[May 1,2004] A fifteen year drought was broken in the 2004 National League final as the Barracudas scored a fantastic 9 - 6 victory over the Fremantle Mariners at the Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
When the boys walk onto the pool deck for the game, they were the first Queensland team ever to line up in a National League Water Polo grand final.
After an ordinary and nervous first quarter from both teams, the Barracudas came out in the 2nd quarter with great confidence and started to put the shots away, showing signs of tremendous team spirit.
The Mariners who have been in every grand final since 1997 and won the premiership in 1998, 2000 and 2001 had to pick up the pace to keep in the game.
Goalkeeper Raf Sterk had a fantastic game and made life hard for Fremantle saving several one on one opportunities and extra-man attacks. The Barracudas offence was lead by sharp shooter Grant Richardson who notched and impressive 5 goals to help seal the victory.
Ian Hanson reports on his website: "Today's gold medal was never in doubt with the Barracudas always in control and had too much control, too much power and too much precision for the Mariners." For further details and match reports by Hanson Sports Media see: Australian Water Polo