North West Tigers win Boys' U16 Inter Regional title

North West Tigers beat South West to claim the 2016 ASA Boys’ U16 Inter Regional title.

Competing in their home pool at Millfield, South West pushed the Tigers close, having gone unbeaten on their route to the final.

But the North West side ultimately closed out a 9-8 win to lift the title and complete a perfect record of seven victories from seven matches over the weekend.

The Tigers had impressed in the group stage, hitting double figures in three games as they topped Group A.

Kendall scores nine in semi-final

They met London Sharks in the semi-final stage, a repeat of the 2014 final in which they lost on penalties.

But there was no heartache for the Tigers on this occasion, with Matthew Kendall scoring nine in a 13-11 win.

The final proved a tighter affair with the scores level at the end of the first (2-2), second (4-4) and third (6-6) quarters.

Three goals in the space of two minutes saw the Tigers establish breathing room in the final quarter.

And while South West recovered two goals in the final minutes, the Tigers held on to secure the win.

“The established North West Water Polo Academy has proven to be a great success once again, allowing more training time around the region for the regional representatives,” said North West Water Polo Academy lead coach Zak Sly.

“We were able to break down the strong, high pressing London team, an active North East defence and able to keep on going, right to the final whistle to win against a very competitive South West team.

“It is not just down to the weekend, but all the preparation beforehand by the players and staff.

“The venue was ideal for hosting this competition, with supporters from all over the country creating a lively atmosphere.

“We were impressed with players from all teams who showed strength, willingness and some good water polo skills to the coaching staff who showed passion for the game and the hard work of the table officials and referees.”

London Sharks took on North East Steelers in the bronze medal match, winning 10-6 to secure the third spot on the podium.

Statistics

• Top Goalscorer – Matthew Kendall (NW Tigers)
• Top Goalkeeper – Tom Manley (South West)

Team MVPs

• Ireland – Fionn McConery
• East – James Underwood
• London – Petar Djordjic
• South East – Ned Kater
• South West – Charlie Brogan
• NW Tigers – Matthew Kendall
• Scotland – Harris Bruce
• NW Ravens – Alex Campbell
• Wales – Matthew Griffiths
• Midlands – Richard Earley
• North East Steelers – George Jackson

Results