Marlins make a splash in tournament return

GEELONG water polo players have matched their skills with the best players from across the state and beyond at their first representative tournaments since the pandemic.

Geelong Marlins’ senior sides took on the best in regional Victoria at the country championships at Bendigo, while the club’s junior teams hosted top sides from across the state, Melbourne and New South Wales at the tri-state tournament last month.

The club’s junior co-ordinator Deb Johnson admitted the club had an “exhausting” return to tournaments at the tri-state event, which was the first of its kind in Victoria for two years, but was proud to have overseen a smooth competition.

“I really can’t put into words the excitement and atmosphere right across the weekend, we have had nothing but positive feedback from everyone,” she said.

“We had perfect weather throughout the weekend. For most Victorian clubs it was their first junior tournament since lockdown, they were all so grateful to be back in the water.”

A total of 27 teams arrived at the Kardinia Park tournament, with late withdrawals from Tasmanian teams due to COVID risks.

The Marlins fielded sides in each division of the tournament, with its under-12s cohort leading the way despite splitting into two teams late to enable more players to take the pool following isolations across the tournament.

Marlins Green won silver and Marlins Blue won bronze behind Melbourne Collegians in the mixed age group.

“It was very exciting for them because it was their first tournament ever, and for a lot of them it was their first game,” Ms Johnson said.

 

 

Open-age teams also returned to the tournament tour at the regional country championships at Ballarat.

Geelong’s senior women fell agonisingly short of the state crown, going down 10-11 to Albury Sharks in the grand final.

The senior men’s side also had a disappointing end after performing strongly in the early stages of the tournament; the Marlins Blue side lost its semi-final 5-8 to Albury Tigers, and by the same score in its third-place play-off against Northside/Wodonga.

Geelong’s local water polo competition runs until April, with the club accepting new players at Monday night training sessions at Kardinia Park outdoor pool.