Brisbane Barracudas Water Polo Club
Queensland's Premier Water Polo Club since 1963

 

VICI BARRACUDAS GO BACK TO BACK WINNING NATIONAL LEAGUE TITLE 10-9

OVER QUEENSLAND BREAKERS IN A THRILLER

(May 8|10) How sweet it is - for the second year in a row the NWPL Women's Championship trophy finds its home at the Barracudas Club after our VICI Brisbane Barracudas defeated the KFC Queensland Breakers 10-9 in a thrilling all-Queensland Grand Final at Sydney Olympic Park today. The Barracudas women backed up their 2009 win with an all team effort in what can only be described as an incrediblly exhilarating hard fought game between two very passionate and classy teams - a credit to the Senior Women's water polo programs in the State of Queensland. The Barracudas and Breakers sides are so familiar with one another, training together regularly and with many of the girls teammates in QAS and in Australian Squads - the game was always going to be a close encounter and the final did not disappoint.

Team huddle before the start of the Grand Final - Go Barras!	Coach Fabio organises the troops
Nanda Stoltz shows pure class notching two critical goals in the final quarter the pull the Barracudas into the lead	Young gun Ash Southern slams the final goal of the game giving the Barracudas their 10th and final goal - enough to take the title!
Coach Fabio and Captain Melissa Rippon hoist the trophy for the second year in a row!	All smiles - the team with their medals and the Cup! 2010 National Champs

Barracudas took a 3-0 lead early in the first quarter and the Breakers woke up with goals from Bronwyn Knox and Jodie Stuhmcke to pull back within 1. A Kate Gynther counter goal gave the Barracudas a two goal lead but the Breakers responded swiftly and after that there was never more than a goal between the teams. Kelsey Wakefield managed another great game in goals and has been a revelation for the side all tournament long. It was the Barracudas depth and experience that proved the pivotal factor in the game with everyone playing a part in the win. In a game that saw the teams level three times and trade leads twice, it was down to the wire as the Barracudas clung onto their one goal lead for the final minute. Coach Fabio Pavanello had this to say “I think the girls fought right to the end, we’re an experienced side and we had won last year. It would’ve been nicer to win a bit easier. It’s their (Breakers) first grand final they gave us a scare, I can tell you.” Goalscorers in today's grand final match: Kate Gynther 3, Nanda Stoltz 2, Ash Southern 2, Anna Sieprath 1, Jane Moran 1, Patsy Redmond 1. In the men's final it was the Victorian Tigers over the Drummoyne Devils and Bronze medals were won by West Magpies in the men and the Fremantle Marlins in the women's.

Congrats to all the Barracudas girls involved in the program as well as a big thank you for the support of the team's sponsors including our major sponsors VICI and generous support of other sponsors Nick Holmes and Create the Balance, Alan Humphrey and Musgrave Pool, the Lock and Load Bar Bistro and Tugun/Barracudas Water Polo Club. A big thanks goes as well to all the supporters and volunteers who help with the season and share this amazing success.

VICI BRISBANE BARRACUDAS SET TO DEFEND THEIR NWPL TITLE!
HISTORICAL ALL QUEENSLAND AFFAIRE IN GRAND FINAL VS BREAKERS

(May 7|10) History will be made tomorrow at the 2010 NWPL Grand Final as our reigning champs, the VICI Brisbane Barracudas will face off against the KFC Queensland Breakers - the first time a national title wil be contested between two Queensland teams. In today's semi final, the Barracudas silenced the Cronulla Sharks with demolishing form and a convincing 19-9 win. The game was dominated by the Barracudas right from the first swim off, blazing out to a 7-2 lead after the first quarter through sharp shooter Anna Sieprath who converted 2 in as many minutes. Cronulla never regained composure after the first quarter as the Barracudas whole team pressured the Sharks from all angles and goals were set up and coming from virtually every player. Kelsey Wakefield started sloppy in goals with some grubby shots sneaking over the line but stepped up and was sensational in the latter half of the game. Barracudas spread the goal scorers across the team with Anna Sieprath leading the way with four - other goal scorers included Kate Gynther 3, Patsy Redmond 3, Ash Southern 3, Jane Moran 2, Hannah Robinson 2, Jamie Lee Lewis 1. Passion will be high in the grand final tomorrow as the cross town rivalry takes to a new stage. The two teams have an even record this season with one draw, one win and one loss between them in the three encounters. The Barracudas will be favourites though being the reigning champs, veterans of Finals experience and based on today's crushing of Cronulla.

VICI BARRACUDAS WOMEN INTO NWPL SEMI-FINALS FOR 4TH CONSECUTIVE SEASON AFTER DOWNING MINOR PREMIERS BALMAIN

(May 6|10) Always the ones to do it the hard way, the Barracudas Women's National League team have squeaked by the minor premiers the Balmain Tigers in the Elimination finals today at the Sydney Olympic Pool. It was a surprise to everyone to see the two top ranked teams the Balmain Tigers (1) up against the Barracudas (2) in the elimination final. The Barracudas who had struggled to find form in their first two games of the Finals Series waited until the final quarter today to pick it up and put in high gear. Led by precise outside shooting from Nanda Stoltz and a steady head of captain Melissa Rippon, the Barracudas managed a 5 - 1 final quarter over the Tigers sealing the win 9-7. The team was bolstered by the arrival of two time Olympian Kate Gynther who was not expected to be available until the weekend for games. Minor Premiers the Balmain Tigers who were fancied to be in the final tilt for the cup now play for 5th/6th against the Victorian Tigers. The Barracudas will face off against Cronulla whom they drew with on day 1 of the Finals.

UPHILL BATTLE FOR BARRAS NATIONAL LEAGUE WOMEN IN BID TO RETAIN NATIONAL TITLE - ELIMINATION FINAL VS BALMAIN TOMORROW

(May 5|10) The hopes of the Barracudas Women's National League 2010 campaign rest on the result of the elimination final tomorrow. In a shock result the Barracudas will face off against the Balmain Tigers in rematch of the 2009 NWPL Grand Final. The game also features the 1st ranked and 2nd ranked teams battling for a final spot in the Semis... Barracudas have made it hard for themselves first drawing 10 all with Cronulla on Day 1 and then today losing to the Breakers 10 - 8. Both games did not represent the team finest performances and coach Fabio Pavanello reported that the team had every opportunity to secure wins but was falling down on execution. Tomorrow's match is a do or die situation one that both teams are familiar with. Fremantle and Cronulla sail through to the Semi Finals finishing top of their groups. On the men's side there were more upsets with Wests proving a courageous competitor downing higher ranked teams as well the Victorian Tigers moving through to the Semis. Tomorrows games will be live streamed with our women playing at 3:00pm. To view the matches check out the Rivus TV Link.

BARRACUDAS SCORERS TO DATE - after regular season

Women's Scorer (as of April 20)	Goals	Men's Scorers (as of April 20)	Goals
Ash Southern	52	Rhys Howden	45
Kate Gynther	43	Jack Waller	30
Jane Moran	41	Matt Giles	29
Melissa Rippon	40	BJ Howden	21
Anna Sieprath	26	Dan Young	14
Nanda Stoltz	24	John Campbell	11
Jamie Lee Lewis	15	Drew Gynther	11
Patsy Redmond	12	Damien Hicks	11
Amanda Russell	9	Nick Godfrey	9
Hannah Robinson	7	Jake Vincent	5
Steph Thomas	6	Blake Edwards	4
Maddy Coburn	5	Stewart Greenbank	4
Kate McAfee	3	Cian Mulcahy	3
Claire Miller	3	Bredan McMahon	1
Laura David	2
Bronte Colenso	1

NWPL: BARRACUDAS WOMEN SLAM BREAKERS IN SECOND HALF THUMPING
MEN COME WITHIN ONE GOAL AGAIN IN A THRILLER

(March 28| 10) Game 2 of the local NWPL derby matches took place yesterday at the Valley Pool. After thrilling game 1 match ups taking place a few weeks earlier at Musgrave, the stage was set for more excitement. The 2nd and 3rd ranked Barracudas and Breakers women respectively, took to the pool first and the game started off in a tough encounter, both teams swapping leads early until a push in the final 2 minutes of the second quarter saw the Breakers pull ahead by two goals to lead 6-4 at the half time break. Coach Fabio Pavanello's half time talk inspired the Barracudas women who turned the jets on high and steamed into the third quarter with 7 unanswered goals lead by Jane Moran and Patsy Redmond who netted 5 goals between them in the quarter. The shell shocked Breakers women could do little the change the momentum with Barracudas Emma Jackson in goals also rising to the occasion and thwarting every shot put to her helped by her team's lift. In the absence of Mel Rippon, Kate Gynther captained the team, netted 5 goals and was sensational in both attack and defense adding to the all round great team effort in which every player made an impact in the game. Coach Fabio Pavanello was pleased with the result: "We played one good quarter against the Breakers last time and came away with a draw and tonight we played two good quarters and double their score. I am happy with the way we turned it around after a slow start and equally happy about how each player played a part in the win tonight."

In the men's game it was a seesaw the entire match with teams trading goals throughout. Breakers had the early lead but the Barracudas fought back with great goals from Jack Waller, Rhys Howden and Nick Godfrey. At half time the momentum had swung in favour of the Barras lads and they had a lead 5-4. Breakers fought back through Billy Miller who converted four goals for the home team in the game. Fabio Pavanello in goals for the Barracudas made some key saves including a Daniel Marsden penalty shot in the final quarter but it was not enough as the Barracudas could not lessen the gap - the final score 7-6 in favour of the Breakers. Our Barracudas boys now must win all their remaining matches to keep their Finals hopes alive.

NWPL: HOWDEN BROTHERS BRING BARRACUDAS SO CLOSE IN HOME TOWN DERBY THRILLER

(March 15| 10) It was an exciting evening of national league water polo at Musgrave Pool this Saturday evening. With close to 400 spectators on hand, the Barracudas National League teams faced off against cross town rivals the KFC Breakers. The Women opened the evening in a top of the table clash and both team's traded leads early in the match. A Barracudas stand out third quarter led by sensational defence from two-time Barracudas Olympian Kate Gynther took our girls out to a 4 goal lead early in the final quarter. KFC rallied through some good extraman play and responded with four unanswered goals, the last scored with just 7seconds remaining to draw the match at 9-9. For the Barracudas women it was a disappointing result and final quarter but they remain undefeated at the top of the NWPL ladder. Barracudas women's Coach Fabio Pavanello had this to say about the game: "It was a fair result considering Breakers outplayed us in 3 of the 4 quarters. The Breakers team looked clearly ecstatic with the draw but for our girls it was disappointing considering that we had a good lead heading into the final quarter. There are some positive signs to take from the game when we consider what we are capable of if we put 4 good quarters together against a quality team."

On the men's side, BJ Howden found exceptional form scoring three rocket goals and drawing a number of exclusions and penalties. Not to be outdone by his brother, Rhys Howden slotted 5 goals, 3 from the penalty line as the Barracudas fought hard against the favoured Breakers men. Barracudas pulled to within 1 goal of the Breaker with :27 seconds remaining after being down as much as 4 in the fourth. Both men and women's teams head off the Newcastle and Sydney this week for a gruelling 6-day road trip against Hunter, Drummoyne and Balmain.

The evening honoured the life of long time club member and friend Ray White. Both Barracudas and Breakers teams and officials wore black arms bands in Ray's honour. A moving tribute was given by long time club member and teammate of Ray, Neil Gynther, who was supported by all of the Barracudas X Grades and Old timers who stood together, united, as a tribute to their old friend who passed away earlier this week. The White family were on hand as the 400 strong crowd stood together for a stirring minute of silence.

THREE WINS FROM FOUR AGAINST UNSW - WOMEN STILL UNDEFEATED

(March 9|10) Barracudas concluded a successful weekend against the UNSW Killer Whales / West Magpies. The Women downed the Killer Whales in both matches handing the formerly ranked fourth team two losses and relegating them to seventh after the weekend. The sizeable Killer Whales team played a physical brand of polo but proved unable to match the top ranked Barracudas women in speed and team play. Melissa Rippon led the team in the first match with good controlled play while it was her step sister Kate Gyther who demonstrated world class defence in game 2 that spearheaded the Barracudas women's wins. Good team performance from all players was once again the strength of the Barracudas side. Once again young gun Ash Southern showed her attacking force netting 7 goals over the course of the weekend and sliding into the top team scorer position. On the men's side, a fiesty Barracudas took advantage of Wests slide in concentration. Being down going into the final quarter in game 1, the Barracudas managed to pull level 8-8 and then slam 2 goals to pull ahead 10-8. West managed a final goal with 0:01 seconds remaining to bring the final score to 10-9 in favour of our Barras boys. Rhys Howden was once again dominant converting 5 goals in the winning effort. The win an important one as the Barracudas aim for a top 6 finish and hope of making the finals series. In game 2 West were buoyed by their win over the KFC Breakers the night before and found form dominating from the first whistle - the Magpies had all the answers and took the win 11-4.

NATIONAL LEAGUE: RHYS HOWDEN SLAMS 10 GOALS TO LEAD BARRAS OVER CRONULLA SHARKS

(Feb 27|10) VICI Barracudas' 2008 Beijing Olympian Rhys Howden had an unforgettable night in last night's first National League encounter against the Cronulla Sharks. Howden netted an extraordinary 10 goals and thwarted the Sharks attack with countless steals and intercepts. Howden was unstoppable and seemingly everywhere in the pool and was the driving force behing the VICI Barracudas 21 - 7 victory over the Sharks. Rhys's 10 goals in one game catapults himself into the top scorers in the league thus far this season. The Sharks were tough opposition in the first half playing a very physical brand of water polo but an outstanding 8-1 third quarter by the Barracudas had the match well in hand. Barracudas' English import Jack Waller found great form in centre forward slotting 4 goals in the winning effort.

On the women's side, the VICI Barracudas maintained their undefeated record this season with their 7th win in 7 matches defeating the Cronulla Sharks 16 - 7. The Barracudas were never down in the game and were led on attack through excellent team play by all and strong performances from New Zealand captain, Anna Sieprath as well as the speedy Patsy Redmond, each netting 3 goals a piece. Kate Gynther continued her dominance on defence, all but shutting down the Shark's import. the dangerous Gold medal Olympian Dutch Mieke Cabout and neutralising the shooting power of 2009 NWPL top scorer Nicola Zagame. Both Barracudas teams face off again Sunday morning in their second encounter with the Sharks. Men's game starts at 9am, Women begin at 10:30am. Dont miss the action.

BARRACUDAS WOMEN UNDEFEATED IN NATIONAL LEAGUE
WOMEN DOWN FREMANTLE TWICE, MEN COME SO CLOSE

(Feb 23 | 10) The Barracudas home openers for National League proved nothing short of thrilling with four top level matches played between our VICI Brisbane Barracudas and the Fremantle Marlins/Mariners. The women's first match was a goal fest marked by holes in both teams defence allowing no less than 37 goals to be scored on the night. It was a treat for the spectators but when the Marlns had a 2 goal lead with just 1:16 left in the game it looked to be a done deal for the four time national champs. But the reigning champs had other plans when Ash Southern converted a penalty and Mel Rippon scored another with 0:42 seconds remaining to level the game. Fremantle had an extra man chance but Kate Gynther's legs intercepted a pass and Barracudas Jane Moran slotted the game winner with 0:05 seconds to the crowds delight and the Marlins dismay. The Barracudas boys showed they can match it with the top teams coming within one of the reigning Champs, the Mariners 10 - 9. In game two the Barracudas boys struggled to penetrate the Mariners attack until late in the game when a swing in momentum from great goals from Nick Godfrey in centre forward got the ball rolling. Mariners were able to stave off the attack through their experienced senior players - the final score 12-9. The Barracudas women led by Ash Southern with a five goal haul managed to end the Marlins road trip without a win against the reigning Barras champs, final score 14-11 leaving the Barracudas women undefeated and top of the ladder. Next games are this week at home vs the Cronulla Sharks. For all the National League news visit the Barracudas National League Link.

NATIONAL LEAGUE OFF TO STRONG START
BARRACUDAS PLAN TO STAY ON TOP

(Feb 7 | 10) The 2010 National League Season is underway. VICI Barracudas launched their 2010 National League teams last Sunday to over 100 people attending a Champagne Brunch at Musgrave Pool. Both teams then headed on their first road trip to Melbourne and Adelaide to contest the first rounds of the competition. The City South News featured an article on the National League teams and our reigning National Champions Women's side who Plan to Stay on Top <CLICK HERE TO SEE THE FULL STORY>. The women's team will once again be led by two time Olympians Melissa Rippon and Kate Gynther. On the men's side, the team welcomes back their captain 2008 Olympian Rhys Howden who returns after playing a season professionally in Spain. (Barracudas Olympians pictured left - Photo Courtesy of City South News).

ROAD TRIP REPORTS: The VICI Barracudas Women started strongly with 2 wins in Melbourne against the always physical Victorian Tigers. The first match a convincing 14-5 win where sharp shooter Nanda Stoltz was the stand out performer. The second match proved a tougher affaire with the Tigers preventing Barracudas attacking opportunities - our women still managed to rally and take a 9 - 6 win. The men faced the 2009 minor premier winners, the Tigers, and took a bit to get rolling, going down 10-4 and 10-5, the second match a much closer contest, the score not reflective of the quality of the game. Next the teams headed to Adelaide where both teams posted solid wins in their first encounter with the Jets. The women repeated a solid win in their second game against the Jets (14-9) while the men settled for a draw after a strong first three quarters.

VICI BRISBANE BARRACUDAS NATIONAL LEAGUE COMPETITION BEGINS THIS WEEK

Our Barracudas elite senior players will be in their final leg of preparation before the start of the 2010 NWPL season. The Barracudas women will be seeking to defend their 2009 National Title. The Club is pleased to announce VICI Swimwear as naming sponsors of the 2010 Barracudas National League teams after many seasons of positive association with the VICI brand. VICI are also launching their new range of water polo balls branded after Barracudas Women's captain and two time Olympian, Melissa Rippon -The Rippon Range.

Barracudas National League welcome Rob Edwards to the helm of the men's program. Rob has long been involved with the club coaching junior boys for many years. Barracudas are proud to welcome two English National Team players to the men's side, Jack Waller and Jake Vincent who will add depth and experience to the men's team. Further bolstering the team's prospects is the return of Barracudas captain and 2008 Beijing Olympian, Rhys Howden after a season playing professionally overseas. Fabio Pavanello returns for his third season to coach the women after being named Queensland Coach of the Year. New to the women's side, Barracudas welcome young sensation Ashleigh Southern, hailing from northern Queensland, a member of the Australian Junior National Team and the 2009 Junior World Championship team. Final rosters for both teams will be announced in the coming weeks. Barracudas first games will be on the road against the Victorian Tigers in Melbourne and then the Adelaide Jets in Adelaide over the first weekend of February.