Kearsney’s grit shines at the Clifton Water Polo Tournament final

Kearsney’s 1st water polo side finished runners-up at the annual Clifton Water Polo Tournament held over the weekend, where they showcased the team’s resilience and character, particularly in the semi-final comeback and two consecutive matches decided by penalty shoot-outs.

Finishing runners-up against a strong tournament field, while collecting two individual awards, made it a memorable tournament for Kearsney.

They began the competition strongly, winning all three of their pool matches to finish top of their group. 

They then opened with a 12-10 victory over Michaelhouse, followed by a convincing 15-5 win against Clifton 2nds and a 16-13 victory over Paul Roos.

This set up a quarter-final against Reddam Constantia. Kearsney continued their strong form, where they secured a 19-14 victory. Max Mills was instrumental in the win, scoring nine of Kearsney’s 19 goals.

The semi-final against Clifton College proved to be one of the most dramatic games of the tournament. Kearsney found themselves 4-9 down at one stage and seemingly on the brink of elimination. However, the team produced an exceptional fightback, scoring six unanswered goals to take a 10-9 lead.

Clifton responded to level the match at 11-11, sending the game into a penalty shoot-out. Kearsney again found themselves under pressure after missing their opening penalty, but goalkeeper Roarke Stacey produced two crucial saves to deny Clifton with their final two attempts.

Kearsney ultimately won the shoot-out 4-3 to book their place in the final.

The final against Hilton was another closely fought encounter. Neither side could be separated after regulation time, with the match ending 8-8 and requiring another penalty shoot-out to decide the tournament winner.

On this occasion, the result went Hilton’s way, with Kearsney losing the shoot-out 4-5 and finishing as tournament runners-up.

The tournament also produced individual recognition for two Kearsney players. Max Mills was named Attacker of the Tournament, while Oliver Ludwig was named Defender of the Tournament. The final was particularly significant for Ludwig, who earned his 200th Kearsney 1st team water polo cap, marking an exceptional milestone in his Kearsney career.

Tournament Results

Pool results
• Kearsney beat Michaelhouse 12-10
• Kearsney beat Clifton 2nds 15-5
• Kearsney beat Paul Roos 16-13

Quarter Final
• Kearsney beat Reddam Constantia 19-14

Semi-Final
• Kearsney beat Clifton 11-11 full time and 4-3 on penalties

Final
• Kearsney lost to Hilton 8-8 full time and 4-5 on penalties