League on a mission to grow masters women

Women’s masters players mixed it up with younger women in the water polo last weekend.

Members of all four clubs played on the same team in an unusual format, league representative Julia Gourley said.

Gourley, who played in the match, said four masters women played.

“It was just a really fun game,” she said.

“With the two teams there were members from Demons, Serpents, B-52s and Rats.

“It was just nice because we don’t ever play on the same team, so it was nice to play together and have a bit of fun.

“It was a really good time.

“Saturday (December 7) was our first day in the outdoor pool, it was a lot more refreshing.”

Newcomer E.J. Warr got two goals for blue in a five-one win.

Junior Holly Horsman got a point for the blue side.

“It gave the chance for the younger generation to join the experienced women in the pool,” Gourley said.

“We hope to get more masters ladies for 2020.

“We’re trying to grow the women’s masters each year.”

Michelle Prout, Aimee Hagan, Demelza Potiuch and Gourley were the masters representatives. In the men’s masters, about half of the players were current players.

“About half of the guys who played were people who left water polo five or 10 years ago, maybe more, and came down and played a game,” B-52’s A-grade player Simon Teakle said.

“Ten new faces, who are old faces really, turned up.

“It was still a competitive game, there was a lot of fun happening in the water at the same time. Nick Adam was up to his party tricks and managed to stick the ball in with his foot.

“That was probably one of the highlights.

“We played seriously but it was all in good fun.”

He said they played in the outdoor pool and mostly settled down for a barbecue after the game to watch the men’s and women’s A-grade matches.

“Most people hung around and watched the three major games for the day,” he said.

White beat blue 5-4.