WAIS NTC Report
Perth hosted a round of the water polo National Training Centre Challenge last weekend, with WAIS hosting a VIS/SASI composite side in both men’s and women’s ranks.
The first clash on Friday night saw the WAIS men’s team record a penalty shootout win over VIS/SASI following an 11-11 all draw.
WAIS dominated the first half skipping out to a four goal lead, before the visitors pegged back in the second half to force a decider.
Despite winning the shootout, WAIS coach Paul Oberman was not overly pleased with the performance.
“With young squads, inconsistency is a key factor and we rode those out, leading for most oft he game except the last 15 seconds,” Oberman said. “Unfortunately we lapsed in concentration the Vic’s/SA capitalized on some errors.”
Another large crowd on a beautiful warm evening on the river awaited the two teams at Bicton Pool on Saturday.
VIS/SASI was more desperate and committed, starting aggressively and making plenty of steals to record a 12-8 win.
Oberman provided a clear analysis of the difference between the two sides.
“WAIS were waiting for passes, whilst the VIS/SASI team were moving towards the ball – wanting the ball.WAIS struggled to move under the close, tight and heavy marking. VIS/SASI played very well as a team and deserved to win the game,” he said.
“We made too many individual errors and lacked intensity. After starting slowly, the errors compounded and the young WAIS group forced passes, rushed the attack – lacking patience and control.”
Despite this, Oberman did take plenty of positives from the weekend.
“It was good for the young boys to be put under the pressure and they will be better for it the next time.”
“The athletes gained tough match experience – especially when things do not go our way, so overall, I am pleased for another learning and development experience.”
In the women’s NTC, WAIS was defeated in both matches by an older and more experienced VIS/SASI squad.
The composite side earned a 15-7 victory at Challenge Stadium pool on Friday night courtesy of dominant second and final terms.
The visitors piled on five goals in the second quarter, before adding a further four unanswered goals in the final term to secure a big win.
WAIS coach Georgina Kovacs gave an honest assessment of the match following the final whislte.
“We started the game well being up 3-1, but our opponents responded very strong, scoring five goals in the second quarter,” Kovacs said.
“Unfortunately our communication in defence was lacking too many times, and their centre forwards had a great night, scoring six goals. Our young players did not seem to be prepared for a tough game.”
WAIS produced a much more assured performance on the banks of the river in Bicton on Saturday evening, staying with their opponents until the death, with VIS/SASI edged a 14-12 win.
WAIS held a one goal lead heading into the final term, but a five goal to two final stanza earned the visitors a second win from as many matches in their venture west.
Kovacs was pleased to see her squad respond so well from the efforts of Friday night.
“Completely different game played by the same team. Fortunately our team talk and the experience of being defeated by eight goals the night before did change our young team’s attitude going in to the second game,” she said.
“I believe we can take away a lot from both games in regards to individual and team development experience. I am very pleased with the fact that, although the majority of our team is formed by junior and youth players, we were able to pull up a great performance under the leadership of Eliesha Browne.”
