STRONG START TO SEASON FOR BLUEYS
Sunday the 16th of May saw the Winter Water Polo Season kick off for Blue Mountains Water Polo. This season Blueys have 2 senior teams and 1 juniors’ team in the ladies competition and 2 senior teams in the mends competition.
This week saw the ladies teams travelling to Penrith for the first round of competition. The sun was shining brightly as the Ladies 4th Grade hit the water against Ryde. From the first whistle the Blueys girls looked convincing, easily dictating play and scoring goals quickly. A great game was had by Connie Gorham in goals and it was great to Kerrie Malone back in the water for the first time in almost a year. A great first round win by the girls.
The Ladies 3rd Grade had a slow start in their game against Sydney Uni. After realising the score was 4-3 at half time the Blueys girls were shocked into action in the second half. Improved passing and shooting options meant the team were able to put another 7 goals away in the second half and an improved defensive effort kept Sydney Uni scoreless for the rest of the game. Final score was 11-3 to Blueys. A great attacking effort from Jen Coogan with 5 goals and Aleasha Vreeken with 3 goals. Other goals scorers were Lorinda Gobbo, Elissa Piper and Megan Russell.
U14’s had the bye.
No men’s results received.
Wins all round in the Water Polo
Round 2 of the Metropolitan Water Polo Competition saw both senior ladies teams come away with tough wins. The Ladies 3rd Grade had a tougher game this week against a typically fit, young and feisty Sydney Northern Beaches side. In a low scoring game it was the Blueys defence which made the difference, the team covered well for each other denying the SNB side a number of good scoring opportunities. Nicole Birrell was outstanding in goals and made lots of great saves, even stopping a couple of lob shots. Final score Blueys 4 - SNB 3. Goal scorers Jen Coogan 2, Elissa Piper and Aleasha Vreeken.
The Ladies 4th Grade team this week travelled away from the mountains to UNSW. Again this experienced team was up against a young and fast team who were out for a win at any cost. In a high scoring game the blueys girls converted almost all of their shots at goal, helping them to come away with a convincing 15-7 win. A great game was had by Connie Gorham in goals, making some fantastic saves. Goals scored by Kerrie Malone 5, Robyn Ryan 4, Ashley Western 3, Kerry Martin, Vicky Gorham and Larissa Moore.
U14 win on forfeit.
No men’s results received.
Great win for Blueys JuniorsRound 3 of the Metropolitan Water Polo Competition saw all ladies Blueys teams enjoying the home pool advantage, enjoying the sunshine and good weather at Penrith Pool. The first game of the day was the Under 14 Girls up against Sydney University B.
It was a late start to the season for the girls with a bye and a forfeit already under their belts. The U14s had a convincing 3 - 0 lead in the 2nd quarter, however a few lapses in defence allowed Sydney Uni to catch up and have us by 1 goal by the end of the third quarter. It was a contentious goal by Lisa Wilcox in the 4th that sealed the win for the team. Monique Green was dependable as always in goals and performed some great saves. Breanna Prisuda did not give up when an attempt was stopped and put pressure on Uni's Goalie. Tahlia Tuckwell was unlucky that a few more of her attempts hit the goals, but created great opportunities when stealing the ball from Uni. Sophie Lucic-Fisher had tough opposition to contend with but didn't give up and threw some great shots from the back. It was unfortunate that Ciara Morgan's attempts didn't hit their mark and she was robbed of one goal that was all but over the line. Ash had a great game and covered a lot of the pool. The final score was Blueys 5 – Sydney Uni 4. Goals scored by Breanna Prisuda 3, Tahlia Tuckwell 1, Lisa Wilcox 1.
The next game of the day saw the Ladies 4th Grade up against and young, fit and fast Breakers. Despite their speed the Blueys girls were the first to score, getting a quick break up the pool and a fast first goal. Despite scoring first and stealing the ball on several occasions, the Blueys girls went into half time with the scored tied up at 4 all. Breakers came out firing in the third quarter, easily out scoring Blueys 3-1, but in the fourth quarter Blueys started to mount a comeback. Behind by one goal and with only 10 seconds on the clock, Blueys had 1 final chance to score to tie the game, but unfortunately were unable to convert, going down 8-9. Goals scored by Ashley Western 3, Kerry Martin 3, Kristy Stanton 2.
The Ladies 3rd Grade was the final game of the day out at Penrith and it saw them take on old rivals Ryde. The girls went into the game knowing that it would be physical affair and that they would have to play smart if they were going to overcome their opposition. The Blueys girls came out all guns blazing scoring 5 quick goals in the first quarter and easily dictating play. The second quarter saw the Blueys girls turn off, only scoring 1 goal. Despite this lack in concentration, the girls went into the second half of the game looking to wrap the win and easily out scored and out played Ryde. The final score was Blueys 12 to Ryde 1. Goals scored by Elissa Piper 4, Jen Coogan 3, Aleasha Vreeken 2, Lorinda Gobbo 2 and Alexis Byrne.
Convincing Wins for BlueysRound 4 of the Metropolitan Water Polo Competition saw all Ladies Blueys teams coming away with some very convincing wins. The Under 14 Girls played out of Penrith and convincingly applied the plays they have been learning at training and pulled off a convincing win against Cronulla Black this week. Sophie Lucic-Fischer took control in defence and was integral in getting the ball down the pool. Ashlee Wills had her first attempt at goal this season and was unlucky that it just fell short. Ciara Morgan made some great steals and worked hard in defence. Ebony never gave up even when the opposition seemed bigger and got a goal away. There was no doubt that both of Lisa Wilcox's attempts at goal would find their target . Breanna Prisuda got one goal in after a steal and swim of the pool length, another from a 5m penalty. Tahlia Tuckwell had a blinder including a beautiful push shot in front of the goals. Keeping Cronulla scoreless for the first 3 quarters, Monique Green was spared as Goalie and proved just as dependable in the field almost getting a goal herself.
The girls made some solid plays and did not fall victim to the shot clock as is usually the case with them. It was good to see the ball released and passed when it needed to be and some of the girls being able to take a swim with the ball and make for goal when the opportunity is there. The younger players are gaining confidence as the week’s progress and all are maturing in their play. Keep up the good work girls and keep on working on getting some length into your throws.
Ladies 4th Grade defeated Cronulla 11-6. Goal scorers Claire Groves 5, Kerrie Malone 4, Leanne Moss and Kerry Martin.
Ladies 3rd Grade won on forfeit.
Blueys fight for tough wins
There were some mixed results in the pool this week for the Blueys ladies in the Metropolitan Water Polo competition. This week 2 teams enjoyed the home pool advantage, playing out at Penrith on a glorious sunny afternoon.
The Under 14’s Girls game really came together to keep their opponents scoreless until the 4th quarter. Everybody had attempts at goals and some excellent passing down the pool saw both Ciara Morgan and Ashlee Wills' maiden goals of the season. Monique Green is both capable in the goals and in the field, keeping 7 attempts out during the first 2 quarters and then scoring herself in the fourth after a full length swim of the pool. Tahlia Tuckwell took over goal keeping in the 3rd quarter and stopped 3 attempts including a great save of a 5m penalty. Sophie Lucic-Fisher gave 110% as always and found herself ejected but not before she got a few goals away. It was Ebony's turn at goals in the 4th quarter and she did well for her first turn at goalie saving two of the four attempts. Lisa Wilcox's hard work paid off and saw her attempt at goal hit it's mark. Breanna Prisuda had attempts in each of the quarters and was unlucky that more of the goals did not find the net. The final score was Blueys 10 defeating Drummoyne 2. Goals scored by Monique Green 2, Sophie Lucic-Fisher 2, Breanna Prisuda 2, Ciara Morgan, Tahlia Tuckwell, Lisa Wilcox and Ashlee Wills.The Ladies 4th Grade had an unexpectedly tough game up against Drummoyne. It was a low scoring game with both teams having to fight hard to maintain possession of the ball. The Blueys defence was phenomenal, covering well for each other against a fast Drummoyne. The scores were tied all the way through the game, but unfortunately with only 3 seconds on the clock Drummoyne to a shot at goals and stole the game away from the Blueys girls. Final score was Blueys 2 defeated by Drummoyne 3. Goals scored by Kerrie Malone and Robyn Ryan.
The Ladies 3rd Grade travelled to UNSW this week to take on a young and fast paced team. It was a tough game with the referee calling some early and questionable kick outs to assert his authority over the game. This made the Blueys girls fight hard in both attach and defence going into half time with a 4-3 lead. The game continued goal for goal as the UNSW team seemed to get more physical, with some team member resorting to violence to maintain possession of the goal. There was a last minute come back for the UNSW girls, but the Blueys girls successfully held them out coming away with a 7-6 win. Goals scored by Aleasha Vreeken 4, Lorinda Gobbo 2 and Elissa Piper.
Ladies 3rd Grade Undefeated in SeasonSome tough games this week in the Metropolitan Water Polo Competition saw all Ladies Blueys teams up against some tough and quality opponents. It was a game of catch up for the Under 14 Girls this week but Uni had the girls in the end just as they started, by a goal. The score line could have well been a whitewash as our goalie Monique Green was tested 21 times ably keeping all but 5 out. The Blue Mountains girls were beaten by the shot clock a few times but luckily most attempts found their mark including a fantastic backhander by Sophie Lucic-Fisher to tie the girls in the second quarter. Ebony Frost felt the brunt of the Killer Whales defence that got decidedly rougher in the 3rd quarter but got a goal of her own away. Ashlee Wills is gaining confidence by the week and unfortunately her attempt just fell short. Tahliah Tuckwell fought hard and was unlucky that her attempts did not find their mark. As always Ciara Morgan and Lisa Wilcox gave solid performances with great steals by both girls. Goals scored by Sophie Lucic-Fisher 3 and Ebony Frost.
In the Ladies 4th Grade it was goal for goal right throughout the entire game with the Blueys girls scrambling in defence and strong in attack. The Blueys girls showed a great team bond this week, covering well for each other to shut down many of Drummoyne’s scoring opportunities and working well to create space at the opposite end of the pool to allow themselves to take plenty of shots. The final score was 6 all, with goals scored by Leanne Moss 2, Emma Smith, Kerry Martin, and Julie Celeban.
The Blueys Ladies 3rd Grade team continued their unbeaten run with a 5-2 win over Sydney Northern Beaches this week. The girls defence was outstanding all game, constantly shutting down the SNB play all the way up the pool & forcing them into numerous errors. It was the girls attack that lacked motivation early in the game, but after the first quarter break & a quick team chat with Coach Chris the girls began implementing the moves that Chris has been drilling into them at training. The rolling centre forward and the constant movement of the ball paid off with Aleasha Vreekn scoring 3 goals, Alexis Byrne 1 & Louise Moodie 1.
The girls remain top of the ladder after 7 games & this may not have been the case without Coach Chris Artini. Chris came into to coaching for the girls late in the previous season and they would not be playing as well as they have been without it continued patience and guidance.
Convincing win for competition leaders
This week saw the undefeated Blue Mountains Ladies 3rd Grade team play against second place Cronulla at Sutherland pool. Blueys came out firing with two quick goals within the first 3 minutes of the game & they didn't slow down for the rest of the game. With great passing, driving & defending by all of the girls, they played the best game that they have played as a team for two seasons. The team effort was fantastic, with even Chris being happy with how well they played, but Beth Salmon deserves a special mention for being on fire the whole game, her defense was fantastic and she made some fabulous drives they resulted in goals being scored. The final score was 12-1, goals were scored by Lorinda Gobbo 4, Jennifer Coogan 2, Aleasha Vreeken, Mikala McConnell, Elissa Pipper, Alexis Byrne, Beth Salmon & Louise Moodie. The girls are constantly improving their game & taking on board what Chris says. It is now halfway through the season & they remain undefeated & top of the ladder by more than a few points.
L4 win on forfeit
No U14 games due to the Pan Pacific Championships in New Zealand and East Coast Challenge.
Blueys go down fighting
This week an extremely depleted Ladies 4th Grade took on competition leaders Parramatta at home. It was a tough and physical game from the beginning, but surprisingly the Blueys girls were able to hold their own against an experienced team. Connie Gorham was fantastic in goals throughout the game and some great saves ensured that the Blueys girls were only trailing by 3 goals going into the half time break. Great driving and quick movement of the ball in the second half allowed Julie Celeban and Ashley Western to get close to goals, with Ashley scoring some great close range goals. Despite their beat efforts and never giving up the Blueys girls went down to Parramatta with the final score 10-4. Goals scored by Ashley Weston 3 and Breanna Prisuda. A special mention should go to Sophie Lucic-Fisher, Ebony Frost, Tahlia Tuckwell, Lisa Wilcox and Breanna Prisuda, all of these girls are members of the Under 14’s Girls team who all stepped up to play in the senior game. For many of these girls it was their first experience in senior water polo and they all did a great job reading the game and keeping up with play. Well done girls!
Blueys Ladies 3rd Grade team got off to a flying start in this week’s game against Sydney University, with a goal being scored within the first minute by Lorinda Gobbo & the goals just kept going all game. The girl’s defence was fantastic & their attack showed great improvement, by halftime Blueys were ahead 7-1. Blueys kept applying the pressure & kept the attack moving, this frustrated the Sydney Uni team and in turn they became very physical, but the girls did not let this change the way they played. Whilst Sydney Uni tried the physical tactic, Blueys continued with the goal scoring and the final score was 13-2. Blueys once again maintaining their perfect seasonal record of 9 wins & 0 losses. Elissa Piper scored 4 goals, Jennifer Coogan 3- 1 goal being a 5m penalty, Mikala McConnell 2 goals- the last goal being thrown from the 5m mark at the opposite end of the pool with 1 second to go, Lorinda Gobbo 2, Aleasha Vreeken 1 & Louise Moodie 1. Jennifer Coogan, Lorinda Gobbo & Aleasha Vreeken have maintained their spots in the top 5 highest goals scorers in the Ladies 3rd Grade competition for this season & Elissa Piper isn't far behind, great work girls!
Under 14 Girls win on forfeit.
Wins all Round for BlueysBlue Mountains Ladies 3rd Grade team played 5th position Sydney Uni A at Penrith Pool this week. The girls played well, but did not convert all the chances they had created in attack, with many of their shots failing to find the net. The girls defence was great, constantly shutting down Sydney University's attack and leaving them with little opportunities to score. Goalie Nicole Birrell had a fantastic game, covering well for any lapses in defence by making some brilliant saves. The final score of the game was 12-3, with goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo 5, Aleasha Vreeken 4, Mikala McConnell 2 & Elissa Piper. The girls remain top of the 3rd grade table with four games left in the season.
The second game of the day saw the Ladies 4th Grade team take on 7th placed Macquarie Uni. For the winner, it meant keeping their hopes of playing finals alive, which our girls did, clinching the game 8-6. The first quarter was a tight affair, with scores locked a 2-2; however, a lapse in concentration saw Blueys trailing 4-2 at the half time break. The second half saw a much more attacking Blueys team enter the contest, with 2 goals in the third term and 4 goals in the last to seal victory. Goal scorers were Kerry Martin 3, Kerrie Malone 2, Leanne Moss 2 and Ashley Weston. The thrilling finish should give the girls the confidence they need to face 2nd placed Breakers B next week, also at home.
It was a pumped Blue Mountains Under 14's Girls team that headed down Parramatta Rd after having many weeks off due to byes and forfeits. The Girls played to their strengths and did not waste any opportunities dominating the game from start to finish. Breanna was successful in two 5 metre penalties and was able to put another couple of goals away from rebounds and fumbles. After keeping Uni scoreless in the first quarter, Monique was given early parole and burned up the pool scoring a goal in the 3rd. Ebony took over as goal keeper where she successfully saved a 5m penalty and a handful of other attempts. It was great to see the girls being more aware of the shot clock and positioning themselves to take more attempts. The passing is getting easier between the girls and the familiarity of them being together a few seasons now is showing when playing against the younger teams. Sophie and Tahliah are always dependable in defence and versatile in their ability to get a goal or two away. It was great to see Ciara get both of her shots in. Lisa was unlucky to not have her attempt hit it's mark but was tenacious in swimmng down her opposition and making steals where she could. Ashleigh just never gives up even when the opposition is bigger and older than her. Breanna Prisuda 12, Ciara Morgan 2, Monique Green 1, Tahliah Tuckwell 1. Sophie Lucic-Fisher 1.
Blueys girls fight for place in finals
(Round 11 results)The sun was shining as the girls fronted up against ladder leaders Cronulla Black. While we had beaten them at home previously, nothing was going to be left to chance especially as there were no substitutes. Breanna was able to put away a goal in the 2nd minute, but Cronulla replied before the quarter finished. The 2nd quarter saw several attempts by the girls but all were either saved or the ball stolen from them as they went to shoot. The girls kept Cronulla scoreless in the second quarter, and It was up to Tahliah to put the team in front in the final seconds. Ashlee, Ciara and Ebony all worked hard in defence, the wind worked against us as the game progressed. Sophie was able to solidify our lead in the third quarter, but it was still too tight to let Monique out of goals, so in she went again for the fourth. A quick goal from Breanna brought the girls up to 4, which should maintain Breanna's position as leading U14B goal scorer (for the moment anyway). Blueys girls won 4-2 with goals scored by Breanna Prisuda 2, Sophie Lucic-Fisher, Tahlia Tuckwell.
In a tough encounter with 2nd place Breaker B, the Ladies 4th Grade team played the game of the season. Knowing it was going to be a tough competition the Blueys girls came out firing from the start of the game, scoring quickly and using their quick counter attack to their advantage. Kerry Martin made some awesome steal, and as usual Connie Gorham has a solid performance in goals. The game was goal for goal right to the end with the Blueys girls coming away with an extremely satisfying 5 all draw. Goals scored by Kerrie Malone 3, Emma Smith and Kerry Martin.
This week Blue Mountains Ladies 3rd Grade team took on second on the ladder Sydney Northern Beaches A team. The girls came out firing with two action goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo & Mikala McConnell in the first 3 minutes & the girls kept the momentum up and SNB goalless for the first quarter. The 2nd quarter saw SNB 1 goal to Blueys 0 and the game continued like this, goal for goal. The girls played a great game; it was a physical, challenging game that tested their defence & attack. Nicole Birrell made some fantastic saves in goals, Alexis Byrne was on fire in centre back & Elissa Piper had some fantastic shots. Unfortunately the girls were not able to continue on their run of 10 winning games, with the final score at 6 all. Goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo 2, Elissa Piper 2, Mikala McConnell & Aleasha Vreeken.
Wins all round for Blueys
(Round 12 results)Round 12 of competition saw the Ladies 3rd Grade team take on old rivals Ryde. From the start of the whistle the girls dominated the game, shutting down Ryde's attack & creating plenty of opportunities for themselves. Surprisingly the conflict started out of the pool, with both a coach & finally a very verbal spectator being ejected from the pool by the opposing referees. By half time the score was Blueys 9, Ryde 2 and with such a significant lead the Blueys girls decided to try some new moves. Lorinda Gobbo & Mikala McConnell combined effectively playing two centres forwards and scoring off their new attacking move. The girl’s constant movement, driving across the mushroom created plenty of attacking options, particularly front water with numerous goals scored this way. Beth Salmon was once again on fire in centre back, receiving plenty of punches but holding her own and Nicole Birrell when tested made some great saves. The final score was Blueys 17 against Ryde's 2. Goals scored by Lorinda Gobbo 6, Mikala McConnell 3, Aleasha Vreeken 2, Elissa Piper 2, Jen Coogan 2, Beth Salmon & Ashley Weston. A big thank you to Julie Celeban and Ashley Weston for staying behind after their own game to give us some extra players on the bench.
The Ladies 4th Grade took on a young and inexperienced Ryde team and again it was clear from the very first whistle that the Blueys girls were going to dominate the game. The girls scored quickly and easily, taking control of the game, running away with the game early. The Blueys attack was flawless and their defence never really tested, although goalie Connie Gorham did make some great saves on some outsaid shots. In an 18-0 whitewash of Ryde Blueys goals were scored by Kerrie Malone 7, Ashley Western 4, Robyn Ryan 4, Lee Moss and Julie Celeban2.
This week the Under 14 Girls went up against Drummoyne, without a reserve bench. The girls played a heavy defensive game and all put in 110% effort. The first quarter saw Tahlia gaining a 5 m penalty to score the first goal of the game. The second quarter was tough, almost deadlocked, but Sophie got a quick breakaway to up the score to 2-0. The third quarter saw a change in goalie, allowing Monique to go onto the field and putting Ebony in goals. This quarter got a bit rough as both teams got frustrated at being unable to score, Drummoyne unfortunately got a 5 m shot, and subsequent goal, putting them on the scoreboard at 2-1 our way. The fourth quarter was another deadlock with a fortunate rebound goal from Ciara in the final minutes placing the final score at 3-1. The game was very tough and very defensive but the girls coped well. Goals scored by Tahlia Tuckwell, Sophie Lucic-Fisher and Ciara Morgan.
Blueys one step closer to finals birth
(Round 13 results)On Sunday 15th August the Blueys Under 14’s Girls took on the UNSW Killer Whales A team on a beautiful, warm, sunny afternoon. The first quarter saw the Killer Whales win the first swim off, but the Blueys girls came back quickly, with Lisa and Breanna scoring the only goals for the quarter, ending it 2-0. In the second quarter both teams battled it out defensively, with each team scoring a goal each, but Blueys went into the half time break up 3-1. The third quarter saw the Blueys scoring another 2 goals, with the Killer Whales only responding with one of their own, ending the quarter 5-3. The fourth quarter again saw both teams putting up some strong defence and consequently both side took a lot of outside shots. Luckily the Blueys girls were able to put away another 2 goals to the Killer Whales 1. The end score saw the girls taking the win convincingly 7-4. This win puts the girls in good contention for a finals birth, with only one more round game left on the competition. Goal scorers were Breanna Prisuda 4, Lisa Wilcox, Monique Green, and Ciara Morgan.
L3 and L4 win on forfeit.
Blueys Teams make Grand Finals
(Round 14 results)In the final round of the competition an extremely depleted Ladies 4th Grade took on a young and fast Breakers team at home. Having no reserves on the bench meant that the girls needed to play smart, ensuring that they didn’t swim themselves out of the game. Some great passing and covering in defence saw the girls enter the half time break up 8-4. However the girls started to get tired and as a result Breakers were able to mount a comeback. With the scores tied up at 8 all the girls were patient and skilful in scoring the winning goal late in the final quarter, finishing off the season with a great win. The final score 9-8 to Blueys with goals scored by Kerrie Malone 6, Emma Smith, Leanne Moss, and Kerry Martin.
The Under 14 Girls took on Sydney University A team this week in a must win game if they were going to make the grand final. The first quarter was a very tough and even match, with a nil all result. The teams appeared to be very frustrated but, a few minutes into the second quarter the Blueys girls started to warm up taking a 3-0 lead at the end of the second quarter. Going into the half time break with a handy lead gave the girls more confidence and saw Ebony Frost going into goals and giving Monique Green a go on the field. Tahlia Tuckwell came out firing in the third quarter, scoring twice and a handy accidental goal by the Sydney Uni goalie saw the girls go into the final quarter with a great 6-0 lead. The final quarter saw the Sydney Uni girl’s ramp up the defence but they were unable to score. Lisa Wilcox scored a tremendous last minute goal, sealing a 7-0 win. Goal scored by Tahlia Tuckwell 3, Ebony Frost, Breanna Prisuda, Lisa Wolcox, Sydney Uni goalie. The girls will contest the grand final next weekend.
Ladies 3rd Grade won on forfeit. They will also contest the grand final next weekend.
