The Opens Water Polo team travelled to Peninsula Leisure Centre, Woy Woy, to contest the Wombats Cup, hosted by the Woy Woy Water Polo Club. The event featured high school teams from across the Central Coast competing in both the Boys and Girls divisions.

The team consisted of: James Griffith (Goalkeeper), Tahj Regattieri, Tam Johnston, Seamus Meares, Nate Saley, Billy Carpenter, Eden Pearson, Harry Rutherford and Lachlan McMahon.

Our boys were drawn in Pool A and played matches against Brisbane Water Secondary College (winning 11–3), Green Point Christian College (winning 5–2) and Gosford High School (winning 6–1). These round games allowed the team to refine their combinations and settle into an effective playing style. James was outstanding in goals, making several difficult saves look effortless. Tahj, Eden, Billy, Lachlan and Seamus continually pressured the opposition on the counterattack, turning defence into offence, while Nate, Tam and Harry controlled the middle of the pool and dictated the tempo. The boys combined exceptionally well, showing composure with and without the ball, which led to some impressive polo and a comfortable pool win.

In the semi-final, we faced Terrigal High School, who have had the edge over us in recent years. The boys started strongly and maintained control throughout, running away with a convincing 10–1 victory. This set up a Grand Final clash with Wyong High School, the dominant team in this competition over the past few years.

We opened the scoring early, but Wyong responded with two goals to lead 2–1 at halftime. Despite trailing, we looked the stronger side heading into the second half. From there, we dominated possession, restricted Wyong’s scoring opportunities, and produced several excellent team and individual goals to secure a 5–2 victory.

Regaining the title was a fantastic achievement for the team. They played cohesively throughout the day, and it was especially pleasing to see the growth of players who do not regularly compete outside of school. Nate Saley was deservedly named Player of the Grand Final for his outstanding performance.

Well done to all the boys on a fantastic team effort.