The Tribune

THE Bahamas water polo team were victorious in two age groups - under-12 and under-14 - at the Florida Sunshine State Games over the weekend.

Top teams from Florida as well as Colombian and Bahamian teams competed in the tournament.

The Bahamas under-14 won gold out of a field of 11 teams. They opened their campaign with convincing 11-0 and 10-5 wins over teams from Boca Raton and the renowned South Florida club respectively. This was followed by a 5-0 victory over Orlando and a 17-5 win over the well established MBI club. The Bahamians spectacularly edged out Hialeah, mostly a Cuban team from Miami, in the final, with a back-hand goal from Nicholas Wallace-Whitfield within the final 30 seconds.

The under-12 co-ed team also won their age division. The Bahamians - who included two girls - opened with a convincing 10-4 win over Orlando but then suffered a 12-8 defeat to Hialeah. However, the second round of games against these teams saw two victories, 10-6 against Orlando and 6-5 against Hialeah, setting up a decider against the latter.

The final ended 7-5 in the Bahamian’s favour in yet another closely fought gold medal match.

Coach Lotty said the Bahamian teams had managed to endure an arduous competition sprinkled with late night matches and extended weather delays.

The Bahamian under-16 team lost its first two games before late victories put them in eighth place.

The Bahamas Mantas Water Polo Club will be holding its annual two week summer camp at the Betty Kelly Kenning swimming complex from July 4, inviting Bahamian children to try their hand at the sport. The camp costs $110 per week with more information on the club website.