Robust result at country titles for Ballarat Water Polo Club teams

BALLARAT Water Polo Club has returned home with a strong result at the state Country Championships in the countdown to the city hosting the Australian Country Championships for the first time.

The club entered both a men’s and a women’s team in this year’s Country Championships held at Albury-Wodonga over 7 and 8 February.

“The tournament brought together some of the strongest regional sides in the state,” said club spokesperson Melinda Childs, who was also part of the women’s team.

The women’s competition featured 11 teams, with Ballarat’s squad playing seven games across the weekend to finish in sixth place overall.

“The team showed determination and resilience throughout the tournament, finishing the weekend proud of their efforts and continued development,” Childs said.

“I think our team came together really well and we got better and better as each game progressed. The competition was pretty fierce.”

The men’s competition also included 11 teams, with Ballarat finishing in fifth place overall.

“It was a strong result given that many competing teams, especially those from Albury, play in larger water polo communities and compete more regularly throughout the season,” Childs said.

Ballarat player Jeff Disken had extra cause to feel pleased with the outcome after he was named Most Valuable Player in the men’s tournament.

“Both teams demonstrated significant growth over the course of the weekend,” Childs said.

For many players, the state Country Championships provide not only high-level competition but also valuable experience and exposure.

The tournament serves as a key selection event, with standout players chosen to represent the Victorian Country squad.

This squad will compete at the Australian Country Championships to be held in Ballarat for the first time this year, over 6-9 May.

“That’s very exciting; it’s huge,” Childs said.

“If anyone would like to get involved we’re always keen to see new players and we train on a Wednesday night at the Ballarat Aquatic and Lifestyle Centre.”