Old Boys targeted by Rosmini Prems
The Premier team worked their magic on Sunday 19 May to redeem themselves from a defeat against the Old Boys in 2023 with a show-stopping performance in front of their parents and supporters.
What looked to be an underwhelming Old Boys team at 10 minutes before game time, eventually saw the older boys turn up in time for a brief warm up. Names from the past including; Robbie Tindall, Mark Lanigan, Matt Payne, Toby Devine, Paul Foster and Mark Casey donned their speedos to show the younger boys they still had what it takes. Or did they? Meanwhile, the Prems were raring to go, fit and ready for action as they wanted to claim the trophy back.
Earlier in the week manager Mrs. Peak and team leaders Matt, Mat, Mason and Ethan were caught strategizing their game plan which included, “taking out #7 Will Catlin”, “get #4 Matt Payne rattled from the get go”, “expose #9 Liam D’Souza and watch his dirty tactics”, “get Gremphis onto #10 Slessor-white and give him nothing.”
The Prems came out strong, leaving nothing to chance, but it was 5-5 at half-time. A strategic and well-timed third quarter (an extra 5 minutes) saw stand-in coach Phil Lendich work hard rotating the bench so we had plenty left in the tank leading 10-9 into the final quarter. Sage advice was given to the team: “Counter attack, gain front water and speed. They won’t be able to keep up.”
A hattrick by Isaac Porter along with expert goal saving by Ethan McKolskey helped seal the Old Boys' fate. As expected, and according to the game plan, the Old Boys started to fade and lose focus, becoming ill-disciplined, allowing the Prem captain Mat Mihaljevich to score several penalties. A last-minute rally by assistant coach Will Catlin proved fruitless for the Old Boys as the Premier team won 14-10.
After six annual games since 2018, the tally is 3 all.
An after-match function was held with many supporters and players at the Finish Line where the Year 13 leavers were presented with their water polo caps. We farewelled Ethan McKolskey, Finn Aitken, Matt Leadbeater (who unfortunately was playing for NH Men) Mat Mihaljevich, Natana Pokura, Isaac Porter and Mason Stewart, who have given so much to Rosmini Water Polo over their seven years playing the sport they love. We will miss them next year!
Thanks once again for another great event and we look forward to 2025!
Manager, Rachel Peak.
