Farrer First VII Water Polo

Farrer’s First VII Water Polo team travelled to Newcastle on Wednesday and Thursday 4/5 April to contest the Water Polo State Knockout. This involved the top team from eight regions across NSW. Twelve players from Year 12 to Year 7 represented Farrer, under the expert coaching of Libby Magann and captaincy of Andy Harris.

We played a practice game against a Newcastle team on Wednesday afternoon, which was a great opportunity to test themselves against a tough opposition. On Thursday, the Farrer team kicked off with a hard first game against a well-drilled Cronulla side, who had an excellent first half. We rallied in a much improved second half but went down by several goals. In the second game, the team put in a great performance against Alstonville, winning 6-1. Their passing, shooting and general teamwork was on display in a strong win. Our final game was against a powerful Lambton team. They were the strongest side in our half of the draw having beaten both Cronulla and Alstonville. Farrer had a red-hot start, taking a 3-2 lead at half-time. Unfortunately, the Lambton team were too disciplined and skilled in the second half despite Farrer’s best performance of the carnival, and Lambton won 6-4. The long-term CHS Convenor, who refereed the game, said that it was amongst the best performances he’d ever seen from a Farrer team at this tournament.

It’s been awesome to watch the significant developments in confidence, skills and teamwork from the boys over the past few months. A huge thanks to Libby for coaching the team, Toby McVey for his help with organisation and for driving the bus to Newcastle, the Farrer Old Boys Association for their generous donation of jumpers, the Fec for catering and the parents who supported the team in Newcastle or by getting the boys to school for early morning training. It’s been a great season!

Jarrad Smith - First VII Water Polo Manager