One-all for water polo rivals

The southerners’ A team come out on top at the biannual water polo grudge match between gay-friendly water polo club rivals the Sydney Stingers and Melbourne Surge.

It wasn’t all bad news for the Stingers. The hard-fought competition on January 28 at the South Yarra Sports Centre ended with a win for each club, with the Stingers red team defeating Surge’s B team, six goals to four.

It’s the first time the reds have won against their southern rivals.

With ground to make up, Surge’s A team came back with force in the second game, taking the Stingers black team down, eight goals to six.

Stingers president Russ Plummer said both games were fast-paced and the teams put up a strong fight.

“Both teams played an excellent attack and [the Stingers] continued to defend the goals against Melbourne which led [the Stingers] to ultimately winning one game against Surge,” Plummer told the Star Observer.

Surge spokesman Andrew Sciberras told the Star Observer the A team win was a boost.

“The win has given us the confidence to try to put forward two teams for the 2012 state league competition for Victorian Water Polo,” he said.

The genial grudge matches started between the two clubs in 2003 shortly after they were established.

Both clubs aim to create an inclusive and friendly environment for gay men to play the water sport and both compete in Gay Games events.

The teams welcome new members and encourage beginners to join them for training sessions.

Melbourne Surge train every Sunday from 2.30-4.30pm at Melbourne High at the corner of Alexandra Pde and Chapel St, South Yarra.

Those interested in joining the club can attend a rookies program in March.

Sydney Stingers play in the Sydney Metropolitan league every Tuesday night. To get involved in Sydney, email [email protected]

The interstate rivals will meet again on the Queen’s Birthday weekend in June in Sydney.

INFO: www.melbournesurge.blogspot.com.au or
www.sydneystingers.org.au

Photo: Ivan Buckingham