Combined U14, U16 and U19 team
(Source: BIS) – The Bahamas 30 member strong Water Polo team concluded three days of competition this weekend at the 2016 CARIFTA Water Polo championships in Trinidad & Tobago.
The Bahamas competed against Barbados, Bonaire, Curacao and the host country Trinidad and Tobago in the Under 14, Under 16 and Under 19 categories.
Enjoying success in the round robin phase of the championships against Bonaire, Curacao and Barbados in all categories, The Bahamas came up short against the host country, setting the stage for a Bahamas vs. Trinidad and Tobago dual in all categories in the gold medal round.
The Bahamas U14 team started strong, building a lead of 7:3 by halftime but in the end Trinidad was able to edge out the Bahamian team 10:9 in a nail biter for the gold; The Bahamas settled for the silver medal.
Bahamas U16 Water Polo team
Our U16 team faced a bigger, stronger and more experienced Trinidad team with a deep bench. The Bahamas again came up short, losing by a score of 8:23 and settling for a second silver medal.
Bahamas U19 Water Polo team
The U19 was the most competitive age group and the games more intense than the younger age groups. Our U19 team came off a spirited and sometimes contentious 20:9 semi final win over Barbados. The gold medal game against Trinidad however was not competitive with our players finding their game and hitting their stride late in the second half. It was a little too late and the Un19 team fell to Trinidad by a score of 5:17 for a third silver medal.
By all accounts all 3 age groups exceeded their expectations and proved that The Bahamas is capable of competing with the best in the Caribbean in Water Polo. The results of the 2016 championships have strengthened the team’s resolve to secure gold in 2017.
The Water Polo team returns to Nassau on Monday at 4:30pm where a press conference is scheduled at the Lynden Pindling International Airport. The media is invited to attend.
