S Mills 3, N McCarthy, A Richardson) Hunter Hurricanes 11 (L Magann 4, B Russell 3, K Jones 2, J McJannett, C Benzie).
In Perth: UNSW Killer Whales 14 (C Flynn 5, K Armstrong, A Carter, K Moran 2, S Grunberger, M Kearney, K Mirabito).
April 27:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (B Knox 4, S Mills 2, S Fraser, A Richardson, Y Farry, K Miller) St George Dragons 6 (A Brightwell 3, J Cox 2, K Card), Brisbane Barracudas 17 (J Moran, K Gynther 5, M Rippon 3, C Miller 2, S Smith, A Miller) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (C Ellis, B Russell 2, L Magann, J Bendeich, G Sainsbury).
In Sydney: Sydney University 12 (N Cuffe 7, T Gofers 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond, S Cuffe) Balmain Tigers 10 (N Dyson, L Simms, L Varlow, T Woods 2, N Saville, Y Schmidt).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 12 (G Beadsworth, K Finucane, B Brooks 3, L Chaves, S Wheelock, Z Arancini) UNSW Killer Whales 4 (A Carter 3, M Kearney).
April 28:
In Brisbane: KFC Breakers 18 (B Knox 4, S Fraser, A Richardson, K Miller 3, S Mills 2, S Horgan, A Hetzel, S Farquhar) Hunter Hurricanes 11 (L Magann, N McJannett, C Benzie 2, S Jones, J Bendeich, G Sainsbury, T Eliott, B Russell), Brisbane Barracudas 14 (K Gynther 4, J Moran 3, S Smith, G Wikman, K Bryce, H Robinson, E Keogh, C Miller, M Rippon) St George Dragons 6 (A Brightwell, R Lissa 3).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 8 (J Santoromito 3, H Lincoln-Smith 2, E Walsh, S Davie, K Gruber) Balmain Tigers 4 (L Simms, T Woods 2).
In Perth: UWA Comets 10 (J Avins 3, C Rechichi, G Hadley 2, A Anderson, Z Hadley, J Earl) UNSW Killer Whales 10 (H Hawtin 5, S Rees 2, K Armstrong, A Carter, K Mirabito).
April 29:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 16 (S Fraser 4, K Miller 3, R Beckett, N McCarthy 2, B Knox, A Richardson, S Mills, A Hetzel, S Farquhar) St George Dragons 3 (A Brightwell 2, R Lissa), Brisbane Barracudas 14 (J Moran, K Gynther 5, H Brisbane 2, S Smith, N Stoltz) Hunter Hurricanes 3 (C Ellis, S Jones, T Elliott).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 15 (G Beadsworth 6, B Brooks 4, G Ralph 2, K Finucane, S Wheelock, Z Arancini) UNSW Killer Whales 4 (H Hawtin 2, S Grunberger, K Armstrong).

 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER APRIL 23, 2007

The week that was
Balmain Tigers were the big winners of the week while the KFC Queensland Breakers men enjoyed their trip to Sydney.
Balmain Tigers men were unbeaten in four games in Perth (three wins and a draw), as well as the two matches in Adelaide. Winning four in Perth is normally unheard of so the Tigers look like strong finals contenders as the big two — Fremantle Mariners and Sydney University Lions — begin to fade. The Breakers have slipped into second place on the ladder behind Wests waterpolo Magpies, who make their trip west this week, while the Mariners, with two draws and three losses in their bag, are now third. Beating the Mariners twice quite comfortably and then following up with another two wins against the hapless UWA Torpedoes, who had three players and a coach sent from the game yesterday, proved a fantastic visit to Perth. The Balmain women gained four from six but could not get past competition leaders Fremantle Marlins, despite a 10-9 loss in the second clash. The Balmain team has been playing controlled water polo all season and has survived the loss of some leading players from past years. The Breakers women had a tough trip south with just the one win over reigning premiers Cronulla Sharks. The biggest shock came in the return match with Cronulla. An 11-4 winner on Thursday, KFC could not score the goals required and went down 11-5 on Saturday — a 13-goal turnaround. The Sharks are in fifth slot currently, the same position it rose to win the title from last year. Hunter Hurricanes women gained their second win of the season yesterday when they defeated St George Dragons 9-8 to cement 10th place.
Plenty of draws
Draws have been big this season with the top three men’s teams all having two. Sixth-placed Victorian Tigers and 11th Hunter Hurricanes also have two.
In women’s, Brisbane Barracudas have three and the UNSW Killer Whales gained their second when battling to a 5-all score with St George Dragons on Saturday.

Finals venues decided
ELIMINATION FINALS
The best-of-three Elimination Finals will be played at the most economic venue on the Eastern Seaboard over the period 19 - 22 May. Consideration will be given to playing the games at the venue of the highest qualifying team. Venues will be advised when positions on the ladders become clear. In the meantime, clubs may wish to make tentative pool bookings for games during that time period.
SEMIFINALS & MEDAL GAMES
The best-of-three Semifinals, the Bronze Medal game and the best-of-three Gold Medal games will be played at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre, 23 - 26 May.
PRESENTATION DINNER
The venue of the Presentation Dinner will be advised shortly.

Player looking for work
A Serbian player is looking to play in Australia. Srdjan Zivanovic is 22 years old and hails from Becej. He started training at six, playing at eight and has played one year in first division and three seasons in second division. Can play centre forward but best at centre back and the wings. “I was on long list for National team and I played for team of Vojvodina. My Coaches were Petar Kovacevic and Aleksandar Anastasijevic. In proximity I give 2-3 goals per game, in season i give 19-20 goals. I swim 50m in 26-27s and 100m in 57-58s. I am 181cm/89kg.I played international tournament in Hungary last season.”
He can be contacted at srdjanzivanovic@yahoo.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or +381 64 3118278.

This week’s matches
A busy week is scheduled with Wests heading west in what could be a magnificent series with the Fremantle Mariners, should they turn up with their best game. Wests travel with their UNSW Killer Whales counterparts and will play in Adelaide en route. The Brisbane teams host the Hunter Hurricanes while Sydney University is at home to Balmain in some mouth-watering matches. Cronulla is also hosting Balmain, on Saturday, and the Breakers women are at home to St George.

Last week’s results
Men:
April 17:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 9 (C Wright, C Dyson, G Woods, T Delaney 2, P Wormleaton) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, M Martin 3, A Martin).
April 18:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 12 (G Woods 3, C Wright, C Dyson, T Delany 2, N Falzon, A Laws, J Miller) Adelaide Jets7 (P Harmer 2, N Martin, T Martin, A Martin, C Martin, M Martin).
April 19:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 3 (B Bacharach, B Kinsel, C Rourke) KFC Queensland Breakers 2 (D Marsden, R Crowe).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 8 (N O’Halloran, T Seress 2, T Cleland, D Lawrence, A Younger, M Ainsworth) Balmain Tigers 8 (G Woods 5, C Dyson 2, M Stewart).
April 20:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (D Semmens 3, S Robertson 2, B Miller, C Corbin, A Martin, T Knox, S Dornin) Sydney University Lions 6 (T Franklin, R Maitland 2, N Cargill, G Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 12 (G Woods 5, C Wright, T Delany 2, N Falzon, A Laws, M Stewart) UWA Torpedoes 6 (M Lucas, A Ilic 2, L Campbell, T Jasper).
April 21:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (C Corbin 3, B Miller, A Martin 2, D Semmens, T Knox, J Votan, S Dornin) Cronulla Sharks 4 (N Ling 2, B Kinsel, R Tracy).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 7 (T Delany 3, G Woods 2, N Falzon, C Dyson) Fremantle Mariners 5 (T Cleland 2, C Hoad, N O’Halloran, D Lawrence).
April 22:
In Sydney: KFC Breakers 14 (B Miller 4, A Martin, S Dornin 3, C Corbin, T Jenkins, J Votan, M McCann) Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin, R Maitland 3, N Cargill, L Hollis, G Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 10 (G Woods 3, A Laws, C Wright 2, J Miller, T Delany. P Wormleaton) UWA Torpedoes 7 (A Ilic 3, M Lucas, P Gaunt, R Whaitiri, T O’Keefe).
Women:
April 17:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 9 (L Simms 5, E Barnes 3, R Sturevski) Adelaide Jets 5 (L Callahan 3, J Martin, J Green).
April 18:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 15 (N Dyson, L Varlow, T Woods 3, L Simms, Y Schmidt 2, K Schmidt, R Sturevski) Adelaide Jets 4 (J Martin 2, P Kearney, J Green).
April 19:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (S Fraser, A Hetzel 3, S Mills 2, N McCarthy, L Hawkins, B Knox) Cronulla Sharks 4 (B Appel, A King, J Santoromito, S Davie).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 12 (S Wheelock, G Ralph, Z Arancini 3, K Finucane, E Neesham, B Brooks) Balmain Tigers 5 (T Woods 3, K Schmidt, L Simms).
April 20:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 17 (N Cuffe, T Gofers 4, A Russell, S Cuffe, K Gofers 2, L Robertson, J Whitehorn, M Hammond) KFC Queensland Breakers 12 (S Fraser, A Hetzel 3, N McCarthy, S Mills 2, B Knox, A Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 11 (E Simms, T Woods 3, N Dyson 2, K Schmidt, L Varlow, E Barnes) UWA Comets 7 (G Hadley 4, C Rechichi 2, C Ainsworth).
April 21:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 11 (J Santoromito 3, H Lincoln-Smith, N Zagame 2, A Miller, J Liessmann, E Walsh, K Gruber) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (B Knox 2, N McCarthy, S Fraser, S Mills), UNSW Killer Whales 5 (C Flynn 2, M Kearney, H Hawtin, S Rees) St George Dragons 5 (K Card 3, R Lissa, J Cox).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 10 (Z Arancini 4, G Beadsworth 3, G Ralph 2, S Wheelock) Balmain Tigers 9 (L Simms 6, N Dyson, K Schmidt, N Saville).
April 22:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 16 (N Cuffe 6, L Robertson, K Gofers 3, T Gofers 2, A Russell, M Hammond) KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (S Mills 3, S Horgan, S Fraser, B Knox 2, S Farquhar), HUNTER HURRICANES 9 ST GEORGE DRAGONS 8 scoresheet not supplied)
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 10 (T Woods 3, N Dyson, E Simms, L Varlow 2, Y Schmidt) UWA Comets 7 (A Anderson 2, J Avins, J Reynolds, G Hadley, Z Hadley, J Sanders). 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER — APRIL 17, 2007
Welcome to the final leg of the long 2007 National Water Polo League season. Fewer crowds have turned out to the opening games of the final session of matches, mainly due to the end of the summer season, World Championships finishing and the cooler weather.
However, there are still plenty of top matches expected.
Last week’s watch
There is some serious jockeying of positions at the top of the table. In the men’s section, Wests waterpolo Magpies and Fremantle Mariners are grappling for top position. It just depends on what day it is. The Mariners looked ordinary in their victories over Brisbane Barracudas and those matches gave the Barracudas plenty of assistance in edging out UWA Torpedoes twice. Wests beat Hunter Hurricanes easily to share top spot with the Mariners but have a few of games in hand. Adelaide Jets’ performances against Sydney University Lions proved interesting with some close results. Earlier, the Lions swung through Melbourne and managed a draw and a three-goal win over the Victorian Tigers, proving that the southern team has more than finals aspirations.In women’s play, the big result was the Barracudas’ defeat of Fremantle Marlins. The Marlins are top of the ladder and Brisbane showed that with the big two players — Kate Gynther and Mel Rippon — it is a class team. Throw in Sophie Smith, who has returned from playing in Italy, and Jane Moran and the Barracudas are definite finals contenders. While Fremantle and UWA had eyes for the top two, Smith and Moran harvested goals with regularity. Sydney University enjoyed the trip to Melbourne with two good wins. Hunter is proving tough in its first year, losing by just two goals to the UNSW Killer Whales.Busy coach
Neil Gynther is more of a stock market man. He bet on his stocks at the weekend when he took the Brisbane Barracudas to Perth and coached both teams. Not a bad visit. The women won three matches and the men twice for a better-than-50-percent average that most teams have trouble achieving in the West.
FINA World Championships
Congratulations to all our competitors and officials at the FINA World Championships in Melbourne and especially to the women on their silver-medal success.
Also, well done to Kate Gynther and Mel Rippon for making the World Seven. It was so good to see so many National League officials involved in the organisation from around the country. Thanks also to Jon Sieben for his efforts in producing such a wonderful, smooth-running venue. Many other FINA officials were envious of water polo’s facility.
Canadian influence remains
It’s great to see that the Canadian contingent has stayed on after the World Championships and competing the National League until the end. Their contributions will be vital when it comes to the finals series. The Canadian team created the upset of the tournament when it beat Romania 9-8 on the opening day of men’s competition — probably due in part to playing in Australia and training against the Aussie Sharks in Perth before the competition.
This week’s games
The week starts early with Balmain Tigers on the road, playing in Adelaide tonight and tomorrow before tripping off to Perth for the busy weekend of matches against Fremantle and UWA. The KFC Breakers head to Sydney to play Sydney University Lions and Cronulla Sharks in double-headers. UNSW Killer Whales host St George Dragons and the Dragons host Hunter Hurricanes on Sunday.
Goal of the Week
Adelaide Jets’ goalkeeper Nathan Portlock scoring from his goalmouth in the match against Sydney University Lions.
Last Week’s Results
Men:
April 12:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (A Feltham 5, L Gavin 4, R Moody 2, A Schoneberger, S Boyd, C Gronow, J Thompson) Sydney University Lions 15 (T Franklin, K Mitchell 4, N Cargill, G Richardson 2, J Sayegh, J Young, A Visch).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 18 (N O’Halloran 5, M Ainsworth 3, T Cleland, D Lawrence 2, T Seress, J Swift, S Kovalenko, A Lee, N Johnson, A Richardson) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (J Hopkins 3, R Howden 2, K Smoker, D Young, C Petersen, B Bol).
April 13:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 11 (K Mitchell 5, N Cargill, T Franklin, R Maitland, A Visch, T Woudwyk, J Sayegh) Victorian Tigers 8 (A Schoneberger 2, R Moody, L Gavin, S Boyd, C Gronow, S Lewis, M Corr).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (R Howden, S Gynther 3, J Hopkins, C Peterson) UWA Torpedoes 7 (B Mercer 5, B McGhie 2).
April 14:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 16 (J Cotterill, K Graham 3, R Campbell, M Turnbull, D Stein, S Cody 2, A Donovan, D Robinson) Hunter Hurricanes 6 (P Reid 2, S Berry, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, C Bryant).
In Fremantle: Fremantle Mariners 14 (T Cleland, T Seress 3, N O’Halloran, P Tresise 2, J Swift, S Kovalenko) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (K Smoker 3, J Hopkins, C Petersen 2, R Howden, D Young).
April 15:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 9 (R Campbell, K Graham, M Turnbull 2, J Cotterill, D Stein, D Streets) Balmain Tigers 8 (A Laws, C Dyson, T Delany 2, J Davis, J Miller), Cronulla Sharks 8 (B Bacharach, C Miller, B Kinsel 2, C Rourke, C Batty) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (P Reid 3, N Campbell, T Hunt, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, R Brown).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 13 (T Franklin 5, J Young, A Visch 2, G Richardson, R Maitland, N Cargill, M Baird) Adelaide Jets 11 (N Martin, M Martin 3, P Harmer 2, C Martin, M Radosavljevic, N Portlock).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 12 (S Gynther 3, J Hopkins, C Petersen 2, R Howden, K Smoker, D Gynther, D Hicks, D Young) UWA Torpedoes 10 (B McGhie 5, M Lucas 2, B Roslyn, A Ilic, T Jasper).
Women:
April 12:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 12 (T Gofers 4, N Cuffe, J Whitehorn 2, A Russell, A Cox, B Day, K Gofers) Victorian Tigers 4 (S Hurst 2, L Baldwin, H Morrison).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 11 (G Beadsworth 5, B Brooks 4, K Finucane, L Chaves) Brisbane Barracudas 8 (S Smith 4, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh, C Miller).
April 13:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 17 (N Cuffe 4, L Robertson, J Whitehorn, T Gofers 3, M Hammond 2, A Cox, K Gofers) Victorian Tigers 8 (L Webster 3, R Webster 2, R Kelly, E Rossato, C Henderson).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 17 (M Rippon 4, A Miller, J Moran 3, G Wikman, K Gynther, S Smith 2, E Keogh) UWA Comets 9 (J Avins, G Hadley, J Sanders 2, A Prestegaard, A Anderson, J Reynolds).
April 14:
In Sydney: UNSW Killer Whales 11 (K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn 2, M Kearney, K Mirabito, H Hawtin, S Rees, K Moran) Hunter Hurricanes 9 (L Magann 5, L Benzie 2, N McJannett, B Russell).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (J Moran 5, S Smith, K Bryce, C Miller) Fremantle Marlins 6 (G Beadsworth, B Brooks 2, K Finucane, S Wheelock).
April 15:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 13 (J Santoromito, E Walsh, N Zagame, K Gruber 2, B Appel, A Miller, J Liessmann, K Douglass, B Santoromito) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (L Magann 5, C Benzie 2, K Jones), Balmain Tigers 10 (N Saville, T Woods 4, K Schmidt, N Dyson) UNSW Killer Whales 5 (K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn, K Mirabito, H Hawtin).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 18 (N Cuffe 5, T Gofers 4, S Cuffe, J Whitehorn, L Robertson 2, K Gofers, M Hammond, A Cox) Adelaide Jets 12 (L Callahan 8, J Martin 2, L Maksimovic, S Ricketts).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 17 (S Smith 7, M Rippon 3, J Moran, G Wikman 2, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh) UWA Comets 11 (A Prestegaard, G Hadley 4, C Rechichi 2, A Anderson).  

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 23, 2007
The week that was
KFC Queensland Breakers men, undefeated going into their trip west, held Fremantle Mariners to a 10-all draw in the first clash but then foundered in the second.
This meant the Breakers went from top of the ladder to third with a 7-2-1 record from 10 games.
Fremantle solidified second place as Wests waterpolo Magpies completely stunned the Sydney University Lions with a whopping victory at the Peter Montgomery Pool.
The 14-6 margin gave Wests an 8-2-1 record and an 81.82 percentage, ahead of Fremantle with 80.77.
Breakers have 80.0 and with Sydney Lions and Victorian Tigers over the 70 percent mark, it shows just how tight the competition is.
The Breakers had two wins over the UWA Torpedoes to go with the tough Fremantle duels, making for a successful trip.
The Cronulla Sharks travelled to Melbourne and lost to the Tigers twice with the second game a heartening 9-7 loss.
The Sharks then went on to Adelaide and won twice.
Balmain Tigers hosted Hunter Hurricanes and won both men's and women's matches 10-6.
The win keeps Balmain well and truly in the six.
The Lions men bounced back from the Wests loss to hammer Hunter 19-5 on Sunday.
In women's play, Fremantle increased its hold on top spot with two victories over the Breakers, both quite comfortably after some flat patches.
Hot on its heels is Balmain who is potentially just a half-win behind Fremantle.
The only game of the week was against Hunter and sets Balmain up for a tremendous second half of the season.
Sydney Uni Lions holds third spot well ahead of Brisbane Barracudas.
The Lions beat UNSW Killer Whales 13-8 and then battered the Hurricanes 27-8 with Nikita Cuffe scoring a season-high 10 goals and probably the highest of the young women's league.
The Breakers found it tough against Fremantle and just as hard against the UWA Comets before winning the latter games 16-5 and 16-12.
The Comets have now slipped to sixth after heading the ladder at New Year.
The Breakers are one step ahead with 10 points better percentage.
The Killer Whales picked up a rare win with an 8-5 margin over St George.
The Adelaide Jets could not gain anything from their clashes with Cronulla, turning a promising 14-8 game into a 19-2 loss the following day.
Long Break
The NWPL now takes a mid-season break, the longest in the sport's history, as national squads prepare for the FINA World Championships in Melbourne in the latter half of March.
The next NWPL games will not be played until April 12.
Junior Nationals in Perth
Plenty of NWPL faces can be seen in Perth this week with Breakers coach Jodie Taylor refereeing and a huge number of our leading players contesting the week-long championships.
Wests' Richard Campbell was in fine form for NSW yesterday and Fremantle's Gemma Beadsworth rattled Tasmania's cage with her shooting.
NSW is once again the favourite in both events.
FINA World Championships
The FINA World Championships are being staged in Melbourne in March with the women's competition kicking off the programme on March 19.
Women alternate with men so there are eight games daily in the preliminary rounds with Australia down to play in the evening slots.
Check out www.melbourne2007.com for more details and make the effort to get to the venue to support our teams.
New website
The old nwplaus.com website is now defunct and everything pertaining to the NWPL can be found on www.australianwaterpolo.com.
Results:
Men:
January 18:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (R Moody 5, I Lark 4, C Gronow, M Bridgeman 2, A Feltham, T Birkett) Cronulla Sharks 9 (S Mackenzie, C Miller 3, R Tracy 2, B Kinsel).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland, M Ainsworth 3, T Seress, T Neesham 2) KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (A Martin 3, D Marsden, C Corbin 2, B Miller, D Semmens, M Birch). January 19:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 9 (A Feltham 3, S Boyd 2, A Schoneberger, T Birkett, I Lark, J Thompson) Cronulla Sharks 7 (S Mackenzie, R Tracy 2,B Bacharach, C Miller, B Kinsel).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (B Miller 3, D Marsden, S Dornin 2, C Corbin, R Crowe, A Martin, J Votan, M Birch, S Robertson, M McCann) UWA Torpedoes 5 (J Balczer 2, B Roslyn, B McGhie, A Ilic).
January 20:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (R Campbell 4, J Cotterill 3, T Marks, M Turnbull 2, D Swinnerton, D Stein, S Cody) Sydney University Lions 6 (J Sayegh 3, T Franklin, L Hollis, K Miller),
Balmain Tigers 10 (A Laws, G Woods 3, T Delany 2, C Dyson, M Lazic) Hunter Hurricanes 6 (P Reid 3, N Campbell, S Berry, R Brown).
In Adelaide: Cronulla Sharks 15 (B Bacharach 4, C Miller 3, B Kinsel, N Ling, C Rourke 2, N Russell, S Nicholson) Adelaide Jets 4 (T Martin, A Martin, P Harmer, W Gibbs).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 12 (T Cleland 4, N O'Halloran 3, T Neesham 2, C Hoad, T Seress, D Lawrence) KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (D Marsden 3, S Dornin 2, B Miller, A Martin, T Knox). January 21:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 19 (R Maitland 5, N Cargill, T Franklin 3, A Visch, T Woudwyk, K Miller 2, M Baird, J Sayegh) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (R Brown 4, N Campbell, S Berry, M Rapsey, P Reid).
In Adelaide: Cronulla Sharks 7 (B Bacharach 3, C Miller, S Mackenzie, C Rourke, R Tracy) Adelaide Jets 5 (M Martin 3, M Thomas 2).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 15 (S Dornin 4, D Marsden, B Miller, A Martin, T Knox, M Wilson 2, M McCann) UWA Torpedoes 6 (B McGhie 3, B Roslyn 2, A Ilic).
Women:
January 17:
In Sydney: UNSW Killer Whales 8 (S Rees 2, K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn, M Kearney, E Polkinghorne, H Hawtin) St George Dragons 5 (R Lissa, K Card 2, A Brightwell).
January 18:
In Melbourne: Cronulla Sharks 12 (J Santoromito 5, H Lincoln-Smith, J Liessmann, S Davie 2, K Gruber) Victorian Tigers 5 (R Webster, K Dowling, L Baldwin, H Morrison, S Langley).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 10 (G Beadsworth 5, S Wheelock, B Brooks 2, E Neesham) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (S Mills 3, S Fraser, A Hetzel).
January 19:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 13 (N Cuffe 4, T Gofers, K Gofers 3, S Cuffe 2, M Hammond) UNSW Killer Whales 4 (K Armstrong, A Carter, E Polkinghorne, H Hawtin).
In Melbourne: Cronulla Sharks 8 (H Lincoln-Smith, A Miller, K Gruber 2, J Liessmann, J Santoromito) Victorian Tigers 6 (A Van Ommen, R Webster, L Baldwin 2).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 16 (K Miller, A Hetzel 4, N McCarthy, S Fraser, S Mills 2, L Hawkins, A Richardson) UWA Comets 9 (C Rechichi, G Hadley 3, A Prestegaard 2, J Avins).
January 20:
In Sydney: Balmain Tigers 10 (N Saville, T Woods 4, N Dyson 2) Hunter Hurricanes 6 (L Magann 3, C Ellis, N McJannet, S Onweller).
In Adelaide: Cronulla Sharks 14 (K Gruber 4, J Santoromito 3, A Miller, N Zagame 2, B Appel, H Lincoln-Smith, J Liessmann) Adelaide Jets 8 (J Bowen, L Callahan 2, S Ricketts, I Bishop, J Martin, J Green).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 14 (G Beadsworth, S Wheelock, B Brooks 4, G Ralph, Z Arancini) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (N McCarthy, S Mills 2, B Knox).
January 21:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 27 (N Cuffe 10, A Russell 5, Y Higgins, K Gofers 3, A Cox, B Day 2, L Robertson, M Hammond) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (S Onweller, B Russell 3, L Magann, C Ellis).
In Adelaide: Cronulla Sharks 19 (A Miller 7, K Gruber, J Santoromito 3, H Lincoln-Smith 2, B Appel, J Liessmann, C Kerr, A Timilty) Adelaide Jets 2 (L Maksimovic 2).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 16 (S Fraser, L Hawkins, B Knox, S Mills 3, S Horgan, N McCarthy, A Richardson, S Farquhar) UWA Comets 12 (A Prestegaard 4, G Hadley, Z Hadley 2, K Louw, C Ainsworth, A Anderson, C Rechichi).  

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - JANUARY 18, 2007
Weekly wrap
The previous week it was Wests waterpolo Magpies beating Sydney University Lions.
This week it was the turn of Victorian Tigers to upstage a leading team - Fremantle Mariners.
And it wasn't a narrow win as the 11-10 scoreline indicates.
Fremantle was 5-1 down late in the second quarter and 10-6 behind early in the final period.
It took a flurry of goals by Fremantle to get back in the race but it was too late and Victoria had scored a fine victory.
The tables were turned in the return match with Fremantle not making the same mistake as the night before.
The game was level at two, three and four by halftime.
A one-goal edge in the third and a two-goal advantage in the fourth sealed the game.
The leaderboard looks interesting with KFC Queensland Breakers still with a tight grip on the No 1 position.
Fremantle is second and it will be looking to reverser the trend when the two meet in Perth this weekend with the first game tonight.
KFC, however, has 10 percentage points advantage.
Wests has nudged into third and Sydney Uni is in the unusual position of fourth with Vic Tigers close behind in fifth.
Filling sixth position are Balmain Tigers with a comfortable margin over seventh-ranked Adelaide Jets.
Eighth-place UWA Torpedoes went to Sydney at the weekend and beat Cronulla Sharks twice but lost to the Lions in both matches.
Brisbane Barracudas made the trip south and lose to Balmain Tigers twice and twice to Wests with only the final match a blow-out.
Adelaide Jets showed plenty of guts against Fremantle at home in their encounters, keeping the first game close for the first half before allowing the Mariners full rein.
Fremantle Marlins had a four-game run in Adelaide and Victoria to head the leaderboard with a comfortable margin over Balmain Tigers, who have surprised many after the defection of some top players.
Balmain's 11-8 victory over Brisbane Barracudas and the excellent effort of Sydney Olympian Taryn Woods showed that Balmain has a committed team capable of going the distance in May.
Sydney Uni's two victories over the UWA Comets lifted the team to third place, just ahead of the Breakers who will be stretched on their visit West.
Brisbane is fifth and the Comets sixth.
Brisbane was aided by two wins over the UNSW Killer Whales while the Comets were unlucky to lose 9-8 to Cronulla after a three-goal win two nights before.
The week ahead
The Breakers head west and start tonight against the Fremantle teams at Bicton Pool.
These should be defining games and the women's clash with the Comets will also be top matches.
Cronulla heads to Victoria and while the men will struggle the women should claim a game or two over Victoria if current form prevails.
The games with Adelaide should be exciting with the Adelaide women threatening to claim a big scalp soon.
The Wests-Sydney Uni clash on Saturday should a be a humdinger with the Lions' pride at stake.
The Lions also host Hunter Hurricanes.
St George and UNSW have a derby to sort out and it will be close.
Tom Hoad Cup on television
December's Tom Hoad Cup documentary will be aired on Channel 9 in WA on Sunday at 11am.
It incorporates all the games and some stunning tourism vision with the athletes enjoying WA fare.
The documentary will be viewed in China, Japan, Italy and South Africa to a potential audience of hundreds of millions of people.
For those inter-state, get a WA friend to video for you.
Results:
Men:
January 11:
In Sydney: UWA Torpedoes 13 (A Ilic 5, B McGhie 3, B Mercer, J Balczer 2, B Roslyn) Cronulla Sharks 12 (B Bacharach, C Miller 3,N Ling, S Mackenzie 2, M Howden, S Hedlund),
Balmain Tigers 13 (G Woods 5, A Laws 3, J Miller 2, M Lasic, T Delany, A Roach) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (J Hopkins 4, R Howden, D Gynther, D Young, C Peterson, B Bol).
January 12:
In Sydney:
Wests 16 (J Cotterill 6, R Campbell 4, D Stein, K Graham 2, P De Gail, D Robinson) Brisbane Barracudas 5 (J Hopkins 2, R Howden, K Smoker, B Bol).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Mariners 17 (P Tresise 5, T Neesham 4, T Seress, N O'Halloran 3, A Richardson, D Lawrence) Adelaide Jets 7 (M Martin 3, M Thomas 2, A Martin, N Martin).
January 13:
In Sydney: UWA Torpedoes 12 (B McGhie 5, A Ilic 4, J Balczer 2, M Lucas) Cronulla Sharks 7 (B Bacharach 3, C Miller, B Kinsel, N Russell, R Tracy),
Balmain Tigers 15 (G Woods 7, A Laws, C Wright, T Martin 2, N Falzon, J Miller) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (R Howden 4, J Hopkins 2, M Giles).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Mariners 13 (T Seress, N O'Halloran 4, T Neesham 3, S Kovalenko, D Lawrence) Adelaide Jets 4 (M Thomas, A Martin, N Martin, L Vezzosi).
January 14:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 11 (R Maitland, J Young, J Sayegh 2, N Cargill, L Hollis, G Richardson, M Baird, K Mitchell) UWA Torpedoes 3 (B McGhie 2, J Balczer),
Wests waterpolo Magpies 23 (R Campbell 7, D Robinson, K Graham 3, D Swinnerton, J Cotterill, D Stein, M Turnbull 2, A Donovan, P De Gail) Brisbane Barracudas 4 (D Young 2, R Howden, M Giles).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 11 (A Feltham 7, R Moody, A Schoneberger, L Gavin, C Gronow) Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland 3, N O'Halloran, P Tresise, T Neesham 2, T Seress).
January 15:
In Melbourne: Fremantle Mariners 9 (M Ainsworth 3, N O'Halloran 2, C Hoad, T Cleland, T Seress, D Lawrence) Victorian Tigers 6 (R Moody 3, L Gavin, C Gronow, T Birkett).
Women:
January 11:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 15 (N Cuffe 7, S Cuffe 4, E Ashton 2, A Russell, J Whitehorn) UWA Comets 13 (G Hadley 6, C Rechichi 4, A Prestegaard 2, J Avins).
January 12: In Sydney: Brisbane Barracudas 16 (K Gynther 7, J Moran, M Rippon 3, H Robinson, E Keogh, C Miller) UNSW Killer Whales 5 (C Flynn, H Hawtin 2, S Rees).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Marlins 13 (S Wheelock 4, G Ralph 3, G Beadsworth, Z Arancini, L Neilsen 2) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan 2, J Green, L Maksimovic).
January 13:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 9 (J Santoromito 3, J Leissmann, K Douglass 2, H Lincoln-Smith, C Kerr) UWA Comets 8 (A Prestegaard 3, C Rechichi, Z Hadley 2, C Ainsworth),
Balmain Tigers 11 (T Woods 4, N Dyson 3, L Varlow 2, L Simms, Y Schmid) Brisbane Barracudas 8 (M Rippon 4, K Bryce 2, K Gynther, E Keogh).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Marlins 13 (G Beadsworth 4, G Ralph 3, S Wheelock, Z Arancini 2, L O'Halloran, A Solin) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan, E Dearman, S Murphy, P Kerry).
January 14:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 14 (N Cuffe 4, E Ashton, M Hammond, S Cuffe, B Day 2, J Whitehorn, A Cox) UWA Comets 10 (C Rechichi, G Hadley 3, J Avins, K Louw, A Anderson, Z Hadley),
Brisbane Barracudas 12 (K Gynther 5, J Moran. M Rippon 2, C Grayson, E Keogh, C Miller) UNSW Killer Whales 5 (H Hawtin 2, K Armstrong, E Polkinghorne, S Rees).
In Melbourne: Fremantle Marlins 12 (G Beadsworth 5, Z Arancini 3, S Wheelock 2, E Neesham, L Neilsen) Victorian Tigers 4 (R Webster 2, C Henderson, L Baldwin).
January 15:
In Melbourne: Fremantle Marlins10 (G Beadsworth 4, Z Arancini 2, A Solin, S Wheelock, G Ralph) Victorian Tigers 4 (R Webster 3, R Kelly).  

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER — January 9, 2007
We trust you have recovered from your festive activities and raring to go during this short NWPL session before the long break.
The week that was
There were plenty of local derbies and the Tiger Derby during the weekend with the highlight being Wests waterpolo Magpies’ victory over the Sydney University Lions. Erkin Shagaev’s outfit has threatened to hit the big time with a finals appearance last season and now topping one of the biggies.
Westys did it at the Lions’ den, as well, winning 10-9. The match swung both ways with Wests holding the upper hand with 3-1, 5-3 and 6-4 margins in the second period before finishing halftime 6-5 up. Wests led 7-5 in  the third before the Lions drew level at 7-all at 4:36 with no further goal in the period. Aussie Sharks vice-captain Trent Franklin then struck with two goals inside a minute at the top of the fourth for a 9-7 lead. Several minutes later Daniel Streets pulled one back on extra. Lions goalie Robin Randall gave up a penalty at 2.34 and Johnno Cotterill drew Wests level at 9-all. Daniel Swinnerton sealed the game with an action goal at 1:12 in Wests favour.
It was the Lions’ second loss of the season, having split their series with Fremantle Mariners before Christmas. It was Wests second win of the season, having defeated Cronulla Sharks 14-2 at home on Saturday.
The Mariners dealt with UWA Torpedoes in their derby, winning 17-9 with Hungarian Tibor Seress emerging with a damaged eye before halftime. Peter Tresise and former UWA player Mitchal Ainsworth scored three each for the Mariners in a game where the players constantly verbalised their knowledge of the rules to the referees. KFC Queensland Breakers maintained their great run this season with a 14-7 margin over Brisbane Barracudas. USA international Spencer Dornin (KFC) top-scored with four goals while Rhys Howden and Clark Peterson valiantly kept the Barracudas’ flag flying with three goals each.
Balmain Tigers headed off Victorian Tigers after being two down early in the first quarter. However, three unanswered goals gave Balmain the lead at the quarter break. Victoria, however, pounced in the second quarter with a five-goal burst – three action goals, one on extra and one from the penalty line. This became 8-5 and Balmain made three in a row for 8-all by 2:35 in the third with four coming from the field. Chris Gronow and Trent Birkett, the league’s most capped player, had Victoria ahead 10-8 by the break.
Veteran Nick Falzon scored on extra at 3:42 and two goals from Troy Delany inside a minute on action had the game in Balmain’s favour. Victoria took two timeouts but couldn’t equalise.
Brisbane Barracudas women turned the tables on the Breakers with a 9-8 victory on Saturday.
The hosting Barracudas had the Musgrave crowd happy with a 3-1 start, which stretched to 5-1 several minutes into the second period. By halftime it was 6-2. At 7-2 Barracudas looked comfortable and by the next break it was still an 8-4 margin. Amy Hetzel, Sarah Mills and Hetzel again, had the game at a nail-biting 8-7. Gabby Wikman made it 9-7 at 2:41 on extra. Mills drilled another at  1:23 for 9-8 and, despite taking a timeout on extra at 0:38, could not convert. Barracudas’ Cara Tyler gained the three fairest and best points.
Sydney University Lions, with Nikita Cuffe in fine form, beat St George Dragons 8-3 but only after St George led heading into the final quarter –3-2. Cuffe and Melissa Hammond scored two each with Joanne Whitehorn and Hanna Ingle netting in a much-needed 6-0 period.
Balmain Tigers beat Victorian Tigers 11-5 thanks to three goals by Sydney Olympian Taryn Woods in the first half. The 7-2 lead at halftime proved the decider despite Balmain’s Nicole Dyson and Yasmin Schmid being fouled out of the game. The return match was closer with Balmain winning 7-4 with Balmain ahead 4-2 at halftime thanks to three goals in the second quarter to Nicole Saville. A 3-0 third period to Balmain claimed the game.
Cronulla Sharks head coach John Davie will be pleased his team is starting to win games again after the hangover of winning last season. The Sharks buried the UNSW Killer Whales 13-2 and St George 14-2 with Holly Lincoln-Smith providing five goals in the former and six goals in the latter.
The Killer Whales also lost to Sydney University Lions 15-6.
What’s on this week
Brisbane Barracudas make the trip south to Sydney and clash with Balmain, Wests and UNSW twice each.
UWA travels to Sydney to play Cronulla and Sydney University twice while Fremantle journeys to Melbourne to play Victorian Tigers twice and to Adelaide for two more encounters.
Want to see water polo clips?
Check out www.youtube.com and type in water polo to get thousands of video clips. Perhaps we can load some NWPL clips to the site?
Tom Hoad Cup
Some of the wildest scenes in Australian water polo history were played out at the fourth annual Tom Hoad Cup in Perth during the Christmas-New Year period.
Serbian team Partizan Belgrade claimed the title from Fremantle Mariners 9-7 as Serbian spectators jammed in on poolside lit three flares and set off a smoke bomb during the encounter. This followed the setting off of a flare in the Partizan-Brescia game two nights earlier. It was a class tournament with some hot games and included the national teams of China (just crowned Asian champion), South Africa and a Japanese universities team. The Brescia team from Italy was unlucky not to beat Fremantle on the second night but played a superb game against Partizan and then had to work against China to win the bronze medal. Up to 2500 people packed in for each of the last two nights in what wast he best event yet and included six teams instead of the normal four. Eight teams may play this year.
Results:
Men:
January 6:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (S Dornin 4, A Martin 3, D Marsden, M Birch 2, C Corbin, T Jenkins, M McCann) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (R Howden 3, C Peterson 3, K Smoker).
In Sydney: Balmain Tigers 11 (T Delany 4, C Dyson 3, N Falzon 2, A Laws) Victorian Tigers 10 (L Gavin, A Feltham 3, A Schoneberger, C Gronow, T Birkett, J Thompson) Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (J Cotterill 5, D Stein, T Marks, K Graham 2, D Swinnerton, T Blewitt, S Cody) Cronulla Sharks 2 (C Miller, B Kinsel).
January 7:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 10 (R Campbell, D Swinnerton 3, D Streets 2, J Cotterill, D Stein) Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin 4, N Cargill, G Richardson, A Visch, T Woudwyk, K Mitchell).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 17 (P Tresise, M Ainsworth 3, N O’Halloran, T Neesham, S Kovalenko 2, C Hoad, T Seress, D Lawrence, A Younger, A Richardson) UWA Torpedoes 9 (B Mercer, A Ilic, N Tzvetanov 2, B McGhie, J Balczer, P Easton).
Women:
January 6:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 9 (K Gynther 3, M Rippon, J Moran, G Wikman 2) KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (S Fraser 3, S Mills, A Hetzel 2, B Knox).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 8 (N Cuffe 4, M Hammond 2, J Whitehorn, H Ingle) St George Dragons 3 (K Card 2, A Brightwell), Balmain Tigers 11 (T Woods 4, N Saville, L Varlow, T Schmid 2, L Higlett) Victorian Tigers 5 (C Henderson, S Hurst, A Van Ommen, R Webster, H Morrison), Cronulla Sharks 13 (H Lincoln-Smith 5, J Santoromito 3, B Appel, A Miller, S Davie, N Zagame, K Gruber) UNSW Killer Whales 2 (S Grunberger, A Carter).
January 7:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 15 (N Cuffe 5, A Russell 3, M Hammond, S Cuffe 2, J Whitehorn, A Cox, M McKee) UNSW Killer Whales 6 (H Hawtin 3, S Rees 2, M Kearney), Balmain Tigers 7 (N Saville 4, L Sims 2, T Woods) Victorian Tigers 4 (H Morrison 2, A Van Ommen, C Banks), Cronulla Sharks 14 (H Lincoln-Smith 6, J Leissmann, S Davie 2, B Appel, K Douglass, N Zagame, K Gruber) St George Dragons 2 (A Brightwell, A Gofers).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 13 (G Ralph 5, S Wheelock 4, E Neesham, Z Arancini 2) UWA Comets 9 (A Anderson 3, G Hadley, Z Hadley 2, E McNeil, C Rechichi). 

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER - NOVEMBER 27,
2006 2007 NWPL Season Begins
Welcome to the new season and we trust that this elongated version doesn't tire you out before the finals in May. Most will know that the XII FINA World Championships in March have contributed to a three-prong attack on the NWPL with this first phase continuing until December 17; the second phase is on January 4-21 and the third phase on April 12 until probably May 28. The NWPL started with the Fremantle and KFC Queensland Breakers teams visiting Sydney for 16 matches. As Fremantle Mariners and Sydney University Lions seemingly do, they split their men's series, as did the Fremantle Marlins and Lions, making for an interesting season at the sharp end. KFC Queensland Breakers also had mixed results for both teams with the men held to a draw by Wests waterpolo Magpies. The women had a split series with Balmain Tigers. Uni NSW Killer Whales nearly pulled off an upset with the Breakers improving from six goals down to the Breakers in the first match to only a goal behind in the second match.
Upcoming week
Birdseye Adelaide Jets go to Brisbane via Sydney; the Hunter Hurricanes fly to Perth; Canberra Dolphins women have a one-off match in Sydney and there are some Sydney derbies.
Reminder
PLEASE write players' names correctly on the scoresheets and fill out the card to its fullest extent. These remain historic records and this is necessary so that player statistics can be maintained. One person's name bore no resemblance to any player registered in that particular team.
Website
This is being maintained to near the same level as last year. Some details appear on the new Australian Water Polo Inc website (www.australianwaterpolo.com.au) and eventually the whole www.nwplaus.com.au website will be transferred to the AWPI site.
Any discrepancies, please contact Russell McKinnon at mckmedia@iinet.net.au.This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it THE CURRENT POINTS TABLE IS ALSO THERE.
Action photographs
If you have any action photographs worthy of the website, please send to Russell. Please keep the jpegs small as Russell is currently in Qatar for the Asian Games and is operating the website and media from there. Email downloading is a costly thing in the Middle East.
First week's results:
Men:
November 23:
In Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 17 (T Cleland 6, T Seress, T Neesham 3, N O'Halloran, D Lawrence 2, A Richardson) Cronulla Sharks 4 (S Mackenzie 2, B Ient, J Williams), KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (A Martin 4, T Knox, S Dornin 2, D Marsden, B Miller, J Votan) Wests waterpolo Magpies 7 (R Campbell, D Stern 2, J Cotterill, T Marks, K Graham).
November 24:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 7 (T Franklin 4, A Visch, K Mitchell, J Sayegh) Fremantle Mariners 6 (T Cleland, N O'Halloran 2, T Neesham, D Lawrence). Balmain v Breakers postponed
November 25: I
n Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 13 (N O'Halloran 6, T Neesham 4, C Hoad, T Seress, D Lawrence) Cronulla Sharks 6 (R Tracy 3, B Ient 2, C Rourke), Wests waterpolo Magpies 8 (R Campbell, J Cotterill 3, D Swinnerton, S Cody) KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (B Miller, S Dornin 2, T Jenkins, A Martin, D Semmens, S Robertson).
November 26:
In Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 9 (N O'Halloran 5, C Hoad, T Cleland, T Neesham, D Lawrence) Sydney University Lions 8 (T Franklin 4, N Cargill, R Maitland, J Young, T Woudwyk), KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (S Dornin 3, B Miller, T Knox, S Robertson 2, A Martin, J Votan) Balmain Tigers 10 (T Delany, G Woods 3, C Dyson 2, C Wright, M Lazic). Women:
November 23:
In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 13 (B Brooks 4, K Finucane 3, G Beadsworth 2, S Wheelock, E Neesham, G Ralph, Z Arancini) Cronulla 4 (J Liessmann 2, J Santoromito, B Santoromito), KFC Queensland Breakers 13 (A Hetzel 3, L Hawkins, B Knox, S Mills 2, S Horgan, S Frazer, A Richardson, A Gronow) UNSW Killer Whales 7 (A Carter, C Flynn 2, E Polkinghorne, H Haughton, K Moran).
November 24:
In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 7 (K Finucane, B Brooks 2, G Ralph, Z Arancini, G Beadsworth) Sydney University 4 (N Cuffe, J Whitehorn, T Gofers, N Hammond), Balmain Tigers 11 (T Woods, Y Schmid 3, N Dyson 2, K Schmidt, L Varlow, C Liddle) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (B Knox 3, S Horgan, S Mills). November 25:
In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 6 (G Ralph, L Chaves 2, G Beadsworth, B Brooks) Cronulla Sharks 5 (J Santoromito 2, H Lincoln-Smith, A Miller, B Santoromito), KFC Queensland Breakers 12 (S Fraser 5, S Horgan, A Hetzel 2, B Knox, A Richardson, S Mills) UNSW Killer Whales 11 (C Flynn 4, H Hawtin 3, K Armstrong, S Rees 2).
November 26:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 9 (K Gofers 3, N Cuffe, T Gofers 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond) Fremantle Marlins 7 (G Beadsworth 4, B Brooks 2, G Ralph), KFC Queensland Breakers 6 (S Horgan 2, S Frazer, B Knox, A Gronow, K Miller) Balmain Tigers 4 (N Dyson, N Saville 2).

MEDIA RELEASES

Brisbane (May 14).—
Regular season over but final placings not decided
The regular season may have ended but the final placings have yet to be determined in the men’s National Water Polo League.
Wests waterpolo Magpies are the minor premiers and go directly to the semifinals in Sydney on Wednesday week but who will join them is as yet undecided. KFC Queensland Breakers have the inside running but must travel to Sydney on Wednesday to play Balmain Tigers in a postponed game from last November. Should the Breakers win, they will finish second and gain automatic entry to the semifinals. Should Balmain win then the Breakers would finish third, albeit level with Perth’s reigning champions Fremantle Mariners on points.
However, Fremantle beat the Breakers and drew with them for a superior head-to-head record.
Sydney University Lions, Victorian Tigers and Balmain Tigers are the other qualifiers for the finals series.
In Brisbane yesterday, Victorian Tigers beat Brisbane Barracudas 16-5 after a visit of three wins and a loss. A win over the Breakers on Saturday could have seen the Tigers finish second, so close is the top of the ladder.
In Newcastle, Hunter Hurricanes completed a torrid year with a fourth win, eclipsing Cronulla Sharks 10-9. The Sharks finished seventh and the Hurricanes eighth.
While Fremantle Marlins had won the Southern Cross Trophy for the women’s minor premiership on Thursday and Sydney University Lions were second, Brisbane Barracudas cemented third place with a 16-8 romp over the Victorian Tigers at Musgrave Park in Brisbane.
They finished two points clear of Balmain Tigers who blew a chance for third ranking when they lost to Hunter Hurricanes 9-8 on Saturday when four key players were unavailable to travel to Newcastle.
KFC Queensland Breakers fill fifth spot and reigning champions Cronulla Sharks are the sixth qualifiers after thrashing Hunter 19-6 yesterday.
The best-of-three elimination finals are at Sydney University on Monday and Tuesday with the semifinals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre on Wednesday and Thursday and the grand final series on Friday and Saturday at SOPAC.
The one-game bronze-medal play-offs are on the Saturday.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Victorian Tigers 16 (R Moody 4, L Gavin, A Feltham, C Gronow, S Lewis 2, A Schoneberger, S Boyd, T Birkett, I Lark) Brisbane Barracudas 5 (J Hopkins 3, C Petersen, M Giles).
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 10 (M Rapsey, P Reid, C Eames 2, N Campbell, S Berry, R O’Brien, S Bryant) Cronulla Sharks 9 (B Kinsel 3, C Miller 2, B Bacharach, C Rourke, N Russell, R Tracy).
Points and positions (with one match to play, KFC Breakers v Balmain): Wests waterpolo Magpies 54, KFC Breakers 49, Fremantle Mariners 50, Sydney University Lions 49, Victorian Tigers 48, Balmain Tigers 42, Cronulla Sharks 33, Hunter Hurricanes 30, Brisbane Barracudas 28, UWA Torpedoes 27, Adelaide Jets 26.
Women:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 16 (J Moran, M Rippon 3, C Grayson, K Gynther 2, G Wikman, S Smith, K Bryce, H Robinson, C Miller, N Stoltz) Victorian Tigers 8 (L Baldwin 3, R Webster 2, R Kelly, E Rossato, J Hanson).
In Newcastle: Cronulla Sharks 19 (H Lincoln-Smith 6, J Santoromito 4, S Davie 3, N Zagame 2, B Appel, J Liessmann, A Timilty, K Gruber) Hunter Hurricanes 6 (B Russell 2, L Magann, S Jones, T Elliott, N McJannett).
In Perth: UWA Comets 8 (G G Hadley 3, J Reynolds 2, J Avins, A Anderson, Z Hadley) St George Dragons 7 (A Brightwell 3, J Cox 2, A Bartho, K Card).
Final points: Fremantle Marlins 62, Sydney University Lions 59, Brisbane Barracudas 55, Balmain Tigers 53, KFC Queensland Breakers 52, Cronulla Sharks 48, UWA Comets 41, UNSW Killer Whales 39, Victorian Tigers 36, Hunter Hurricanes 33, St George Dragons 25, Adelaide Jets 24.

Brisbane (May 13).—
Vic Tigers' semifinal hopes snuffed
KFC Breakers snuffed Victorian Tigers’ chances of a top-two finish when they won their National Water Polo League match 12-11 at the Valley Pool here last night.
The game was tied with just over three minutes remaining but the Breakers United States international Spencer Dornin scoring the winning goal with 1:29 left on the clock.
The goal came amid some heated play after Breakers’ captain-coach Daniel Marsden was evicted for disrespect and then after the winner, Tigers’ Ryan Moody went the same way.
Such was the closeness of the game that it was tied no less than seven times with the biggest lead being three by the Breakers in the second quarter.
The win means that the Breakers will need to complete their programme with a re-scheduled match against Balmain Tigers in Sydney next Wednesday to see whether they automatically make the semifinals or have to go via the elimination finals.
A win against Balmain will secure second spot but a loss would send them to third behind minor premiers Wests waterpolo Magpies from Sydney and Perth’s Fremantle Mariners.
In the women’s encounter between the two clubs, the Breakers had their four-goal margin trimmed to 11-9 by the final whistle.
New international Rowena Webster grabbed the limelight for the Tigers with six goals, including a hat-trick in the last period.
In Newcastle, The Hunter Hurricanes women created a sensation by defeating finalists Balmain Tigers 9-8.
Balmain is six placings higher in the rankings in fourth spot so Hunter’s final fling of the season was meritorious, built on a 6-4 halftime lead and four goals from Libby Magann.
The Hunter men nearly took points off Balmain with an 11-10 loss.
Hunter scored the last three goals but ran out of time against the sixth-ranked Tigers who are have qualified for the finals in Sydney next week.
In Perth, Fremantle Marlins closed their account with an 18-3 victory over St George Dragons.
International Gemma Beadsworth helped herself to five goals as the Marlins took their table-topping record to 20 wins from 22 outings.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: KFC Breakers 12 (S Dornin 4, B Miller , D Semmens 2, D Marsden, C Corbin, T Jenkins, A Martin) Victorian Tigers 11 (A Schoneberger 3, R Moody, A Feltham, I Lark 2, C Gronow, J Thompson).
In Newcastle: Balmain Tigers 11 (A Laws, G Woods 3, N Falzon 2, C Wright, T Delany, A Roach) Hunter Hurricanes 10 (N Campbell, P Reid, C Eames 2, S Berry, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, E Deloraine).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Breakers 11 (S Fraser 3, A Richardson, S Mills 2, N McCarthy, L Hawkins, B Knox, K Miller) Victorian Tigers 9 (R Webster 6, S Hurst, R Kelly, J Hanson).
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 9 (L Magann 4, C Benzie, B Russell 2, J Bendeich) Balmain Tigers 8 (T Woods, A Bower 2, K Schmidt, C Moore, K Dowrick, R Sturevski).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 18 (G Beadsworth 5, Z Arancini 4, B Brooks, S Wheelock 2, G Ralph, K Finucane, L Chaves, L O’Halloran, R Flint) St George Dragons 3 (K Card 2, A Brightwell).

Sydney (May 12).—
Killer Whales in shock upset of reigning champion
Cronulla Sharks’ chances of retaining their National Water Polo League crown look shaky after losing 7-6 to ninth-ranked UNSW Killer Whales at Sutherland Pool here last night.Sixth on the ladder and firmly qualified for the finals series, the Sharks women did themselves no favours, taking the lead for the first time midway through the second quarter only to give it up with a minute remaining.
The chief destroyer was Holly Hawtin, who claimed four goals, including the 6-all equaliser at 4:41 and the winner nearly four minutes later.
The Killer Whalers finish the season with seven wins and three draws from 22 matches while the Sharks have a chance to atone with a win over Hunter Hurricanes in Newcastle tomorrow.
Wests waterpolo Magpies secured the minor premiership and Southern Cross Trophy with an emphatic 11-1 win over Cronulla.
Junior international team-mates Richard Campbell and Daniel Streets scored three goals each with imposing Canadian international Daniel Stein grabbing two more.
In Brisbane, the quest for the minor placings in the men’s competition continues with Victorian Tigers ripping through Brisbane Barracudas 15-7.
The Tigers play the KFC Queensland Breakers tonight and that intriguing contest will have a huge bearing on who plays whom in the finals series with places two to five unknown just a day from the final preliminary matches.
Brisbane Barracudas women defeated Victorian Tigers 16-6 for a share of third place on the ladder.
In Perth, UWA Comets downed Sydney’s St George Dragons 11-7 in a contest between women’s teams who are outside the top six.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Victorian Tigers 15 (A Feltham 5, R Moody, I Lark 3, L Gavin 2, C Gronow, T Birkett) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (R Howden 4, J Hopkins 2, D Hicks).
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 11 (R Campbell, D Streets 3, D Stein 2, D Swinnerton, S Cody, D Robinson) Cronulla Sharks 1 (N Russell).
Women:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 16 (S Smith, E Keogh, M Rippon 3, G Wikman, J Moran, K Gynther 2, A Miller) Victorian Tigers 6 (A Van Ommen, R Kelly, R Webster, L Baldwin, E Rossato, J Hanson).
In Sydney: UNSW Killer Whales 7 (H Hawtin 4, A Carter 2, C Flynn) Cronulla Sharks 6 (K Gruber 2, B Appel, H Lincoln-Smith, E Douglass, N Zagame).
In Perth: UWA Comets 11 (G Hadley 5, C Ainsworth 2, J Avins, A Anderson, J Reynolds, Z Hadley) St George Dragons 7 (A Brightwell 5, K Card 2).

 

Brisbane (May 11).—
Men's ladder thrown into turmoil with Tigers win
The National Water Polo League men’s ladder has been thrown into disarray with Victorian Tigers hammering second ranked KFC Queensland Breakers 10-6 at the Valley Pool here last night.
In the final weekend of preliminary games before the May 21-26 finals, the Tigers are fighting for their top-two finish and automatic right to the semifinals.
The Tigers are on a mission to go much better than fifth place and want a top-two position, which they can attain if they beat the Breakers and the Brisbane Barracudas twice.
The nature of the win hurt the Breakers with captain-coach Daniel Marsden saying: “Our guys just didn’t convert the extra-man plays in a tough, physical game. We did all the right things and gained12 extra mans but only converted scored two. That’s what is comes down to.”
The finals will be staged in Sydney but the Breakers will have to travel to play a daytime match with Balmain Tigers next Wednesday to settle the positions.
“We won’t have a full team. It’s a pity we didn’t play for double points in the second game (of the preliminary round),” Olympian and World Championship athlete Marsden said.
The Tigers led 4-1 at the quarter but were held scoreless in the second for a 4-3 lead. They won the last two periods 3-1 and 3-2 for the comprehensive victory.
The Breakers women smashed the Tigers 17-7 with World Championship silver medallist Suzie Fraser claiming six goals.
The Breakers, also finals bound, led 8-3 at halftime.
Fraser was joined in the scoring by 2000 Olympic champion Naomi McCarthy with five goals, and current Aussie Stingers team-mates Bronwen Knox and Amy Hetzel with three each.
In Perth, Fremantle Marlins is just one game from the Southern Cross minor premiership after beating Sydney’s St George Dragons 15-2 with Gemma Beadsworth scoring five goals in the rout.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Victorian Tigers 10 (R Moody, L Gavin, T Birkett 2, A Schoneberger, A Feltham, C Gronow, I Lark) KFC Queensland Breakers 6 (D Marsden, C Corbin, T Jenkins, A Martin, J Votan, M Birch).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 17 (S Fraser 6, N McCarthy 4, B Knox, A Hetzel 3, P Masters) Victorian Tigers 7 (A Van Ommen, R Kelly 2, E Rossato, C Banks, J Hanson).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 15 (G Beadsworth 5, G Ralph 4, K Finucane, Z Arancini 3) St George Dragons 2 (A Brightwell, K Card).

 

Melbourne (May 7).— 
Leading clubs have winning doubles
Three of the leading clubs in the National Water Polo League solidified their standings with double wins yesterday.
With the preliminary rounds ending next weekend and the finals starting on May 21, Victorian Tigers, Sydney University and Fremantle had comfortable wins.
The Tigers hosted Adelaide Jets and the men won 13-6 and the women 15-7.
The Tigers men will be hoping to improve their fifth ranking when they travel to Brisbane this weekend but the Tigers women have little chance of making the finals.
In Newcastle, Sydney University Lions headed off Hunter Hurricanes men 14-4 while the women won 10-3.
The Lions women are firmly in second position while the men are narrowly clinging to fourth place.
In Perth, Fremantle Mariners men beat UWA Torpedoes 15-4 and Fremantle Marlins women downed UWA Comets 15-3.
The Marlins confirmed their leading status with internationals Gemma Beadsworth and Katie Finucane grabbing nine of the goals.
The third-ranked Fremantle Mariners were too good for the Torpedoes with captain Peter Tresise scoring four goals in his final NWPL match at home.
Cronulla Sharks, aiming to repeat its extraordinary title win of last season, confirmed sixth spot with an 11-3 success over St George Dragons.
Results:
Men:
In Newcastle: Sydney University Lions 14 (T Franklin, J Young, A Visch 3, N Cargill 2, R Maitland, L Hollis, K Mitchell) Hunter Hurricanes 4 (P Reid 2, M Rapsey, C Eames).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 13 (R Moody, L Gavin 3, A Schoneberger 2, L Disken, C Gronow, M Bridgeman, T Birkett, J Thompson) Adelaide Jets 6 (N Martin, P Harmer, A Martin, M Thomas, C Martin, J Frost).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 15 (P Tresise 4, T Seress, A Richardson 3, N O’Halloran, D Lawrence 2, S Kovalenko) UWA Torpedoes 4 (M Lucas, L Campbell, B Roslyn, T Jasper).
Current points ladder (with games played in brackets): Wests waterpolo Magpies 51 (19), KFC Queensland Breakers 45 (17), Fremantle Mariners 50 (20), Sydney University Lions 49 (20), Victorian Tigers 38 (16), Balmain Tigers 39 (18), Cronulla Sharks 31 (18), Hunter Hurricanes 26 (18), Brisbane Barracudas 26 (18), UWA Torpedoes 27 (20), Adelaide Jets 26 (20).
Women:
In Newcastle: Sydney University Lions 10 (Y Higgins, M Hammond 3, K Gofers, A Cox, S Cuffe, B Day) Hunter Hurricanes 3 (J Hoade 2, L Magann).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 11 (H Lincoln-Smith 4, K Gruber 3, A McCormack, J Santoromito, S Davie, K Douglass) St George Dragons 3 (K Card 2, S Hart).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (R Webster 3, A Van Ommen, R Kelly, E Rossato, C Henderson 2, S Hurst, A Scattolin, K Dowling, L Baldwin) Adelaide Jets 7 (S Ricketts 3, E O’Neill 2, P Kerry, J Green).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 15 (G Beadsworth 5, K Finucane 4, S Wheelock 2, L Chaves, E Neesham, G Ralph, L O’Halloran) UWA Comets 3 (G Hadley 2, J Avins).
Current points ladder (with games played in brackets): Fremantle Marlins 56 (20), Sydney University Lions 59 (22), Balmain Tigers 52 (21), Brisbane Barracudas 49 (20), KFC Queensland Breakers 46 (20), Cronulla Sharks 44 (20), Victorian Tigers 32 (18), UWA Comets 35 (20), UNSW Killer Whales 36 (21), Hunter Hurricanes 29 (20), St George Dragons 21 (18), Adelaide Jets 24 (22).

 

Sydney (May 6).—
Sharks shaping up for finals with win over Sydney Uni Lions
Reigning champions Cronulla Sharks have made their intentions clear with a 6-5 victory over second-ranked Sydney University Lions in women’s National Water Polo league play at the Peter Montgomery Pool here yesterday.The under-strength Lions paid the penalty as the Erin Walsh-inspired Sharks, with World Championship goalkeeper Alicia McCormack also in top form, kept a firm grip on the second half to gain the win.The Sharks are in sixth position and qualified for the finals, much like last year when they rose from fifth to clinch the crown.
The Lions may have won the opening quarter but the Sharks took a one-goal lead at halftime and remained with that margin until the end of the game.
The Sharks’ good end-of-season form in the men’s competition was not enough against the Lions, losing 11-7.
Cronulla started strongly with a 3-1 lead but it was tied at three by the quarter break before the Lions went 7-5 up at halftime. The third period was 1-all and the Sharks sniffed a chance early in the fourth quarter when Brian Kinsel netted for 8-7.
However, three late home goals gave the Lions victory and maintaining their third ranking.
In the Queensland derby, the No 2 KFC Queensland Breakers predictably beat the No 8 Brisbane Barracudas 14-6 in the men’s encounter while the Breakers women were too good for the higher-ranked Barracudas, winning 8-5.
In Melbourne, Victorian Tigers men warmed up for the finals with a 22-7 rout of Adelaide Jets with Canadian international Aaron Feltham netting six and Aussie Shark Ryan Moody five.
The Tigers women picked up a rare win with a 10-7 difference over the Jets, thanks to new international Rowena Webster, who scored five for the Tigers.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (B Miller, A Martin 3, D Marsden, S Dornin 2, T Jenkins, T Knox, J Votan, S Robinson) Brisbane Barracudas 6 (R Howden, J Hopkins 2, S Gynther, C Petersen).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 11 (T Franklin, G Richardson 2, N Cargill, R Maitland, L Hollis, J Young, A Visch, B Turner, K Mitchell) Cronulla Sharks 7 (R Tracy 4, B Kinsel 2, S Hedlund).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 22 (A Feltham 6, R Moody 5, L Gavin, C Gronow, T Birkett, J Thompson 2, A Schoneberger, S Lewis, M Corr) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, C Martin 3, W Gibbs).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (S Mills 3, A Hetzel 2, S Fraser, L Hawkins, B Knox) Brisbane Barracudas 5 (M Rippon 2, S Smith, J Moran, K Gynther).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 6 (E Walsh 3, J Liessmann, J Santoromito, K Gruber), Sydney University Lions 5 (L Robertson 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond, B Day).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 10 (R Webster 5, C Henderson 2, A Van Ommen, E Rossato, C Banks) Adelaide Jets 7 (L Callahan 4, S Murphy, P Kerry, J Green).

Newcastle (May 5).—
Five months between wins for Hunter men
It was a long time coming but five months to the day since winning their first match, Hunter Hurricanes registered a second and then a third in the National Water Polo League at Lambton in the past two nights.
The Hurricanes men defeated Adelaide Jets 12-8 to back up the 13-10 victory over UWA Torpedoes in December, and then last night repeated the dose with a 8-6 margin.
In between the first two wins there were two draws while last weekend on a trip to Brisbane, the Hurricanes lost three of their four matches by a single goal.
Long-time NWPL player Phil Reid and Ross O’Brien scored four goals each as the Hurricanes used shock tactics, winning the first quarter 5-0 and the second 3-1 on Thursday night.
Last night it was the Jets who held sway, leading for the first three quarters only to allow the Hurricanes win the last period 3-0 with the winning goal coming from captain Reid 20 seconds from time on extra.
The Hunter women beat the Jets twice — 10-5 and 5-4.
In the first encounter the Hurricanes swam away with the game in the final quarter with a 4-1 burst but the second match was a different affair.
The Jets led 2-0 at the quarter and again at halftime after a scoreless eight minutes.
The Hurricanes levelled after three quarters but the Jets went ahead 4-3 soon after the restart.
However, goals from Libby Magann and Brittany Russell clinched the Hurricanes win with several minutes remaining.
In Sydney last night, the much-lower-ranked St George Dragons nearly caused an upset over high-flying Sydney University Lions, losing 12-10.
The Lions were without stars Taniele Gofers and Nikita Cuffe but looked comfortable at 8-3 by halftime.
The third period was tied 3-all before the Dragons went on a late charge with a 4-1 final quarter.
Results:
Men:
May 3:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 12 (P Reid, R O’Brien 4, N Campbell, S Berry, T Hunt, C Eames) Adelaide Jets 8 (A Martin 3, N Martin 2, J Thomas, P Harmer, M Thomas).
May 4:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 8 (R O’Brien, C Eames 2, N Campbell, S Berry, T Hunt, P Reid) Adelaide Jets 6 (P Harmer 2, N Martin, M Radosavljevic, A Martin, C Martin).
Women:
May 3:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 10 (L Magann, C Benzie, B Russell 2, S Jones, J Bendeich, K Jones, N McJannet) Adelaide Jets 5 (P Kerry 2, S Murphy, L Callahan, L Maksimovic).
May 4:
In Newcastle: Hunter Hurricanes 5 (L Magann 3, G Sainsbury, B Russell) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan 2, S Murphy, K Green).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 12 (S Cuffe 4, L Robertson 3, M Hammond 2, J Whitehorn, K Gofers, B Day) St George Dragons 10 (K Card 5, A Bartho, J Cox 2, A Brightwell).

Perth (April 30).—
Fremantle turns tables on Magpies
Fremantle Mariners turned the tables on Wests waterpolo Magpies in their return clash of the national Water Polo League at Bicton Pool here yesterday.The top-of-the-table Magpies had the early part of the game but the reigning champions hit back to level twice in the second quarter before trailing 6-4 at halftime.
The Mariners assault proved fruitful in the third period with a 4-0 burst and a 3-2 final quarter fort he 10-7 victory.
The third-ranked Mariners have not been at full strength and were without Christian Hoad, who suffered an eye injury in the Friday clash with the Magpies.
Internationals Tim Cleland and Peter Tresise for Fremantle and Johnno Cotterill and Richard Campbell for Wests, all scored three goals each.
The result was interesting as both teams could be playing off in the grand-final series in Sydney later next month.
Fremantle Marlins women trashed UNSW Killer Whales 15-4 to maintain their No 1 ranking.
World Championship silver medallist Gemma Beadsworth revelled in the cool weather with six goals while Olympian Belinda Brooks gained four with two on them on counter.
In Brisbane at Musgrave Park, the Brisbane Barracudas defeated Hunter Hurricanes in both matches, the men winning 8-7 and the women 14-3.
The Barracudas men gained a two-goal break late in the third quarter and kept the Hurricanes at bay.
International Jane Moran and Kate Gynther blasted five goals each for the Barracudas who laid off the pressure in the second half after winning the first 11-0.
KFC Queensland Breakers made short work of Sydney’s St George Dragons, winning 16-3 after leading 9-1 at halftime.
A highlight was a Suzie Fraser hat-trick in the third period.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (R Howden, K Smoker, J Hopkins 2, D Gynther, D Young) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (T Hunt, P Reid 2, M Rapsey, C Eames, R O’Brien).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland, P Tresise 3, N O’Halloran 2, T Seress, M Ainsworth) Wests waterpolo Magpies 7 (R Campbell, J Cotterill 3, P De Gail).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 16 (S Fraser 4, K Miller 3, R Beckett, N McCarthy 2, B Knox, A Richardson, S Mills, A Hetzel, S Farquhar) St George Dragons 3 (A Brightwell 2, R Lissa), Brisbane Barracudas 14 (J Moran, K Gynther 5, H Brisbane 2, S Smith, N Stoltz) Hunter Hurricanes 3 (C Ellis, S Jones, T Elliott).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 15 (G Beadsworth 6, B Brooks 4, G Ralph 2, K Finucane, S Wheelock, Z Arancini) UNSW Killer Whales 4 (H Hawtin 2, S Grunberger, K Armstrong).
 
Brisbane (April 29).— Reid's effort not enough against Breakers
A last-gasp effort from captain Phil Reid still couldn’t get his Hunter Hurricanes team over the line against KFC Queensland Breakers in a National Water Polo League match at the Valley Pool her last night.
The former Cronulla Sharks star scored the last two goals for the Hurricanes but still could not breach the gap against the second-best team in the competition, losing the match 9-8.
Reid scored four goals and kept his team in the game as it led 2-1 at the quarter but trailed 5-3 at halftime and 7-6 at the final break.
United States international Spencer Dornin scored two of his four goals in the third period as the Hurricanes twice levelled the game.
However, Anthony Martin and Billy Miller, who was in scintillating form, scored the goals, which put the Breakers 9-6 ahead.
The Breakers women had an easier run against the Hurricanes, winning 18-11 with international Bronwen Knox topping the scoring with four.
In Sydney, Cronulla Sharks men inflicted another big loss on Balmain Tigers, 12-2, while Cronulla women beat Balmain 8-4 with Jenna Santoromito scoring three for the winners.
In Perth, ladder leaders Wests waterpolo Magpies did what was expected against UWA Torpedoes, winning 13-4 with Canadian star leading the scoring with three goals.
UWA Comets, with Gemma Hadley back in the team, drew 10-all with the UNSW Killer Whales.
Holly Hawtin threw the equaliser for the Killer Whales just 14 seconds from time for a five-goal effort.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 9 (S Dornin 4, J Votan 2, B Miller, C Corbin, T Jenkins) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (P Reid 4, R O’Brien 2, E Deloraine, C Eames).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 12 (C Miller, B Kinsel, S Mackenzie 3, B Bacharach, M Timilty, N Russell) Balmain Tigers 2 (N Falzon, A Laws).
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 13 (T Marks 3, J Cotterill, S Cody, K Graham 2, D Swinnerton, A Donovan, D Streets, D Robinson) UWA Torpedoes 4 (B Mercer 2, L Campbell, T Jasper).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Breakers 18 (B Knox 4, S Fraser, A Richardson, K Miller 3, S Mills 2, S Horgan, A Hetzel, S Farquhar) Hunter Hurricanes 11 (L Magann, N McJannett, C Benzie 2, S Jones, J Bendeich, G Sainsbury, T Eliott, B Russell), Brisbane Barracudas 14 (K Gynther 4, J Moran 3, S Smith, G Wikman, K Bryce, H Robinson, E Keogh, C Miller, M Rippon) St George Dragons 6 (A Brightwell, R Lissa 3).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 8 (J Santoromito 3, H Lincoln-Smith 2, E Walsh, S Davie, K Gruber) Balmain Tigers 4 (L Simms, T Woods 2).
In Perth: UWA Comets 10 (J Avins 3, C Rechichi, G Hadley 2, A Anderson, Z Hadley, J Earl) UNSW Killer Whales 10 (H Hawtin 5, S Rees 2, K Armstrong, A Carter, K Mirabito).
 

Perth (April 28).—
Young Wests tyros help gain win over Fremantle
Wests waterpolo Magpies tyros Richard Campbell and Johnno Cotterill spearheaded their team to a 14-8 victory over four-time champions Fremantle Mariners in National Water Polo League action at Bicton Pool last night.
The Magpies controlled the match throughout, leading the breaks at 4-1, 6-4 and 11-5.
Coach Erkin Shagaev said not to read too much into his team’s play, even though the young team is top of the ladder.
He claims his team is rusty and still making too many mistakes but it didn’t look like it against the Mariners, who are the reigning champions and have contested the last 10 grand finals.
Campbell and Cotterill, as well as former Tasmanian Steven Cody scored three each while former international Tim Cleland scored four for the Mariners, including a hat-trick in the final quarter.
The Fremantle Marlins women maintained their competition-leading form with a 12-4 victory over the UNSW Killer Whales.
In Sydney, Sydney University Lions impressed with two victories, the men defeating Balmain Tigers 16-5 and the women getting the better of Balmain 12-10.
Balmain men were without kingpin Gavin Woods, which made a huge difference as Canadian international Kevin Mitchell drilled four goals for the Lions.
The Lions women won after trailing 5-4 at halftime. Nikita Cuffe crashed in four goals in the third period as the Lions took the lead 10-8 and maintained the momentum.
Cuffe finished with a staggering seven goals.
In Brisbane at Musgrave Park, the Brisbane Barracudas gained two wins with the men just holding out Hunter Hurricanes 10-9 and the women repeating the feat with a 17-7 margin.
International Jane Moran and Kate Gynther both scored five goals with seven of them coming in the first half, which was won 10-4 by the Barracudas.
The Barracudas men were two goals down at halftime and twice saw the game level in the final quarter before Drew Gynther threw the winning goal two seconds from full time on extra.
The KFC Queensland Breakers beat the St George Dragons 10-6 at the Valley Pool thanks to four goals from World Championship silver medallist Bronwen Knox.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 10 (J Hopkins 3, K Smoker, D Gynther 2, R Howden, A Yeates, C Petersen) Hunter Hurricanes 9 (N Campbell, M Rapsey, R O’Brien 2, S Berry, P Reid, C Eames).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 16 (K Mitchell 4, A Visch 3, G Richardson, M Baird 2, N Cargill, T Franklin, R Maitland, D Carrick, J Young) Balmain Tigers 5 (A Laws, T Delany 2, C Dyson).
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (R Campbell, J Cotterill, S Cody 3, M Turnbull 2, K Graham, D Stein, D Swinnerton) Fremantle Mariners 8 (T Cleland 4, J Swift, T Seress, P Tresise, D Lawrence).
Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (B Knox 4, S Mills 2, S Fraser, A Richardson, Y Farry, K Miller) St George Dragons 6 (A Brightwell 3, J Cox 2, K Card), Brisbane Barracudas 17 (J Moran, K Gynther 5, M Rippon 3, C Miller 2, S Smith, A Miller) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (C Ellis, B Russell 2, L Magann, J Bendeich, G Sainsbury).
In Sydney: Sydney University 12 (N Cuffe 7, T Gofers 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond, S Cuffe) Balmain Tigers 10 (N Dyson, L Simms, L Varlow, T Woods 2, N Saville, Y Schmidt).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 12 (G Beadsworth, K Finucane, B Brooks 3, L Chaves, S Wheelock, Z Arancini) UNSW Killer Whales 4 (A Carter 3, M Kearney).

 

Perth (April 27).—
Hadley's absence has crushing consequence
An unusual decision by UWA Comets coach James Kelley virtually wiped his team from National Water Polo League finals contention last night.Playing at home to eighth-ranked UNSW Killer Whales, Kelley sat out his No 1 player, World Championship silver medallist Gemma Hadley, and his team went down 14-7.With three games remaining, the Comets, sitting one place outside the finals, had a rough chance of making the six but Hadley’s absence gave the Killer Whales a free ride.Older sister Claire Rechichi, playing her last game at this level, blasted in four goals but it was the UNSW team, which took a 5-0 second quarter for an 8-5, halftime lead and coasted to victory.Catherine Flynn relished her chances, scoring five goals n the cold conditions.Wests waterpolo Magpies, top of the ladder despite some rusty play after the long break, claimed their 11th win from 14 games in downing UWA Torpedoes 17-7.Ten of the goals came from international players with Canadian stars Daniel Stein (4) and Kevin Graham (2) and Aussie Sharks Richard Campbell (3) and Johnno Cotterill (1) outstanding.
The Torpedoes were still in it at halftime, trailing 9-6, and held Wests to two goals in the third but allowed Wests to swim away in the final quarter.
In Brisbane, national captain Mel Rippon scored five goals in Brisbane Barracudas’ defeat of Sydney’s St George Dragons at Musgrave Park.
The Dragons’ best quarter was the second, which they won 3-1, but the Barracudas women had too much firepower, winning the other periods 4-0, 4-2 and 4-1.
Across town at the Valley Pool, KFC Queensland Breakers hosted the Hunter Hurricanes with the men winning 9-4 and the women on top 15-11.
Olympian goalkeeper Raf Sterk was named best in water for the Breakers, who led 5-3 at halftime.
The women’s encounter was close with the Hurricanes holding 4-3 halftime and 8-7 three-quarter-times leads. It took two minutes for the Breakers to regain the ascendancy in the final period and go on to victory thanks to 10 goals from their World Championship stars.
Results:
Men:
In Perth: Wests waterpolo Magpies 17 (D Stein 4, R Campbell 3, P De Gail, K Graham, M Turnbull 2, D Swinnerton, A Donovan, J Cotterill, D Streets) UWA Torpedoes 7 (B Roslyn, B McGhie 3, L Swanson).
Women:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 13 (M Rippon 5, J Moran 3, K Gynther 2, S Smith, K Bryce, C Miller) St George Dragons 5 (A Brightwell, K Card 2, A Bartho).
In Perth: UNSW Killer Whales 14 (C Flynn 5, K Armstrong, A Carter, K Moran 2, S Grunberger, M Kearney, K Mirabito).

Adelaide (April 26).—
Wests on a roll in Adelaide
Wests waterpolo Magpies swept through Adelaide en route to Perth, claiming two victories against Adelaide Jets men.
The top-ranked Sydney men’s team beat the Jets 13-7 on Tuesday night and 16-7 last night.
The Jets women were similarly defeated with the UNSW Killer Whales winning both matches 8-7 and 9-6.
In the first men’s game the Jets were confident after leading 5-2 at halftime but the Magpies flew in the third period with a 6-1 crushing, followed by a 3-1 final quarter.
The Magpies had a better run in the second game, winning the second and third periods 6-1 and 6-2 for the larger margin.
In the first women’s game, the Jets trailed by two goals at quarter time but levelled the game at 6-all by the third period, only to go down by a goal.
The third period proved to be the killer in the second encounter for the Jets as a 4-3 lead turned into a 7-5 deficit before losing 9-6.
Results:
NWPL, Adelaide:
Men: Wests waterpolo Magpies 13 (R Campbell 5, J Cotterill 3, D Swinnerton 2, D Stein, S Cody, K Graham) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, P Harmer 2, M Martin, C Martin, M Thomas), Wests waterpolo Magpies 16 (J Cotterill 5, K Graham 3, R Campbell, D Stein 2, S Cody, A Donovan, D Robinson, M Turnbull) Adelaide Jets 7 (P Harmer, C Martin 3, T Martin).
Women: UNSW Killer Whales 8 (C Flynn 3, K Armstrong, A Carter, M Kearney, H Hawtin, S Rees) Adelaide Jets 7 (L Callahan 4, J Green 3), UNSW Killer Whales 9 (H Hawtin 4, K Armstrong 3, C Flynn 2) Adelaide Jets 6 (L Callahan 4, S Ricketts 2).

 

Sydney (April 23).—
Cuffe claims six as Lions strengthen ladder position
A six-goal haul to international Nikita Cuffe cemented her Sydney University Lions team’s second spot on the women’s National Water Polo League ladder yesterday.The Lions defeated the sixth-ranked KFC Queensland Breakers 16-10 and remain a firm finals favourite just two percentage points behind Perth’s Fremantle Marlins.Centre forward Cuffe blasted in a hat-trick in the third period as the Lions went from 8-5 ahead at halftime to 14-8 at the final break.Despite Cuffe’s goal-scoring heroics, team-mate Keesja Gofers was adjudged best in water with her three goals and dynamic play. The Lions men continued their slump with a 14-9 loss to the Breakers, whose internationals stood up and reaped goals.Junior international Billy Miller collected a goal in each quarter while senior international Anthony Martin and United States international Spencer Dornin collected three each as the Breakers turned a 4-3 quarter-time deficit into a 7-4 halftime lead.The margin was four at the final break in a low-fouling game.The battle of lower-end teams saw the UNSW Killer Whales and St George Dragons fight out a 5-all draw at the UNSW Pool.
In Perth, Balmain Tigers wrapped up a highly successful trip with wins over the UWA Torpedoes men and UWA Comets women, both with 10-7 scores.
The Tigers men watched as the Torpedoes’ indiscipline unravelled their game with Brett McGhie (first quarter) and Matt Lucas (third quarter) gaining misconduct fouls.
When goalkeeper Luke Quinlivan also gained a misconduct foul for questioning the legitimacy of a goal in the final three minutes of the fourth period, coach Peter Love protested and was red-carded from the game.
He was not the only coach to receive a red card on the day with Balmain’s Phillip Bower gaining one in the last 10 seconds of the women’s encounter.
Results:
Men:
In Sydney: KFC Breakers 14 (B Miller 4, A Martin, S Dornin 3, C Corbin, T Jenkins, J Votan, M McCann) Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin, R Maitland 3, N Cargill, L Hollis, G Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 10 (G Woods 3, A Laws, C Wright 2, J Miller, T Delany. P Wormleaton) UWA Torpedoes 7 (A Ilic 3, M Lucas, P Gaunt, R Whaitiri, T O’Keefe).
Women:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 16 (N Cuffe 6, L Robertson, K Gofers 3, T Gofers 2, A Russell, M Hammond) KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (S Mills 3, S Horgan, S Fraser, B Knox 2, S Farquhar), UNSW Killer Whales 5 (C Flynn 2, M Kearney, H Hawtin, S Rees) St George Dragons 5 (K Card 3, R Lissa, J Cox).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 10 (T Woods 3, N Dyson, E Simms, L Varlow 2, Y Schmidt) UWA Comets 7 (A Anderson 2, J Avins, J Reynolds, G Hadley, Z Hadley, J Sanders).

 

Perth (April 22).—
Arancini hat-trick saves day for Fremantle
A hat-trick in the final quarter by 16-year-old Zoe Arancini secured Fremantle Marlins a face-saving 10-9 victory over Balmain Tigers in a National Water Polo League encounter at Bicton Pool last night.
Arancini added three to her second-quarter goal but her final score 1:23 from time gave the competition-leading Marlins a 10-8 advantage.The first three periods were all tied at 2-all and the game was level at 7-all and 8-all in the fourth before Fremantle gained the two-goal margin and then win the match.
The third-ranked Balmain’s best was former international Liz Simms with six goals.In the clash between the two on Thursday night, the Marlins romped home 12-5.
The normally impregnable Fremantle Mariners men at home showed their vulnerability with a 7-5 loss to Balmain.At 4-1 down by halftime, the second-placed Mariners had no answers to the sixth-ranked Balmain and trailed by four goals going into the final quarter.
In Sydney, reigning premiers Cronulla Sharks pulled off a Houdini trick by defeating KFC Queensland Breakers 11-5.It was a massive turnaround from Thursday’s 11-4 loss to the star-studded Breakers and saw seven players score goals for the host team.
The Breakers men made amends with an 11-4 victory over the Sharks. Chris Corbin headed the scoring with three goals.Results:
Men:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (C Corbin 3, B Miller, A Martin 2, D Semmens, T Knox, J Votan, S Dornin) Cronulla Sharks 4 (N Ling 2, B Kinsel, R Tracy).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 7 (T Delany 3, G Woods 2, N Falzon, C Dyson) Fremantle Mariners 5 (T Cleland 2, C Hoad, N O’Halloran, D Lawrence).
Women:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 11 (J Santoromito 3, H Lincoln-Smith, N Zagame 2, A Miller, J Liessmann, E Walsh, K Gruber) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (B Knox 2, N McCarthy, S Fraser, S Mills).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 10 (Z Arancini 4, G Beadsworth 3, G Ralph 2, S Wheelock) Balmain Tigers 9 (L Simms 6, N Dyson, K Schmidt, N Saville).

 

Sydney (April 21).—
Breakers shunt Lions out of third place on men's ladder
KFC Queensland Breakers leapfrogged Sydney University Lions into third place on the men’s National Water Polo League ladder following a 10-6 clash between the two last night.
Playing in Sydney University’s Peter Montgomery Pool, the Breakers had the game wrapped up at 8-3 by halftime with former international Dean Semmens helping himself to three goals.
The Lions’ chances of making the grand final series again next month took a further jolt with the lacklustre effort in the absence of their two stars, Thomas Whalan and Sam McGregor, who are playing for European clubs.
The Lions women beat the Breakers 17-12 in their encounter and grasped top spot on the ladder, thanks to the efforts of World Championship silver medallists Nikita Cuffe and Taniele Gofers, who scored four goals each.
International team-mates Amy Hetzel and Suzie Fraser scored three each for the Breakers.
In Perth, Balmain Tigers men defeated UWA Torpedoes 12-6 with dual Olympian Gavin Woods repeating his performance of the night before with five goals, including a hat-trick in the opening quarter.
Balmain women shouldered Fremantle Marlins out of the top two with an 11-7 victory over the UWA Comets, thanks to three goals apiece to Olympic champion Taryn Woods and Liz Simms and a best-in-water performance by Lauren Varlow.
Four of the Comets’ goals came from the strong arm of international Gemma Hadley.
Results:
Men:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (D Semmens 3, S Robertson 2, B Miller, C Corbin, A Martin, T Knox, S Dornin) Sydney University Lions 6 (T Franklin, R Maitland 2, N Cargill, G Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 12 (G Woods 5, C Wright, T Delany 2, N Falzon, A Laws, M Stewart) UWA Torpedoes 6 (M Lucas, A Ilic 2, L Campbell, T Jasper).
Women:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 17 (N Cuffe, T Gofers 4, A Russell, S Cuffe, K Gofers 2, L Robertson, J Whitehorn, M Hammond) KFC Queensland Breakers 12 (S Fraser, A Hetzel 3, N McCarthy, S Mills 2, B Knox, A Richardson).
In Perth: Balmain Tigers 11 (E Simms, T Woods 3, N Dyson 2, K Schmidt, L Varlow, E Barnes) UWA Comets 7 (G Hadley 4, C Rechichi 2, C Ainsworth).
 

Perth (April 20).—
Penalty goal secures draw for Fremantle against Balmain
A penalty goal three seconds from full time secured reigning champions Fremantle Mariners an 8-all draw with Sydney’s Balmain Tigers in a National Water Polo League match at Bicton Pool here last night.
It was the only blot of Nick Falzon’s game when he gave up the penalty foul for Nick O’Halloran to score.
The Mariners, 10 times grand finalists, led 3-0 early and had a 5-3 lead at halftime but the Gavin Woods-inspired Tigers, sixth on the ladder, won the third period 4-1 for a 7-6 lead.
Daniel Lawrence made it 7-7 early in the fourth while Balmain took the go-ahead goal inside he last two minutes through Woods with his fifth goal.
The draw further destabilises Mariners’ second place on the ladder with the return match tomorrow evening.
The big clash between two of the best three women’s teams proved a fizzer with the top-of-the-table Fremantle Marlins beating the third-ranked Tigers 12-5 with a tidal-wave assault of the Balmain goal.
After a 3-2 opening quarter to Fremantle, the Tigers were kept scoreless for the middle half of the game to leave the Marlins 10-2 up by the final break.
Veteran Sharan Wheelock was the star field player while international goalkeepers Emma Knox (Marlins) and Danielle Bower (Tigers) were in outstanding form.
In Sydney, Cronulla Sharks and KFC Queensland Breakers fought out a scoreless half, the first of the season.
The Sharks won 3-2 after leading 3-1 at quarter time. Such was the strong last line of defence that goalkeepers Daniel Lees (Cronulla) and Fabio Pavanello (KFC) both stopped a penalty goal attempt in the second quarter.
The Breakers women arrested the resurgence of reigning champion Cronulla with a n 11-4 victory with World Championship silver medallists Suzie Fraser and Amy Hetzel grabbing three goals each.
Results:
Men:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 3 (B Bacharach, B Kinsel, C Rourke) KFC Queensland Breakers 2 (D Marsden, R Crowe).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 8 (N O’Halloran, T Seress 2, T Cleland, D Lawrence, A Younger, M Ainsworth) Balmain Tigers 8 (G Woods 5, C Dyson 2, M Stewart).
Women:
In Sydney: KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (S Fraser, A Hetzel 3, S Mills 2, N McCarthy, L Hawkins, B Knox) Cronulla Sharks 4 (B Appel, A King, J Santoromito, S Davie).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 12 (S Wheelock, G Ralph, Z Arancini 3, K Finucane, E Neesham, B Brooks) Balmain Tigers 5 (T Woods 3, K Schmidt, L Simms).

Adelaide (April 19).—
Balmain collect four wins in Adelaide
Balmain Tigers swept through Adelaide, collecting four wins in National Water Polo League matches during the past two nights.
The sixth-ranked Tigers men found stiff resistance in the Adelaide Jets, winning 9-7 on Tuesday night but stretching that to 12-7 last night.
The Tigers women, sitting atop the ladder, defeated the Jets 9-5 and 15-4 with the latter match won in the middle half with 4-1 and 4-0 quarters.
The Jets’ scoring machine, Lisa Callahan, who scored three goals in the first encounter, was kept scoreless in the second.
The Tigers were well served with international stars with Olympic champion Taryn Woods, World Cup champion Nicole Dyson and Lauren Varlow scoring three each in the second match. Commonwealth champion goalkeeper Danielle Bower made it hard for the Jets to get goals past her.
Dual Olympian Gavin Woods top-scored with three goals as the Tigers went 4-0 ahead in the first quarter and 11-5 up after three periods.
Results:
Men:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 9 (C Wright, C Dyson, G Woods, T Delaney 2, P Wormleaton) Adelaide Jets 7 (N Martin, M Martin 3, A Martin), Balmain Tigers 12 (G Woods 3, C Wright, C Dyson, T Delany 2, N Falzon, A Laws, J Miller) Adelaide Jets7 (P Harmer 2, N Martin, T Martin, A Martin, C Martin, M Martin).
Women:
In Adelaide: Balmain Tigers 9 (L Simms 5, E Barnes 3, R Sturevski) Adelaide Jets 5 (L Callahan 3, J Martin, J Green), Balmain Tigers 15 (N Dyson, L Varlow, T Woods 3, L Simms, Y Schmidt 2, K Schmidt, R Sturevski) Adelaide Jets 4 (J Martin 2, P Kearney, J Green).
 

Sydney (April 16).—
Turnbull goal lifts Wests back to top of the ladder
A Matt Turnbull goal 20 seconds from time secured a 9-8 victory for Wests waterpolo Magpies over Balmain Tigers in their men’s National Water Polo League encounter at Ashfield Pool yesterday.
Turnbull had earlier given Wests the 8-7 lead before Chris Dyson levelled the game with 5:16 left on the clock.
The win regained a slice of the ladder lead for Wests, alongside reigning champions Fremantle Mariners.
Cronulla Sharks and Hunter Hurricanes battled to an 8-all draw at Sutherland with the Sharks’ Chris Rourke gaining the equaliser just 13 seconds from full time.
Champions Cronulla Sharks women continued their quest for a repeat crown with a 13-8 victory over Hunter Hurricanes while across town at Ashfield, Balmain Tigers defeated the UNSW Killer Whales 10-5 with Sydney Olympian Taryn Woods and Nicole Saville grabbing four goals each.
In Adelaide, the Sydney University Lions were pressured all the way before beating Adelaide Jets 13-11 in the men’s encounter while the women had more breathing space with an 18-12 margin.
A feature of the men’s game was a length-of-the-field goal by Jets goalkeeper Nathan Portlock.
In Perth, Brisbane Barracudas had a successful visit with the women winning three from four, including beating competition Leader Fremantle Marlins, and the men went away with two wins from four matches.
The men beat UWA Torpedoes 12-10 and the women came from 10-9 down late in the third period to defeat UWA Comets 17-11 at the UWA Pool.
Results:
Men:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 9 (R Campbell, K Graham, M Turnbull 2, J Cotterill, D Stein, D Streets) Balmain Tigers 8 (A Laws, C Dyson, T Delany 2, J Davis, J Miller), Cronulla Sharks 8 (B Bacharach, C Miller, B Kinsel 2, C Rourke, C Batty) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (P Reid 3, N Campbell, T Hunt, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, R Brown).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 13 (T Franklin 5, J Young, A Visch 2, G Richardson, R Maitland, N Cargill, M Baird) Adelaide Jets 11 (N Martin, M Martin 3, P Harmer 2, C Martin, M Radosavljevic, N Portlock).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 12 (S Gynther 3, J Hopkins, C Petersen 2, R Howden, K Smoker, D Gynther, D Hicks, D Young) UWA Torpedoes 10 (B McGhie 5, M Lucas 2, B Roslyn, A Ilic, T Jasper).
Women:
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 13 (J Santoromito, E Walsh, N Zagame, K Gruber 2, B Appel, A Miller, J Liessmann, K Douglass, B Santoromito) Hunter Hurricanes 8 (L Magann 5, C Benzie 2, K Jones), Balmain Tigers 10 (N Saville, T Woods 4, K Schmidt, N Dyson) UNSW Killer Whales 5 (K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn, K Mirabito, H Hawtin).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 18 (N Cuffe 5, T Gofers 4, S Cuffe, J Whitehorn, L Robertson 2, K Gofers, M Hammond, A Cox) Adelaide Jets 12 (L Callahan 8, J Martin 2, L Maksimovic, S Ricketts).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 17 (S Smith 7, M Rippon 3, J Moran, G Wikman 2, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh) UWA Comets 11 (A Prestegaard, G Hadley 4, C Rechichi 2, A Anderson).

Perth (April 15).—
Fremantle Marlins upset by Brisbane Barracudas
Brisbane Barracudas upset top-of-the-ladder Fremantle Marlins 8-6 in a women’s National Water Polo League match at Bicton Pool last night.
The fourth-ranked Barracudas, with international Jane Moran firing in five goals, eclipsed the Marlins and trimmed their lead over Sydney’s Balmain Tigers to a small percentage margin.
It was only the second loss of the season for the Marlins while the Barracudas turned the tables on the Marlins’ 11-8 victory on Thursday.
Competition leaders Fremantle Mariners maintained their composure with a 14-9 victory over a plucky Barracudas men’s team, which only gained its first win of the season the previous night over UWA Torpedoes.
In Sydney, Wests waterpolo Magpies routed Hunter Hurricanes men 16-6 and the UNSW Killer Whales defeated Hunter 11-9 in a battle between the ninth and 10th-ranked teams.
In Adelaide, Sydney University Lions had a successful visit with the men beating the Adelaide Jets 11-8 and the women thumping the Jets 25-8.
Results:
April 14:
Men:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 16 (J Cotterill, K Graham 3, R Campbell, M Turnbull, D Stein, S Cody 2, A Donovan, D Robinson) Hunter Hurricanes 6 (P Reid 2, S Berry, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, C Bryant).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 11 (T Franklin 3, N Cargill, R Maitland, A Visch 2, G Richardson, J Young) Adelaide Jets 8 (N Martin 4, L Vezzosi 2, A Martin, M Radosavljevic).
In Fremantle: Fremantle Mariners 14 (T Cleland, T Seress 3, N O’Halloran, P Tresise 2, J Swift, S Kovalenko) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (K Smoker 3, J Hopkins, C Petersen 2, R Howden, D Young).
Women:
In Sydney: UNSW Killer Whales 11 (K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn 2, M Kearney, K Mirabito, H Hawtin, S Rees, K Moran) Hunter Hurricanes 9 (L Magann 5, L Benzie 2, N McJannett, B Russell).
In Adelaide: Sydney University Lions 25 (N Cuffe, T Gofers, M Hammond 5, S Cuffe 4, J Whitehorn 3, K Gofers 2, L Robertson) Adelaide Jets 8 (L Callahan 6, J Martin, L Maksimovic).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (J Moran 5, S Smith, K Bryce, C Miller) Fremantle Marlins 6 (G Beadsworth, B Brooks 2, K Finucane, S Wheelock).  

Melbourne (April 14).—
Mitchell the hero despite expulsion
A three-goal quarter for Canadian international Kevin Mitchell and then his dramatic expulsion from the game, highlighted the National Water Polo League clash for his Sydney University Lions team and Victorian Tigers here last night.The Lions won the game 11-8 thanks to Mitchell’s five goals but his second exclusion foul in four minutes, followed by immediately giving up a penalty foul when he interfered with play, saw his ousting for the game.The penalty goal by Luke Gavin dragged the Tigers back into the game at 9-7 down but the damage had been done by the Lions and they controlled the rest of the match.
The Lions’ coach, James Moar, saw red earlier in the third period when he was firstly yellow-carded and then red-carded for the game, when one of his bench players made an inappropriate comment. He had to watch the remainder of the game from afar.
The Lions women made short shrift of the Tigers with a 17-8 victory, thanks to seven goals from world silver-medallist duo Nikita Cuffe and Taniele Gofers.
In Perth, Brisbane Barracudas men gained their first win of the season in controversial circumstances, defeating UWA Torpedoes 8-7, just two places ahead on the ladder.
The game was level at 7-all in the dying seconds when Barracudas had a counter, the shot rebounding into the middle of the pool off goalkeeper Luke Quinlivan.
Torpedoes, who lost their captain-coach Matt Lucas for misconduct way back in the opening quarter, called a timeout when not in possession of the ball.
Barracudas gained the penalty shot and Rhys Howden netted his third for the victory four seconds from time.
Barracudas women strengthened their campaign with a 17-9 win over UWA Comets with Australian captain Mel Rippon topping the scoring with four goals.
The Barracudas only had a one-goal advantage at halftime but let loose in the second spell with 6-2 and 5-2 quarters.
Results:
Men:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 11 (K Mitchell 5, N Cargill, T Franklin, R Maitland, A Visch, T Woudwyk, J Sayegh) Victorian Tigers 8 (A Schoneberger 2, R Moody, L Gavin, S Boyd, C Gronow, S Lewis, M Corr).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 8 (R Howden, S Gynther 3, J Hopkins, C Peterson) UWA Torpedoes 7 (B Mercer 5, B McGhie 2).
Women:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 17 (N Cuffe 4, L Robertson, J Whitehorn, T Gofers 3, M Hammond 2, A Cox, K Gofers) Victorian Tigers 8 (L Webster 3, R Webster 2, R Kelly, E Rossato, C Henderson).
In Perth: Brisbane Barracudas 17 (M Rippon 4, A Miller, J Moran 3, G Wikman, K Gynther, S Smith 2, E Keogh) UWA Comets 9 (J Avins, G Hadley, J Sanders 2, A Prestegaard, A Anderson, J Reynolds).


Melbourne (April 13).—
Gavin secures draw for Tigers
The National Water Polo League has restarted in spectacular fashion for finals hopefuls Victorian Tigers men.
Senior international Luke Gavin threw a hat-trick in the final quarter, including the equalising goal 23 seconds from time, to draw 15-all with perennial grand finalists Sydney University Lions at the Hawthorn Aquatic Centre.
Canadian World Championship player Aaron Feltham scored two of his five goals in the final period as the Tigers came from 14-10 down at three-quarter time to secure the draw.
The Lions and Tigers remain at fourth and fifth on the ladder respectively as berths are up for grabs for next month’s finals series.
The Lions women had no such worries with a 12-4 victory over the Tigers with World Championship silver medallists Taniele Gofers and Nikita Cuffe in scoring mood.
In Perth, Fremantle Mariners men regained top spot on the ladder with an 18-9 victory over bottom-ranked Brisbane Barracudas in a game where dual Olympian Tim Neesham was sent for misconduct in the third period.
After losing the first half 9-2, the spirited Barracudas lost the final two quarters by only a goal each.
Fremantle Marlins held out Brisbane’s women 11-8 after being tied at 7-all late in the third period.
Brisbane failed to restrict international Gemma Beadsworth at centre forward, who scored five goals, while Fremantle managed to contain Barracudas’ super stars Kate Gynther and Mel Rippon, who were named to the World Seven at the recent FINA Championships in Melbourne.
Only Gynther made the scoresheet with one goal.
Results:
Men:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (A Feltham 5, L Gavin 4, R Moody 2, A Schoneberger, S Boyd, C Gronow, J Thompson) Sydney University Lions 15 (T Franklin, K Mitchell 4, N Cargill, G Richardson 2, J Sayegh, J Young, A Visch).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 18 (N O’Halloran 5, M Ainsworth 3, T Cleland, D Lawrence 2, T Seress, J Swift, S Kovalenko, A Lee, N Johnson, A Richardson) Brisbane Barracudas 9 (J Hopkins 3, R Howden 2, K Smoker, D Young, C Petersen, B Bol).
Women:
In Melbourne: Sydney University Lions 12 (T Gofers 4, N Cuffe, J Whitehorn 2, A Russell, A Cox, B Day, K Gofers) Victorian Tigers 4 (S Hurst 2, L Baldwin, H Morrison).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 11 (G Beadsworth 5, B Brooks 4, K Finucane, L Chaves) Brisbane Barracudas 8 (S Smith 4, K Bryce, K Gynther, E Keogh, C Miller).

Perth (January 20).-
Hetzel's hat-trick gives Breakers blowout win
A hat-trick of goals in the final period by international Amy Hetzel gave KFC Queensland Breakers a commanding 16-9 victory over UWA Comets in the National Water Polo League at UWA here last night.
Hetzel's burst helped blow out the score at a stage when UWA was still in the picture four goals down with more than five minutes left in the game.
Hetzel, aiming to make the Australian women's team for the FINA World Championships in Melbourne in March, needed just two and a half minutes for her feat, giving her four goals along with team-mate Kate Miller.
The Breakers men were just as forceful against the UWA Torpedoes, winning 14-5 to maintain top spot on the ladder.
Ten players scored for the Breakers with youngster Billy Miller grabbing three.
The game was won by halftime with the Breakers 7-1 ahead.
In Melbourne, Cronulla Sharks women made it two in a row against Victorian Tigers, winning 8-6 as the local team kept clinging on in a valiant effort.
The Tigers won the second half 5-2 but could not make up for a poor first half.
The Tigers men also received stubborn resistance from the Cronulla men before turning a 5-3 halftime margin into a 9-7 success.
Canadian Aaron Feltham top-scored with three for the Tigers and Olympian Sean Boyd, formerly of Cronulla and Brisbane Barracudas, chimed in with two more.
Results:
National Water Polo League:
Men:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 9 (A Feltham 3, S Boyd 2, A Schoneberger, T Birkett, I Lark, J Thompson) Cronulla Sharks 7 (S Mackenzie, R Tracy 2,B Bacharach, C Miller, B Kinsel).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (B Miller 3, D Marsden, S Dornin 2, C Corbin, R Crowe, A Martin, J Votan, M Birch, S Robertson, M McCann) UWA Torpedoes 5 (J Balczer 2, B Roslyn, B McGhie, A Ilic).
Women:
In Melbourne: Cronulla Sharks 8 (H Lincoln-Smith, A Miller, K Gruber 2, J Leissmann, J Santoromito) Victorian Tigers 6 (A Van Ommen, R Webster, L Baldwin 2).
In Perth: KFC Queensland Breakers 16 (K Miller, A Hetzel 4, N McCarthy, S Fraser, S Mills 2, L Hawkins, A Richardson) UWA Comets 9 (C Rechichi, G Hadley 3, A Prestegaard 2, J Avins).

Melbourne (January 14).—
Freo Mariners fight for draw against Qld Breakers 
KFC Queensland Breakers continued Fremantle Mariners’ roller-coaster National Water Polo League ride with a 10-all draw at Bicton Pool here last night.
The reigning champion Mariners had to come back seven times to level the game with the final equaliser coming from former UWA Torpedoes player Mitchal Ainsworth just inside the closing minute.
The Mariners lost to Victorian Tigers earlier in the week in Melbourne and last night played without the services of captain Peter Tresise and Daniel Lawrence who were both injured in the return clash with the Tigers on Monday.
Tresise has an ear injury and Lawrence received a blow to the chest and it is not known whether they will play against the Breakers tomorrow night.
The Breakers, superbly led by Sydney Olympic captain Daniel Marsden, grabbed a 3-1 lead after watching the Mariners open the scoring.
The biggest margin was two goals but the Breakers always managed to score and the Mariners had to reply.
The Fremantle Marlins women defeated the fancied Breakers 10-5 with international centre forward Gemma Beadsworth thumping in five goals, including a hat-trick in the third period.
In Melbourne, Victorian Tigers men beat Cronulla Sharks 15-9 with Ryan Moody claiming five goals.
Cronulla’s women maintained their comeback with a handsome 12-5 margin over the Tigers thanks to five goals from Jenna Santoromito.
In Sydney on Wednesday, UNSW Killer Whales claimed bragging rights of teams in the bottom third of the table with an 8-5 victory over St George Dragons.
Results:
National Water Polo League:
Men:
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 15 (R Moody 5, I Lark 4, C Gronow, M Bridgeman 2, A Feltham, T Birkett) Cronulla Sharks 9 (S Mackenzie, C Miller 3, R Tracy 2, B Kinsel).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland, M Ainsworth 3, T Seress, T Neesham 2) KFC Queensland Breakers 10 (A Martin 3, D Marsden, C Corbin 2, B Miller, D Semmens, M Birch).
Women:
In Sydney:
UNSW Killer Whales 8 (S Rees 2, K Armstrong, A Carter, C Flynn, M Kearney, E Polkinghorne, H Hawtin) St George Dragons 5 (R Lissa, K Card 2, A Brightwell).
In Melbourne: Cronulla Sharks 12 (J Santoromito 5, H Lincoln-Smith, J Leissmann, S Davie 2, K Gruber) Victorian Tigers 5 (R Webster, K Dowling, L Baldwin, H Morrison, S Langley).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 10 (G Beadsworth 5, S Wheelock, B Brooks 2, E Neesham) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (S Mills 3, S Fraser, A Hetzel).  

Melbourne (January 14).—
Canadian Feltham humbles champion Fremantle 
Victorian Tigers’ Canadian import Aaron Feltham inflicted a huge blow to reigning champions Fremantle Mariners in a National Water Polo League match at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre last night.
Feltham, playing at the venue where he will represent Canada in March’s FINA World Championships, scored seven goals, including three in the final period as the Tigers humbled the Mariners 11-10.
When Feltham scored his second goal of the quarter, the Tigers led by a remarkable 10-6.
Two goals by dual Olympian Tim Neesham and one from Mariners captain Peter Tresise narrowed the margin with 23 seconds remaining.
It was only the Mariners’ second loss of the season and with Wests waterpolo Magpies beating Sydney University Lions last week, the finals race is wide open.
The Mariners never recovered from being 5-1 down early in the match or from the game suspension of international Mitchal Ainsworth for misconduct in the opening quarter.
Much interest now centres on tonight’s rematch.
The Fremantle Marlins women continued their winning run with a 12-4 win over the Tigers with veteran Sharan Wheelock claiming maximum best-and-fairest votes while Gemma Beadsworth rammed in five goals.
There were fireworks in Sydney where UWA Torpedoes lost to Sydney University Lions men 11-3.
Torpedoes’ Brad Mercer was ejected for brutality after allegedly kicking an opponent late in the game.
Minutes earlier, Lions coach James Moar was red-carded and sent from the pool.
The Lions women upstaged the UWA Comets 14-10 where Nikita Cuffe and Briohny Day dominated proceedings for the victors.
International Kate Gynther, the top goal-scorer at the past two World League Super Finals, slammed in five goals against the UNSW Killer Whales as her Brisbane Barracudas team stormed to a 12-5 victory at the UNSW Pool.
Wests waterpolo Magpies’ Richard Campbell rifled in seven goals against Brisbane Barracudas in his team’s 23-4 victory at Ashfield Pool.
Results:
National Water Polo League:
Men:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 11 (R Maitland, J Young, J Sayegh 2, N Cargill, L Hollis, G Richardson, M Baird, K Mitchell) UWA Torpedoes 3 (B McGhie 2, J Balczer),
Wests waterpolo Magpies 23 (R Campbell 7, D Robinson, K Graham 3, D Swinnerton, J Cotterill, D Stein, M Turnbull 2, A Donovan, P De Gail) Brisbane Barracudas 4 (D Young 2, R Howden, M Giles).
In Melbourne: Victorian Tigers 11 (A Feltham 7, R Moody, A Schoneberger, L Gavin, C Gronow) Fremantle Mariners 10 (T Cleland 3, N O’Halloran, P Tresise, T Neesham 2, T Seress).
Women:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 14 (N Cuffe 4, E Ashton, M Hammond, S Cuffe, B Day 2, J Whitehorn, A Cox) UWA Comets 10 (C Rechichi, G Hadley 3, J Avins, K Louw, A Anderson, Z Hadley),
Brisbane Barracudas 12 (K Gynther 5, J Moran. M Rippon 2, C Grayson, E Keogh, C Miller) UNSW Killer Whales 5 (H Hawtin 2, K Armstrong, E Polkinghorne, S Rees).
In Melbourne: Fremantle Marlins 12 (G Beadsworth 5, Z Arancini 3, S Wheelock 2, E Neesham, L Neilsen) Victorian Tigers 4 (R Webster 2, C Henderson, L Baldwin).

Sydney (January 14).-
Woods still wowing 'em at Balmain
Dual Olympian Gavin Woods proved that he is an athlete in his prime when scoring seven goals in a National Water Polo League match at Dawn Fraser Pool yesterday.
At nearly 29 years of age, Woods has played 221 internationals for the Aussie Sharks, including the past two Olympic Games, and he used all that experience and skill when his Balmain Tigers beat former champions Brisbane Barracudas 15-7 at the Dawn Fraser Pool.
The win keeps Balmain in the top six from which the finalists will we drawn in May.
Woods is the sister of 2000 Olympic champion Taryn and son of triple water polo Olympian David.
The higher-fancied Barracudas women did not fare so well, losing to the Tigers 11-8.
The Tigers contain no current internationals so the effort was more meritorious against a star-studded side.
Perth's Fremantle teams, the Mariners men and Marlins women, both beat Adelaide Jets combinations 13-4 and the UWA Comets, also from Perth had a win and a loss against Cronulla Sharks.
The UWA Torpedoes won 12-7 while the UWA Comets women fell 9-8 to the champion women. Results:
National Water Polo League:
Men:
In Sydney: UWA Torpedoes 12 (B McGhie 5, A Ilic 4, J Balczer 2, M Lucas) Cronulla Sharks 7 (B Bacharach 3, C Miller, B Kinsel, N Russell, R Tracy),
Balmain Tigers 15 (G Woods 7, A Laws, C Wright, T Martin 2, N Falzon, J Miller) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (R Howden 4, J Hopkins 2, M Giles).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Mariners 13 (T Seress, N O'Halloran 4, T Neesham 3, S Kovalenko, D Lawrence) Adelaide Jets 4 (M Thomas, A Martin, N Martin, L Vezzosi).
Women:
In Sydney:
Cronulla Sharks 9 (J Santoromito 3, J Leissmann, K Douglass 2, H Lincoln-Smith, C Kerr) UWA Comets 8 (A Prestegaard 3, C Rechichi, Z Hadley 2, C Ainsworth),
Balmain Tigers 11 Brisbane Barracudas 8.
In Adelaide: Fremantle Marlins 13 (G Beadsworth 4, G Ralph 3, S Wheelock, Z Arancini 2, L O'Halloran, A Solin) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan, E Dearman, S Murphy, P Kerry).  

Sydney (January 13).-
Cuffe and Hadley in a flurry of goals
International team-mates Nikita Cuffe and Gemma Hadley went on a scoring spree as their Sydney University Lions and UWA Comets teams clashed in National Water Polo League action in Sydney last night.
Cuffe blasted in seven goals for the victorious Lions and Perth's Hadley six as the Lions screamed home 15-13 winners after being 7-4 down late in the first half.
Cuffe's younger sister, Sasha, was also in scoring mood with four goals.
The powerful Lions men beat UWA Torpedoes 17-8 as expected.
In Adelaide, the champion Fremantle Mariners rattled past Adelaide Jets 17-7, thanks to a 9-2 second half and former champions Fremantle Marlins women beat the Jets 13-4 with 1995 World Cup champion Sharan Wheelock top-scoring with four goals.
Wests Magpies continued their winning run with a 16-5 rout of the youthful Brisbane Barracudas men in Sydney with junior international Johnno Cotterill slamming in six goals.
Results:
National Water Polo League:
Men:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 17 (T Franklin, K Mitchell, J Sayegh 3, N Cargill, R Maitland, G Richardson, J Young 2) UWA Torpedoes 8 (M Lucas, A Ilic 2, B Mercer, B Roslyn, T O'Keefe, B McGhie),
Wests 16 (J Cotterill 6, R Campbell 4, D Stein, K Graham 2, P De Gail, D Robinson) Brisbane Barracudas 5 (J Hopkins 2, R Howden, K Smoker, B Bol).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Mariners 17 (P Tresise 5, T Neesham 4, T Seress, N O'Halloran 3, A Richardson, D Lawrence) Adelaide Jets 7 (M Martin 3, M Thomas 2, A Martin, N Martin).
Women:
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 15 (N Cuffe 7, S Cuffe 4, E Ashton 2, A Russell, J Whitehorn) UWA Comets 13 (G Hadley 6, C Rechichi 4, A Prestegard 2, J Avins).
In Adelaide: Fremantle Marlins 13 (S Wheelock 4, G Ralph 3, G Beadsworth, Z Arancini, L Neilsen 2) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan 2, J Green, L Maksimovic).  

Sydney (January 8).-
Wests upset Lions in Sydney derby
Sydney Wests waterpolo Magpies have dared to upset the top order of the men's National Water Polo League by upsetting perennial finalists Sydney University Lions 10-9 at the Peter Montgomery Pool here yesterday.
Wests, who made the finals last season under the guidance of former national coach Erkin Shagaev, continued that form by gaining the winner 72 seconds form time through Daniel Swinnerton. Swinnerton and tyro international Richard Campbell had helped themselves to five goals in the first half but were kept scoreless in the second half until Swinnerton's clincher.
National vice-captain Trent Franklin led all scorers with four, including the first two of the final period, which sent the Lions 9-7 ahead.
However, Daniel Streets on extra and Johnno Cotterill with a penalty goal redressed the imbalance to set up Swinnerton's winner.
In Perth, the champion Fremantle Mariners, who had split a series with the Lions before Christmas, claimed the scalp of cross-town rivals UWA Torpedoes 17-9 and sit comfortably at second on the ladder.
Sydney University Lions women dismissed UNSW Killer Whales15-6 thanks in part to Nikita Cuffe's five-goal haul.
Balmain Tigers had the better of Victorian Tigers 7-4, leading 7-2 at three-quarter time, and champions Cronulla Sharks beat St George Dragons 14-2 in a busy day for Sydney supporters. Results:
Men:
In Sydney: Wests waterpolo Magpies 10 (R Campbell, D Swinnerton 3, D Streets 2, J Cotterill, D Stein) Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin 4, N Cargill, G Richardson, A Visch, T Woudwyk, K Mitchell).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 17 (P Tresise, M Ainsworth 3, N O'Halloran, T Neesham, S Kovalenko 2, C Hoad, T Seress, D Lawrence, A Younger, A Richardson) UWA Torpedoes 9 (B Mercer, A Ilic, N Tzvetanov 2, B McGhie, J Balczer, P Easton).
Women:
In Sydney:
Sydney University Lions 15 (N Cuffe 5, A Russell 3, M Hammond, S Cuffe 2, J Whitehorn, A Cox, M McKee) UNSW Killer Whales 6 (H Hawtin 3, S Rees 2, M Kearney),
Balmain Tigers 7 (N Saville 4, L Sims 2, T Woods) Victorian Tigers 4 (H Morrison 2, A Van Ommen, C Banks),
Cronulla Sharks 14 (H Lincoln-Smith 6, J Leissmann, S Davie 2, B Appel, K Douglass, N Zagame, K Gruber) St George Dragons 2 (A Brightwell, A Gofers).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 13 (G Ralph 5, S Wheelock 4, E Neesham, Z Arancini 2) UWA Comets 9 (A Anderson 3, G Hadley, Z Hadley 2, E McNeil, C Rechichi).  

Sydney (January 6).—
Delany provides winner for Balmain 
Troy Delany’s fourth and final goal proved the decider for his Balmain Tigers team against Victorian Tigers in the men’s National Water Polo League clash at the Dawn Fraser Pool here yesterday. Rising Australian star Delany potted the goal 1:35 from time and despite two timeouts to set attacking plays, the Victorian outfit could not breach Balmain’s defence, losing 11-10.
The NWPL has resumed play after the Christmas break and a series of local derbies form the weekend’s programme. Balmain women also beat the Victorian Tigers, with Sydney Olympic champion Taryn Woods scoring four goals in the 11-5 success.
Wests waterpolo Magpies men, led by Johnno Cotterill with five goals, beat Cronulla Sharks 14-2 at Ashfield Pool.
Sydney University Lions women defeated St George Dragons 8-3 with Olympian Nikita Cuffe grabbing four goals for the victors.
In Brisbane, Brisbane Barracudas eclipsed KFC Queensland Breakers 9-8 in an exciting women’s encounter containing a large contingent of national squad players.
Athens Olympian Kate Gynther collected three goals for the Barracudas while World Cup champion Suzie Fraser netted the same number for the Breakers.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 14 (S Dornin 4, A Martin 3, D Marsden, M Birch 2, C Corbin, T Jenkins, M McCann) Brisbane Barracudas 7 (R Howden 3, C Peterson 3, K Smoker).
In Sydney: Balmain Tigers 11 (T Delany 4, C Dyson 3, N Falzon 2, A Laws) Victorian Tigers 10 (L Gavin, A Feltham 3, A Schoneberger, C Gronow, T Birkett, J Thompson) Wests waterpolo Magpies 14 (J Cotterill 5, D Stein, T Marks, K Graham 2, D Swinnerton, T Blewitt, S Cody) Cronulla Sharks 2 (C Miller, B Kinsel)
Women:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 9 (K Gynther 3, M Rippon, J Moran, G Wikman 2) KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (S Fraser 3, S Mills, A Hetzel 2, B Knox).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 8 (N Cuffe 4, M Hammond 2, J Whitehorn, H Ingle) St George Dragons 3 (K Card 2, A Brightwell), Balmain Tigers 11 (T Woods 4, N Saville, L Varlow, T Schmid 2, L Higlett) Victorian Tigers 5 (C Henderson, S Hurst, A Van Ommen, R Webster, H Morrison).  

Perth (December 4).— Newcastle outfit Hunter Hurricanes completed its Perth assault with a draw and a victory in men’s National Water Polo League action at the weekend.
The Hurricanes drew 11-all with UWA Torpedoes on Friday and in the return match yesterday, they won 13-10 with Ross O’Brien topping the scoring with four goals for the victors.
As expected, they lost twice to the champions Fremantle Mariners but went away with a handful of points.
The Hurricanes women did not fare so well, losing four straight with UWA Comets winning yesterday’s encounter 13-7.
United States import Brittany Russell scored six of Hunter’s goals.
Sydney University Lions had to work against Balmain Tigers men in Sydney before winning 9-7, thanks to Aussie Sharks vice-captain Trent Franklin’s four goals.
Adelaide Jets men beat Brisbane Barracudas 9-3 in Brisbane while the Jets women lost 12-7 in a game where Barracudas’ Cassie Grayson was on fire with six goals.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: Adelaide Jets 9 (N Martin, A Martin 2, L Vezzosi, T Martin, M Thomas, W Gibbs, J Thomas) Brisbane Barracudas 3 (R Howden 3).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 9 (T Franklin 4, K Mitchell, J Sayegh 2, A Visch) Balmain Tigers 7 (A Laws, C Wright, C Dyson, M Saville, G Woods, M Lazic, T Delany). In Perth: Hunter Hurricanes 13 (R O'Brien 4, P Reid 3, C Eames 2, J Stover, S Berry, M Rapsey, R Brown) UWA Torpedoes 10 (J Balczer 4, A Ilic 3, B McGhie 2, M Lucas).
Women:
In Brisbane: Brisbane Barracudas 12 (C Grayson 6, M Rippon 3, G Wickman, E Keogh, C Miller) Adelaide Jets 7 (E Dearman, J Bowen, L Callahan 2, L Maksimovic).
In Perth: UWA Comets 13 (C Rechichi 5, A Anderson 4, A Prestegard, J Avins, C Ainsworth, E McNeil) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (B Russell 6, M Mchaffey).

Brisbane (December 3).— Former Aussie Sharks captain Daniel Marsden belied his age and spearheaded KFC Queensland Breakers to a 12-4 victory over Adelaide Jets in National Water Polo League action at Musgrave Park Pool here last night.
The 36-year-old, who is attempting to make his second Olympic team in Beijing, was the standout player, scoring three goals in the victory.
The Breakers women had a tougher match against the Jets before winning 7-4.
Hunter Hurricanes women scared twice champions Fremantle Marlins in Perth before losing 8-7.
It was only a late penalty goal to Zoe Arancini that stopped the Hurricanes gaining a debut victory in their first weekend of NWPL action.
The Fremantle Mariners men were untroubled against the Hurricanes, winning 17-5 with internationals Tim Cleland and Peter Tresise scoring four goals each.
In Sydney, confusion reigned in the Cronulla Sharks-Balmain Tigers women’s match with Cronulla capping 14 players.
However, the champion Sharks recorded a much-needed 6-4 victory after a string of losses.
Results:
Men:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 12 (D Marsden 3, T Knox, S Dornin 2,B Miller, T Jenkins, A Martin, J Votan, M McCann) Adelaide Jets 4 (N Martin, J Frost, P Harmer, F Bassi).
In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 17 (T Cleland, P Tresise 4, N O’Halloran 3, T Seress, D Lawrence 2, S Kovalenko, N Johnson) Hunter Hurricanes 5 (N Campbell, S Berry, M Rapsey, R O’Brien, R Brown). Women:
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 7 (A Richardson 2, S Horgan, N McCarthy, L Hawkins, J Ewart, K Miller) Adelaide Jets 4 (L Callahan 2, E Dearman, J Bowen).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 8 (Z Arancini 3, S Wheelock, L O'Halloran, L Neilsen, P Bowden, A Solin) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (L Magann, B Russell 3, J Hoad).
In Sydney: Cronulla Sharks 6 (S Davie, C Kerr 2, J Liessmann, B Santoromito) Balmain Tigers 4 (T Woods 2, N Saville, L Simms).  

Perth (December 2).— A goal eight seconds from time gained an 11-all draw for UWA Torpedoes against Hunter Hurricanes in National Water Polo League action here last night.
The Hurricanes men, new to the NWPL last season, had a 10-6 lead in the third period and had possession in the final 30 seconds but lost the ball. Serbian Aleksander Ilic seized the opportunity and scored from nine metres for the equaliser.
UWA’s women’s team, the Comets, had a 14-7 victory over the Hurricanes and Amber Prestegaard netting four goals for the victors.
In Sydney, Sydney University Lions, with eight goals scored by their two Canadian internationals Jean Sayegh and Kevin Mitchell, disposed of Cronulla Sharks 13-6.
The Lions women earlier beat the reigning champion Sharks 9-6 with Bree Appel’s four goals not enough to save Cronulla.
Results:
Men:
In Perth: UWA Torpedoes 11 (M Lucas, I Ilic 3, L Campbell, B Mercer, B Roslyn, B McGhie, J Richards) Hunter Hurricanes 11 (N Campbell, S Berry, T Hunt, R O'Brien 2, J Stover, M Rapsey, P Reid).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 13 (J Sayegh 5, K Mitchell 3, M Baird 2, T Franklin, R Maitland, D Carrick, J Young) Cronulla Sharks 6 (C Miller 2, S Mackenzie, R Tracy, P Blanch, C Batty).
Women:
In Perth: UWA Torpedoes Comets 14 (A Prestegard 4, C Ainsworth, A Anderson, J Reynolds, C Rechichi 2, J Avins, J Sanders, E McNeil) Hunter Hurricanes 7 (L Magann, B Russell 2, J Hoade, C Ellis, S Onweller).
In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 9 (J Whitehorn 3, Y Higgins, A Russell, M Hammond, S Cuffe, B Day, K Gofers) Cronulla Sharks 6 (B Appel 4, A Miller, C Kerr).  

Perth (November 30).— Hungarian Tibor Seress and dual Australian Olympian Tim Neesham led the way as champions Fremantle Mariners repulsed a Hunter Hurricanes charge in National Water Polo League action at Bicton Pool here last night.
The pair scored three goals each as the Mariners swept to a 12-5 victory soon after the Fremantle Marlins women defeated the Hurricanes 22-3. Athens Olympian Belinda Brooks scored five goals in the onslaught.
In Brisbane, the KFC Queensland Breakers men stopped Adelaide Jets 15-6 and in Sydney, St George Dragon opened their campaign with 6-2 margin over the Jets.
Results:
Men: In Perth: Fremantle Mariners 12 (T Seress, T Neesham 3, T Cleland, N O'Halloran 2, P Tresise, A Richardson) Hunter Hurricanes 5 (M Rapsey 2, S Berry, P Reid, R O'Brien).
In Brisbane: KFC Queensland Breakers 15 (D Marsden, A Martin 3, T Jenkins, S Robertson, S Dornin 2, B Miller, T Knox, J Perrett) Adelaide Jets 6 (A Martin 3, F Rossi 2, N Martin).
Women:
In Sydney: St George Dragons 6 (A Brightwell, S Nelson 2, R Lissa, J Rohl) Adelaide Jets 2 (S Ricketts 2).
In Perth: Fremantle Marlins 22 (B Brooks 5, K Finucane 4, G Ralph 3, E Neesham, Z Arancini, L Neilsen, G Beadsworth 2, L O'Halloran, A Solin) Hunter Hurricanes 3 (S Onweiller 2, C Ellis).  

Sydney (November 27).— Perth’s Fremantle teams both suffered losses on their weekend National Water Polo League trip to Sydney.
While the Fremantle Mariners men lost to Sydney University Lions by a goal on Friday, the Fremantle Marlins women were upset by the Lions 9-7 in yesterday’s encounter at the Peter Montgomery Pool.
The Marlins had earlier beaten the Lions 7-4.
The champion Mariners regained lost ground in the return clash between the top two teams in recent years with a 9-8 victory over the Lions, thanks to a five-goal haul to international Nick O’Halloran. The left-hander’s scoring followed on from six goals in his team’s 13-6 win over Cronulla Sharks the previous day.
Wests Magpies and KFC Queensland Breakers battled out an 8-all draw on Saturday with the latter backing up to win 11-10 against Balmain Tigers yesterday.
Breakers women collected two wins — a tight 12-11 margin against UNSW Killer Whales and 6-4 against Balmain.
Results:
Men:
November 25: In Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 13 (N O’Halloran 6, T Neesham 4, C Hoad, T Seress, D Lawrence) Cronulla Sharks 6 (R Tracy 3, B Ient 2, C Rourke), Wests waterpolo Magpies 8 (R Campbell, J Cotterill 3, D Swinnerton, S Cody) KFC Queensland Breakers 8 (B Miller, S Dornin 2, T Jenkins, A Martin, D Semmens, S Robertson).
November 26: In Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 9 (N O'Halloran 5, C Hoad, T Cleland, T Neesham, D Lawrence) Sydney University Lions 8 (T Franklin 4, N Cargill, R Maitland, J Young, T Woudwyk), KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (S Dornin 3, B Miller, T Knox, S Robertson 2, A Martin, J Votan) Balmain Tigers 10 (T Delany, G Woods 3, C Dyson 2, C Wright, M Lazic).
Women:
November 25: In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 6 (G Ralph, L Chaves 2, G Beadsworth, B Brooks) Cronulla Sharks 5 (J Santoromito 2, H Lincoln-Smith, A Miller, B Santoromito), KFC Queensland Breakers 12 (S Fraser 5, S Horgan, A Hetzel 2, B Knox, A Richardson, S Mills) UNSW Killer Whales 11 (C Flynn 4, H Hawtin 3, K Armstrong, S Rees 2).
November 26: In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 9 (K Gofers 3, N Cuffe, T Gofers 2, J Whitehorn, M Hammond) Fremantle Marlins 7 (G Beadsworth 4, B Brooks 2, G Ralph), KFC Queensland Breakers 6 (S Horgan 2, S Frazer, B Knox, A Gronow, K Miller) Balmain Tigers 4 (N Dyson, N Saville 2).  

Sydney (November 25).- Sydney University Lions stamped their authority on reigning champions Fremantle Mariners with a 7-6 National Water Polo League victory at the Peter Montgomery Pool here last night.
Runners-up to Fremantle last season, the Lions took control, thanks to four-goal hero Trent Franklin.
The Lions women found it tougher against Fremantle Marlins, losing 7-4, while Balmain Tigers beat KFC Queensland Breakers 11-5 in their Sydney encounter.
Results:
Men: In Sydney: Sydney University Lions 7 (T Franklin 4, A Visch, K Mitchell, J Sayegh) Fremantle Mariners 6 (T Cleland, N O'Halloran 2, T Neesham, D Lawrence).
Women: In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 7 (K Finucane, B Brooks 2, G Ralph, Z Arancini, G Beadsworth) Sydney University 4 (N Cuffe, J Whitehorn, T Gofers, N Hammond), Balmain Tigers 11 (T Woods, Y Schmid 3, N Dyson 2, K Schmidt, L Varlow, C Liddle) KFC Queensland Breakers 5 (B Knox 3, S Horgan, S Mills).

Sydney (November 24).- Perth’s Fremantle Marlins extracted revenge on Sydney’s reigning champion Cronulla Sharks in opening games of the 2007 National Water Polo League here last night.
Twice champions Marlins lost the semifinal series to Cronulla earlier this year but won last night’s encounter at the Sutherland Pool by a convincing 13-4 with Athens Olympian Belinda Brooks top-scoring with four goals.
Fremantle Mariners men, who won their fourth NWPL crown in April, downed Cronulla 17-4 with international Tim Cleland bagging six goals.
In other games, KFC Queensland Breakers had a successful visit to Sydney, beating Wests waterpolo Magpies men 11-7 and the University of New South Wales Killer Whales women 13-7.
The NWPL has started earlier than normal because of the clash with March’s FINA World Championships in Melbourne.
Results:
Men: November 23: In Sydney: Fremantle Mariners 17 (T Cleland 6, T Seress, T Neesham 3, N O'Halloran, D Lawrence 2, A Richardson) Cronulla Sharks 4 (S Mackenzie 2, B Ient, J Williams), KFC Queensland Breakers 11 (A Martin 4, T Knox, S Dornin 2, D Marsden, B Miller, J Votan) Wests waterpolo Magpies 7 (R Campbell, D Stern 2, J Cotterill, T Marks, K Graham).
Women: November 23: In Sydney: Fremantle Marlins 13 (B Brooks 4, K Finucane 3, G Beadsworth 2, S Wheelock, E Neesham, G Ralph, Z Arancini) Cronulla 4 (J Liessmann 2, J Santoromito, B Santoromito), KFC Queensland Breakers 13 (A Hetzel 3, L Hawkins, B Knox, S Mills 2, S Horgan, S Frazer, A Richardson, A Gronow) UNSW Killer Whales 7 (A Carter, C Flynn 2, E Polkinghorne, H Hawtin, K Moran).