Barracudas men and women find going tough

The 2016-17 water polo season kicked off last week, with tough battles fought across men’s and women’s divisions.

Seasoned players got back into the swing of things and new players found their legs in the pool. In the first women’s game, the Barracudas got off to a strong start and led the Pirates 8-1 at half-time.

Despite some fast break-aways and excellent goalkeeping from the Pirates, in the second half the experienced Cudas were too strong and they sealed the deal 9-4.

Krakens faced off against the Sharks in the second women’s fixture.

A quick-fire long bomb from Belinda Brooks got the Sharks off to a quick start, but Krakens responded quickly with a nice short corner shot from Felicity Jewkes.

The second quarter was a tight contest with impressive goals from Laura Hill, Caitlin Read and Belinda Brooks.

In the end Krakens were too good, putting the Sharkies on the drum line 13-7.

It was a feisty start in the men’s contest. Cudas put up an admirable effort against the Pirates in the first quarter despite being a man down.

It was a tighter second quarter when both teams sported full sides, but classy goals from Justin Angove and Ben Biddiscombe saw the Pirates break away.

Cudas got off to a great start in the third with a ripper goal from powerhouse Nigel Kroonstuiver, but the Pirates continued to flex their muscles to extend their lead.

The fourth quarter was fast and furious but the Cudas couldn’t keep up. The Pirates ran out 12-2 winners.

Backing up for a second game, the Pirates were in the pool for a repeat of the 2015-16 grand final against the Krakens.

It was a tight contest in the second but in the end the Pirates were too good, pipping the Krakens 5-4 at the post.