Determined Warriors crowned U14 Boys’ Inter-Regional champions

A ‘fantastic team effort’ helped ‘determined’ West Midlands Warriors secure the U14 Boys’ Inter-Regional Championships title.

The Warriors triumphed after winning all six of their matches held at the Walsall Gala Baths – scoring 46 goals in the process.

They topped Group A after defeating East Midlands, London Sharks, Ireland and East to set-up a semi-final clash against Group B runners-up North West Tigers.

A narrow 9-8 victory set up a final against Ireland after they edged past Group B winners South East 10-9 in the other last four match.

West Midlands had beaten Ireland 5-3 in the group stages but a convincing display saw them triumph 13-6 to take the gold medal.

John Halstead, head coach of the West Midlands Warriors, was delighted with his team’s performance throughout the competition.

He said: “It was a fantastic team effort.

“Each and every player played their part which resulted in a hard-fought victory at a thoroughly enjoyable weekend of water polo.”

Quality polo

Erik Buhaescu, the West Midlands skipper, who was also the event’s top scorer, added: “I was delighted to be captain of such a determined team. 

“We worked our hardest throughout the weekend and played quality polo to get us the gold in the final.”

South East had won all three of their qualification matches to top Group B.

However, runners-up North West Tigers avenged their only group game defeat with a 9-4 victory in the bronze medal match.

The awards and medals were presented by West Midlands region president Jose Davenport.

Joanne Mountfield, competition organiser, expressed thanks to those who had ensured the event was a success.

She said: “Thanks to Jose, who presented the awards and medals, our event manager, Dean Walker, who stepped up to volunteer to host the event due to a lack of local officials, and to the centre management and staff.

“We were also delighted to welcome Rose Younger and Andy McGinty from Swim England.”

MVP Awards

• Bernat Amado (South West Sharks)
• Fraser Willoughby (Scotland Saltires)
• Dominic O’Neill (London Sharks)
• Oliver Vasconcellos-Blanch (East Midlands)
• Gethin Dorrington (East)
• Erik Buhaescu (West Midland Warriors)
• George Davies (North West Tigers)
• Aiden McArragher (South East)

Event Awards

(sponsored by Wyvern Swimwear)

• Top Goalkeeper: Jamie Collins (North West Tigers)
• Top Goalscorer: Erik Buhaescu (West Midland Warriors)
• Overall MVP Award: Aaron Lalic (South East)

Results

Group A

Group B

Play-Off Stage