Barracudas under 18s beaten by Balmain boys at the Youth Water Polo Championships

The Brisbane Barracudas under 18 water polo team rose up but could not chisel the under 18 gold medal from the grasp of UTS Balmain at the Youth Waterpolo Championships this afternoon.

The Brisbane Barracudas under 18 water polo team rose up but could not chisel the under 18 gold medal from the grasp of UTS Balmain at the Youth Waterpolo Championships this afternoon.

Balmain, boosted by the inclusion of two international players just days from the start of the tournament, were too good, winning 8-5.

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Two goals early in the fourth quarter turned a 6-4 advantage into a match winning 8-4 lead.

Even then Barras fought bravely and with three minutes to play were still on the contest.

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But the Balmain goalie Charlie hunter was enormous in the last line of defence for Balmain.

Indeed his counterpart, Barras’ captain Noah Bright, was also outstanding for his side.

Balmain Guillermo Ocasio was mighty and probably the difference between the teams.

The Brisbane Barracudas played UTS Balmain in the under 18 grand final.

Barras coach Akos Janosi questioned how Ocasio and Simone Berlino, another influential player, could come into Balmain’s outfit from overseas just three days before the tournament started.

But he was pleased with his team’s effort and looked forward to next year.

“Most of the players are playing next year (in the 18s) because they are young. Hopefully we are going to win,” Janosi said.

The UTS Balmain under 18s.

Balmain started like a steam train to score through Bertino and Josh Smith before Will Valentine opened Barras account.

James Kininmonth took aim with his left arm to level the scores 2-all and then Barras hit the front 3-2 when Kininmonth passed to Fraser Duguid who scored.

Ocasio added another goal for Balmain and Daniel Monk yet another for the Tigers to lead 5-3 at halftime.