![\"\"](\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/waterpolochampsb_18088.jpg\")
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“I think our team came together really well and we got better and better as each game progressed. The competition was pretty fierce.”<\/p>\n
The men’s competition also included 11 teams, with Ballarat finishing in fifth place overall.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
“Both teams demonstrated significant growth over the course of the weekend,” Childs said.<\/p>\n
For many players, the state Country Championships provide not only high-level competition but also valuable experience and exposure.<\/p>\n
The tournament serves as a key selection event, with standout players chosen to represent the Victorian Country squad.<\/p>\n
This squad will compete at the Australian Country Championships to be held in Ballarat for the first time this year, over 6-9 May.<\/p>\n
“That’s very exciting; it’s huge,” Childs said.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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 […]<\/p>\n