ARCHIVE - BMWP Representative Results (2007/08)
U14’s NSW Championships Tamworth 2008
Report by Kim Moodie ( Manager - Blueys U14 Girls)
I had the pleasure of being the Manager of the Blueys Under 14’s team that traveled to Tamworth in February for the NSW U14s Championships.
What a great bunch of girls.
The team was Courtney Vreeken, Erin Moodie, Renay Vreeken, Caitlin Berrell, Michaela Piper, Nicole Moodie, Megan Moodie and Emma Smith. As we only had 8 players, we picked up 2 draft players from the Central Coast – Brittany Tait and Kayla Kingston.
After the long drive up, we arrived on Friday afternoon for our first game at 2:30pm. All the Blueys girls stepped up and played a fantastic game against Crounulla White - beating them 10-2 – what a wonderful way to start the weekend. Goals scored by Kayla 1, Renay 2, Erin 2, Courtney 1, Brittany 3 and Nicole 1. Saturday morning came and the girls had 4 games to play: The first game was against Newcastle. The game was very hard but our Blueys pulled off a great win, taking the game 4-2. Goals scored by Renay 1, Nicole 1, Brittany 1 and Emma 1. The next game on Saturday was against SNB A. Our girls played hard with some good defence and attack but weren’t quite strong enough – they lost the game 9-4. Goals scored by Courtney 2, Erin 1 and Brittany 1. The game against Alstonville was a bit rough, but the best Blueys girls played with a lot of guts and came away with a 7-1 win. Goals scored by Brittany 4, Erin 1, Renay 1 and Courtney 1. The hardest game of the day was the last one of the day against Drumyone A. The Blueys went in with a great attitude knowing that they were likely to be beaten, so let’s have some fun. They lost 10-2. Both goals scored by Brittany. On Sunday, the Blueys girls had just the one game - playing off for 5th place against UNSW. Our girls came out strong and scored the first goal. Great defence and driving by all girls – the final score was 6-3 – Blueys won. Goals scored by Courtney 1, Emma 1, Brittany 2, Kayla 1 and Erin 1.
A great way to finish the weekend – Blueys finished 5th in the State.
Over the 3 days, all Blueys players put in 100% in each and every game and they improved as the weekend progressed. With no set goalkeeper, every player had a go in goals at some stage – all girls performing well – especially our pocket rockets. A big thanks to our two draft players Brittany and Kayla - what a great pair of girls. They fitted straight in with the Blueys team – they were friendly and polite - they all got on so well. Woy Woy and Wyong were well represented in these to girls.
A special thank you to Shannon and Clint from McNevins Country Valley Motel for making the Blueys team feel very welcome.
Almost forgot the most important people - the Blueys parent’s. Thank you all for your help over the weekend.P.S. THANK YOU EDDIE for all your time and effort in Coaching the team and for making sure that all the girls had a great time on the weekend.
Blueys Under 16 Girls @ NSW Club Championship
The Blueys U16 girls travelled to Wollongong on the Friday 8th of February for a weekend of very challenging and competitive waterpolo - the U16 NSW Club Championships. This year there were 22 teams entered from all over NSW representing both city and country clubs.
The Blueys were placed in a very competitive group consisting of ACT Dolphins, Balmain Gold, Drummoyne A, Sydney Uni A and UTS Ryde. The team consisted of Connie Gorham, Aleasha Vreeken, Courtney Vreeken, Beth Salmon, Anna-Leis Phoebe, Jess Carroll, Taylor Leonard, Larissa Moore and Erin Moodie. With most teams having up to 15 players and lots of reserves our girls were reduced to a team of 9 with only two reserves at a time. A big call in such a tough competition, but one that our girls took in their stride.
The first game was on Friday, Blueys were up against hot favourites Drummoyne A. The girls started well and were in good spirits, but Drummoyne were just too powerful, too fast and too strong. Our attack was shut down very quickly which led to very few opportunities to score. The Blueys girls never gave up. Aleasha was able to use her skills and get the ball in the net for our only goal. Drummoyne won the game 12 to the Blueys 1. The next game on Friday was against ACT; everyone was again in a positive mood and were keen to get a win. Our girls got out there and played a fantastic game. All girls were attacking well, their confidence grew and we came away with a great win. Blueys scored 9 goals to ACT 2. Goals scored by Aleasha 4, Taylor 2, Anna-Leis, Beth and Courtney. On Saturday the girls first game was against UTS-Ryde. With one win under their belt, the Blueys were keen for another. This was a game that the girls just excelled in - their speed, defence and confidence with each other was on show for all to see. Everything just fell into place for the Blueys girls, with their defence blowing the opposition away. The girls were rewarded with their biggest win scoring 20 goals in the game - this is nearly a goal a minute - the bonus was keeping UTS-Ryde scoreless. Goals scored by Aleasha and Beth 4 each, Anna-Leis, Jess and Taylor 3 each Erin 2 and Courtney 1. In the afternoon the girls played Balmain Gold, again the girls were very positive. Again our girls dominated and won the game 12 goals to Balmain’s 4. Goals scored by Aleasha 6, Jess 3, Larissa, Erin and Courtney 1 each.
To finish off our group the girls came up against Sydney Uni A, a team that the Blueys have played in the City comp, but are yet to beat. At this point the only game that Sydney Uni had lost was also against Drummoyne. Both Blueys and Uni were on the same points in our group, the only difference being that Uni only lost to Drummoyne 9 - 2. To finish in second spot in our group and to have a crack at the qualifying final - we had to beat Uni. A big ask.
Not long into the game it was clear that both referees were not going to tolerate any foul play, so penalties were coming thick and fast to the Blueys girls with Uni getting quite a few kick outs and at half time the Blueys were actually leading 3-1. The Blueys girls had a lot more scoring opportunities than Uni, but nerves got to them, and Uni were able to put in 2 goals in the second half to draw the game. As the clock wound down both teams took opportunities to score, but without success. In the end the game was drawn 3 - 3. As Uni had the smaller loosing margin against Drummoyne, they progressed to Qualifying Final 1. The Blueys girls had just missed out on finishing in the top 8 in the state. Goals scored by Aleasha 2 and Jess 1. It was an absoloutly awesome effort by our girls. Even though our girls didn't win that game, other clubs came up and congratulated our girls on their effort, skill, and what is probably most important their sportsmanship, so I guess we really did win! This didn't dampen the girls spirits, they were stoked by the result and so were our small but dedicated band of parents.
On Sunday the girls played Cronulla C to see who would finish in 9th position. This didn't happen till late Sunday afternoon and both coach and manager wanted to finish on a winning note. It was obvious that our girls were just about all played out, but in true Blueys spirit our girls went onto a convincing win of 11 - 3. Goals scored by Aleasha 4, Beth 3, Courtney 2, Jess and Taylor 1 each. Both Eddie and Annette would like to say what a wonderful bunch of girls this team consists of. The team spirit was amazing, all of the girls should be very proud of how well they played over the weekend, how they represented the club and themselves. Other clubs actually sat up and took notice, we were there to play not just make up numbers. The team work was fantastic throughout the weekend – with every Blueys player scoring at least one goal. Well done Blueys!
2008 Under 16 Girls NSW Championship photos
BLUEYS Ladies Success at
NSW Country Club Championships 2008
On the Long Weekend in January, Blue Mountains Water Polo entered 3 teams in the NSW Country Club Championships held at Swansea, Raymond Terrace and Lambton Pools.
The Ladies B grade team had the most success – finishing in 2nd place in a tight Grand Final against Woy Woy. The B team players were Kathleen Watson, Michelle Graham, Lorinda Gobbo, Elissa Piper, Stef Camden, Stacy Andrews, Kristy Stanton, Ally Simpson, Louise Moodie, Mikala McConnell and Megan Sayles.
They started the weekend on Saturday morning by beating Woy Woy in the round games, 6-5. The game was tough, but the Blueys girls played hard and matched the skill and experience of the Woy Woy team. Goals were scored by Lorinda Gobbo 2, Ally Simpson, Stef Camden, Megan Sayles and Elissa Piper. Next up was Central Newcastle which Blueys won 15-2. Goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo 3, Louise Moodie 3, Michelle Graham 2, Ally Simpson 2, Stef Camden 2, Kristy Stanton 2 and Mikala McConnell. The last game of the day on Saturday for the B team was against Easts. Our Blueys worked well together in attack and their defence was fantastic. They beat Easts 7-4. Goals scored by Kristy Stanton 2, Stef Camden 2, Lorinda Gobbo, Megan Sayles and Mikala McConnell.
On Sunday morning, they played the Dragons and won 7-4. Goals scored by Megan Sayles 2, Kristy Stanton 2, Lorinda Gobbo, Mikala McConnell and Stef Camden and their last round game was against Lake Macquarie who they beat 10-1. Goals scored by Megan Sayles 3, Michelle Graham 2, Elissa Piper 2, Lorinda Gobbo, Stef Camden and Kristy Stanton. Soon after this game, they played their semi final – again against Lake Macquarie which they this time won 9-4. Semi final goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo 4, Mikala McConnell, Ally Simpson, Elissa Piper and Stef Camden.
The B grade girls Grand Final was played in a much wider pool at Lambton on Monday morning and although our girls played well, they missed a lot of opportunities that they had been converting all weekend. They fought hard, but went down 6-5. Grand Final goals scored by Louise Moodie 2, Michelle Graham, Stacy Andrews and Lorinda Gobbo. The girls should be congratulated for their fantastic performances throughout the whole weekend. A special mention must go to Kristy Stanton and Kathleen Watson who were outstanding in each and every game. And a big thanks to Tracy Galea for Coaching the team.The Blueys Mens B grade team started their weekend against Cessnock and they drew the game 7 all. It took the Blueys boys a little while to get it together and they really should have won this game. Blueys goals scored by Michael Malone 3, Ben Morgan 2 and Wes Threlkeld 2.
The Ladies A grade team also performed well in their round games, but were a little disappointed with their overall result. The first game of the weekend for the A grade girls was against SS&A (Albury) and although it took a while for the Blueys girls to hit their straps, they came away with an 8-5 win. Goals scored by Kerrie Malone 3, Aleasha Vreeken 2, Jill Doyle, Kerry Martin and Jen Coogan. The 2nd game for the A grade girls was against Lake Macquarie – a fit side with a number of National League players. The game was fast and physical and the Blueys played a great team game – winning 6-5. Goals scored by Courtney Finlay 2, Kerry Martin 2, Kerrie Malone and Cheryl Simpson. The first game on Sunday for the A team was against Raymond Terrace and the Blueys Ladies took control from the outset, winning 12-2. Goals scored by Kerrie Malone 3, Leslie Storey 3, Aleasha Vreeken, Tracy Galea, Cheryl Simpson, Jill Doyle, Kerry Martin and Jen Coogan. The last round game was against a very, very, very rough and tough Central Newcastle team. After being down 3-1 at half time, the Blueys girls fought back hard to have the game at 3 all at ¾ time. Unfortunately, Newcastle scored in the last quarter to win the game 4-3. The put the Blueys in 2nd place and they played their semi on Monday morning against Lake Macquarie. This game was hard fought, with both teams playing good, strong, clean, fast water polo. It was close throughout, but Lake Macquarie managed to steal the game – winning 11-9. Blueys goals scored by Kerrie Malone 4, Jen Coogan, Tracy Galea, Cheryl Simpson, Lesley Storey and Courtney Finlay.
This placed the Blueys A Grade Ladies team 3rd for the weekend. Although a little disappointing, the girls should still be proud of how well they played over the 3 days of competition. Leslie Storey and Nicole Birrell played particularly well in all games. Thanks to Club Coach Eddie Vreeken for all his hard work with the team over the tournament.
Their 2nd game on Saturday was against Easts and with a convincing victory, the boys were fairly happy with their performance. They won 8-2, goals scored by Wes Threlkeld 2, Greg Malone 2, Stephen Winfield 2, Ben Morgan and Michael Malone.
Last game for the Blueys guys on Saturday was against old rivals Wyong. Again, our boys didn’t quite pull it together and ended up with another disappointing draw. The final score was 7 all with Blueys goals scored by Wes Threlkeld 2, Greg Malone 2, Bob Lovatt, Stephen Winfield and Ben Morgan.
Sunday morning, the first game for the boys was against Central Newcastle B and Blueys took the win 10-7, playing much better than they had on Saturday. Blueys goals scored by Ben Morgan 5, Wes Threlkeld 2, Bob Lovatt, Greg Malone and Michael Malone. They then played the Central Newcastle A team and won 10-4. Goals scored by Wes Threlkeld 4, Ben Morgan 3, Michael Malone 2 and Peter Dennis.
This placed the Blueys guys 2nd and they played Newcastle A again in the semi. Not the best game by our boys saw them lose the game 9-8, goals scored by Greg Malone 3, Ben Morgan 3, Lachlan Cameron and Stephen Winfield. The Blueys guys finished in 3rd place. Danny Armour and Greg Malone played well all weekend.
Blueys Ladies in NSW Under 20 State Championship
For the first time ever, Blue Mountains Water Polo entered a girls team into the NSW Under 20s State Championships held at Balmain Pool on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd December.
Blueys U20 Ladies are: Bonnie-Rae Phoebe, Ally Simpson, Makayla Ballhause, Stefanie Camden, Connie Gorham, Courtney Finlay, Aleasha Vreeken, Lorinda Gobbo, Louise Moodie and Emily Gorham.
(Click image to for larger photo - - - or photos page for more
Teams that enter this tournament are the best in the State and included teams like Balmain (who have 2 Aus Open squad members in their U20s side). Our girls got a tough draw, playing Drummoyne and Balmain on Saturday and Cronulla on Sunday morning. They muscled up really well and played beyond Coaches expectations to score goals against these strong teams.
Blueys lost the first game against Balmain 12-3, goals scored by Makayla Ballhause, Louise Moodie and Lorinda Gobbo. The second game against Drummoyne was fantastic, Blueys going down 8-5. Goals scored by Stefanie Camden 2, Lorinda Gobbo 2 and Aleasha Vreeken. Cronulla went on to win the competition and beat oour girls 14-2. Goals scored by Courtney Finlay and Aleasha Vreeken. The final game of the weekend was against the NSW Country U20s side and Blueys lost 5-1. Goal scored by Courtney Finlay.
All Blueys players improved as the weekend progressed, with 13 year old Connie Gorham making some impressive saves in goals throughout the tournament and receiving the award for Blueys Player of the Tournament. Lorinda Gobbo was also impressive in every game.
This was a great learning experience for the Blueys juniors and we look forward to seeing these girls implement some of the things they learnt during the weekend in their weekly games for Blueys. Thanks to Eddie Vreeken, Kerrie Malone and Matt Heyhoe (Rookie) who did a great job coaching the girls throughout the tournament.
Congratulations must also go to Mel Marsden who played with the NSW Country U20s side during this tournament and played consistently well in all games.
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