Dio witnessed best game yet in U16 boys competition

Well organised defence by both sides was the main component of todays game between CDM Polo 1 and NSW Country in the U16 Boys division. With both teams trying effortlessly to one up their opponent on offence, it really was the defensive efforts that made this game great to watch.

The first quarter saw NSW get ahead early 2-0, with goals from #7 S. Nangle in the first 6 on 5 attack of the game, and #4 L. Mackaway's strong outside shot. However CDM fired back in a great 6 on 5 attack of their own, with #8 C. Turabow-Hindeustact nailing one off from the perimeter. In what was an exhilarating first quarter, play continued to see the fast paced NSW counter attacks paying off with Nangle scoring his second goal of the game from a breakaway to take the lead 3-1 in favour of NSW. The quarter ended 3-2 when CDM's #4 TJ Morton scored a brilliant goal from centre forward.

The second quarter saw CDM really up their defence, they were able to keep NSW scoreless for the entire quarter. By halftime, the scoreboard was even at 3-3 with CDM's #12 R. Cousens slotting in a goal from a 6 on 5 attack.

The third quarter again saw a tight knit game of water polo. CDM took their first lead of the game in another 6 on 5 opportunity, with a strong outside shot from #9 W. Ueberroth. NSW, however, were able to take advantage of a mismatch on CDM's defence down the other end, and fired back with a great long range shot from #3 R. Mulligan.

The final quarter saw the greatest goal of the match. NSW #12 H. Duck, from the very difficult left wing position, had the perfect touch with just the right amount of sidespin on the ball for a floating shot, landing right past the goalies reach into the far corner. It was phenomenal. NSW had the lead at 5-4 for most of the 4th quarter, however, CDM made sure they were unable to score against them again with impeccable 6 on 5 defence. Their defensive efforts worked in their favour as CDM's #12 R. Cousens scored his second goal of the match with only 30 seconds left in the game on a breakaway play, to even it up 5-5.

Although both teams tried, neither were unable to successfully execute a win in the final seconds of the match, a perfect illustration of the tough defence that both teams experienced.

This game was definitely one of the greatest so far in the Pan Pacific tournament, making the U16 Boys competition extremely tight before going into the playoff rounds.

Final Score: CDM 5 - NSW Country 5.

NSW Country team-talk post a thrilling 5-5 draw against CDM Polo 1.