Water way for U-16s to net first Scottish title
Stirling Water Polo clinched one Scottish title and were runners-up for another at the national championships in Dundee last weekend.
The under-16s met Menzieshill in their home pool in what was expected to be a tight affair, but in each quarter Stirling edged out their opponents with a superb pressing defence.
A number of opportunities were wasted by Stirling but they consistently outscored their opponents and were in control throughout the game, running out 12-6 winners to lift the first Scottish title for the club.
Team (goals in brackets): Cameron Blance, Harry Gray (2), Alexander Harris (3), Gregor Rodger, Tommaso De Nova (2), James Miller (1), Leon Campbell (1), Catherine Mitchell (1), Elizabeth Winton, Kirsty Miller, Ilhan Omar Nur Azam, Jonathan Hanson, Fraser MacNair.
The under-19 girls were missing a couple of regulars for their final against favourites Dunfermline.
The first quarter was a tight affair with Dunfermline taking the lead but Stirling fought back to go in 4-3 down.
In second quarter Stirling’s main goal threat was excluded from the game in a controversial refereeing decision that left the team with a mountain to climb.
With only one reserve, Dunfermline took control and ran out 17-6 winners.
Team: Christy Simons, Lauren Dundee (2), Bethany Livingston, Lucy Tweedle, Ginika Akpata (2), Alison Mitchell, Catherine Mitchell, Elizabeth Winton (1), Kirsty Miller (1).
Stirling players were also represented in the other age group finals on the same day.
Angus Cameron and Lewis Goldie represented Dunfermline who won the under-21 title and Harry Gray turned out for Dunfermline in winning the under-18 title.