Success for Junior Water Polo Players on the International Circuit

By Brad Gilmore | Posted: Monday April 20, 2026

During the holidays, Nash Gilmour, Year 10 (OBHS OAKS, Senior A team) and Fletcher Webster, Year 9 (OBHS HOOPS, Junior A team) headed to Brisbane representing Otago Waterpolo Under 16 Boys at the Australian Youth Waterpolo Championships.

The team did amazingly well and came away with Silver Medals.

Competing in the "Green' division the first game was an eye opener. A tough Cronulla team beating them 11-5.

After this trial by fire the boys were able to compose themselves and determined to get back into it won the next 3 games 11-3, 11-5 and 10-4 to qualify 2nd in their pool and earn a place in the quarter finals.

Their Quarter Final really was blow for blow and eventually came down to a penalty shoot out after the scores tied 5 all at full time. Otago managed to secure the shoot out 3-2 and progress to the semi finals.

In the Semi Final, Otago played a very physical Tasmania. Otago fought well and finished with the win13-8 to book a place in the finals!

The Final match vs Waterpolo South Australia, was another close game with the teams exchanging plays and goals to the bitter end. Unfortunately Otago couldn't quite get there and went down 8-6. But coming away with Silver medals they have done us all proud.

Overall the boys did fantastically well, to win a medal on the international stage is a phenomenal effort and we look forward to seeing what the future brings.