Fremantle Edge UWA in Start to 2015 NWPL
The 2015 National Water Polo League has commenced with the Fremantle Marlins defeating local rivals UWA Torpedoes in both the men’s and women’s competitions in round 1.
The Marlins – who claimed the 2014 women’s title – opened their defence with a three goal win (9-6) over their Western Australian rivals UWA, following a tense match at the Bicton Pools.
The first quarter saw scores level at 2-2, before the hosts drew clear across the second and third terms, with the last change over presenting a 9-5 scoreline. UWA rallied to edge the deficit by one goal, but it wasn’t enough to prevent bragging rights going to the champions, virtue of a 9-6 result.
WAIS athlete Gemma Beadsworth scored three goals, whilst her fellow Institute training partners and national team representatives Glencora McGhie (two), Eliesha Browne (one) and Jessica Zimmerman (one) all found the net for the Marlins. WAIS athlete Cathryn Earl scored twice for the Torpedoes.
The Marlins’ fortunes were tempered on their travels however, with a 12-8 defeat at the hands of Sydney Uni Lions sobering their opening round win. The Marlins led at half time, but a 6-1 reverse in the third quarter stymied hopes of a second successive win, leaving the girls with a 1-1 record and in sixth position on the competition ladder. UWA is currently 11th, but have only played the one match.
The Fremantle Mariners replicated their clubmates’ success over UWA in round one of the men’s competition, recording a 14-7 win at Bicton. Three goals to WAIS athlete Luke Pavillard and a double to James Fannon helped the Mariners to victory, whilst a brace to WAIS national team member George Ford highlighted UWA’s resistance.
The Mariners similarly struggled in their first away match for 2015, slumping to a 13-7 defeat to the Sydney Uni Lions, with the hosts leading at each change.
Following two rounds, the Mariners are also sixth, whilst the UWA men’s team are 12th, but like their women’s team – have only played once.
