Live stream: Vikings hunt more success in Water Polo Queensland Premier League round two

The women’s Polo Bears and Vikings have lived up to their top billing for round two as the Water Polo Queensland premier league hit a new ceiling early in the new season. Watch all six REPLAYS.

The match of the day between the women’s Polo Bears and Vikings finished with the same excitement it started with, Vikings victorious 4-3.

Reigning champion Polo Bears were quick to gain an advantage and went into the second quarter 2-0.

Coach Naomi McCarthy was confident her side would build on their lead, but the Vikings were relentless in their fight back.

Vikings goalkeeper Gabi Palm refused to let shots hit the back of the net, while scoring kept ticking at the other end of the pool.

“We could have and had the opportunity to, but it will just be something for training … have a look at and come back stronger for finals,” McCarthy said.

Despite the loss, McCarthy gave her most valuable credits to goalkeeper Eve Gath and defensive specialist Jess Emerson.

“There were a number of girls who played really quite well,” she said.

It was all smiles for coach Fabio Pavanello in the Vikings corner.

“It was really exciting to be part of a game of such high intensity,” he said.

“We probably haven’t had that level of game in Brisbane for quite some time.”

Pavanello said the slow start came as no surprise given the lack of opportunities his team have had to play high-intensity games together.

“Our defence was really reliable and we just kept pressuring and attacking and eventually we were able to sneak a couple of goals through.”

Tenealle Fasala earned her coach’s most valuable title, scoring the winning goal and putting on an absolutely cracking four quarters.

REPLAYS

Polo Bears v Vikings (Women)

Watch the full replay of the big women’s round two clash in the window above.

River City v Vikings (Men)

Polo Bears v Warriors (Men)

UQ Water Polo v Bush Rangers (Men)

UQ Water Polo v Gold Coast (Women)

Sunshine Coast v Mermaids (Women)

PREVIEW

After round one provided an invaluable insight into the art of goalscoring (120+ goals isn’t a bad start), Water Polo Queensland Premier League now heads north to Brisbane for what promises to be an exciting set of matches on Sunday.

And you can catch all the action LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV from the Fortitude Valley Pool starting at 9.30am.

Check out another six games, with the Vikings clashes with Polo Bears (women) and River City (men) sure to be among the highlights.

Check out the LIVE STREAM schedule below.

The day starts with the Sunshine Coast v Mermaids women at 9:30am, and closes with the Polo Bears and Warriors men at 4:15pm.

The Vikings women’s team started their campaign with back-to-back victories over UQ Water Polo and Gold Coast. Meanwhile, the men’s team proved too strong for Gold Coast and Polo Bears.

Coaches Jordan Sheterline (men’s) and Fabio Pavanello (women’s) join in with some thoughts ahead of the second weekend of action.

MEN’S

Player to watch

Steele Gribble is returning to the water and will be strong at CF. After an encouraging first weekend, the Gynther brothers (Drew and Scott) are poised to make an impact again.

Casualty ward

A busy water polo season means the Vikings are managing a few injuries and are prepared to make changes to the playing roster if needed.

What’s at stake

The Vikings are currently sitting in top spot, but it won’t be easy this weekend as they face third and fourth place on the ladder. Both opponents have won one game. If Vikings muster another double, they will surely be one of the favourites for the title.

What has training looked like leading in?

While preseason may have been interrupted, a fortnight of preparations has ensured the Vikings feel ready for round 2.

“Training has been good, attendance has been strong and the opportunity to compete in the local men’s competition has allowed the squad to better their match fitness and connection as a unit,” said head coach Jordan Sheterline.

What has been the focus (defence, offence, etc)?

Sheterline has two priorities for his team: cohesion and offense.

“They have been a key focus for the team since week one,” he said.

Prediction for both games

UQ are reigning premiers and it will no doubt be a close match to start the day. The Vikings; second match against River City is a rematch of the 2022 bronze medal. Returning player Evan McLean is just one of many fierce opponents, and Sheterline is not taking the side lightly.

Gold Coast and Mermaids face some important games this weekend. Photo: Regi Varghese

WOMEN’S

Players to watch

Goalkeeper Gabi Palm is an absolute gun while Abby Andrews boasts unique skills as a left handed outside shooter. The pair are both Olympians and played their club water polo in Europe in 2022.

“They are amazing leaders and team players who have brought our Vikings Premier League squad together in and out of the pool,” said coach Fabio Pavanello.

“We’re fortunate that when they returned from Europe, they chose Vikings as the club they most wanted to be a part of.”

Casualty ward

All clear for round 2.

What’s at stake

Two wins in round 1 were enough to get the Vikings into equal first spot with the Polo Bears, but this weekend will decide their fate as the top of table clash gets underway at 12pm.

With such a short season, one slip can make or break a team’s season.

“I’m pleasantly surprised with how quickly the girls are progressing as a team, but no doubt this will need to build as we aim for the semifinals,” said Pavanello

What has training looked like leading in

“The girls have all been training strongly multiple times per week in the pool and gym over the last couple of months,” Pavanello said.

“We get our full list together once a week, when our QAS athletes are available, and those sessions are clearly the most fun.

“The team works together on tactics and game play.”

What has been the focus

The focus has been on working together to understand how the girls can contribute to the teams play both defensively and in attack.

Prediction for both games

The Polo Bears are an exceptionally strong team and are very well coached. However, Pavanello is confident that with the right mindset, the Vikings could muster a one-goal victory.

For their second clash, the Vikings will face a younger, developing Mermaids side. While experience is one thing, the Mermaids do boast some exceptional players, and the talent run deep in their ranks. Pavanello predicts a two-goal win in favour of her girls.