Junior South Island Waterpolo Tournament

Elaine Kelly —

Last weekend, the junior water polo team travelled to Christchurch to compete in the Junior South Island Waterpolo Tournament.

We knew it was going to be an uphill battle as we had drawn Saint Andrews College, which finished second in the very strong Canterbury schools' competition, first up. Although we lost, Sam Hedges showed his physicality and massive potential.

On the Saturday, the boys had games against Shirley Boys', Christ's College and King's High. The boys scored some great goals and worked very well as a team, but ultimately came up short. McLeod Glaister deserves a special mention for his outstanding work on defence and his seemingly insatiable appetite to learn the game.

On the final morning, the boys knew the task ahead, playing Shirley Boys' in the 7th/8th play-off. We got off to a great start, leading 4-1 at the end of the first quarter, and muscled out a 9-7 win, with Sam scoring 6 goals and turning in a strong defensive game. Goalie Eddie Wright also had a great game, making some excellent saves.

MVP: Eddie Wright

Most improved: Sam Hedges and McLeod Glaister

Team player: Wilson McKay

Overall this is a great developing side and in the Dunedin competitions this year the juniors placed 5th in the boys' pool. Both Seniors and Juniors play in this pool and every team ahead of them was a senior team,  making us the top junior boys' team in Dunedin.

Well done, boys!