The Tribune

IT WAS the first time overseas for the Bahamas Mantas junior water polo team, but they returned conquering heroes having defeated three Florida clubs — Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Dania Beach. The eight and under team won its tournament, each swimmer receiving a red ribbon, while gold medals went to the 10 and under team that took the overall tournament.

The Pompano Beach water polo tournament was held on December 14 at Westminster Academy Christian School’s pool in Fort Lauderdale. Jessica Chiacchiary, 9, was the only girl on the team. With her was her younger brother, Luca, who also swam with the 8 and under group.

Also with them was little Ollie Moncur, the team’s mascot, and brother of top scorer Marcus Moncur – 15 goals in five matches. Thomas Illing, son of coach Chris Illing, scored eight goals overall as well as being the team’s goalie.

The Bahamas Mantas’ 8 and under team beat the Fort Lauderdale Beach team 11-0 in the morning competition. Scoring goals for the Bahamas was Marcus Moncur (5). Vance Wheaton (2). Cameron Markham (2) and Luca Chiacchiary (2).

In the afternoon event, they again beat the Fort Lauderdale Beach, scoring 10 over Fort Lauderdale’s 1.

Again scoring was Marcus Moncur (4), Cameron Markham (2), Xavier Dupuch (1), Dominic Demeritte (1), Vance Wheaton (1) and Jessica Chiacchiary (1).

The following day was the turn of Bahamas Mantas’ 10 and under polo team.

In their first contest, they lost to the Raiders – Bahamas Mantas 6, Raiders 11.

Scoring for the Bahamas team were Kaylan Turnquest (1), Vance Wheaton (1), Brian Wynter (1), Jonathon Demeritte (1) and Alexander Turnquest (2).

But they were back again at lunchtime to beat Fort Lauderdale Beach — Mantas 10. Fort Lauderdale Beach, 9.

Scoring were Marcus Moncur (4), Tommy Illing (2) Liam Mills (2) and Kaylan Turnquest (1).

The final contest was in the afternoon when the Mantas beat St Andrews of Boca Raton — 14 to 7.

Goals went to Tommy Illing, (6), Marcus Moncur, (2), Liam Mills, (2), Kaylan Turnquest, (2), Jonathon Demeritte, (1) and Brian Wynter (1).

Younger team members were also allowed to play in the older team for 10 year olds.

Ten years ago, Chris Illing started the Bahamas Mantas. It was so successful that private funds were solicited so that coach Laszio Borbely could be recruited as an assistant.

Together the two men have built their team so that today they have 40 members from ages 7 to 18.

The 10 and under team and the 8 and under team (children born in 2002 or later) train at the Betty Kelly Kenning Aquatic Complex Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 5 to 6pm and on Saturdays from noon to 1pm.