Last year of ‘new’ water polo system?

Press, 9 February 1983, Page 26

Last year of ‘new’ water polo system?

Scratch almost any water polo player in New Zealand, and one would not find it difficult to uncover a strong feeling of resentment and disappointment at the state of the sport this season. After a decade in which the club championship had assumed the major importance, the last national board annual meeting reverted to the old style of championship: a single inter-club final (both men's and women’s grades) between the North and South Island champions, and a full provincial championship.

The chickens have come home to roost. There has been no formal competition in Christchurch, save the elimination matches to decide the club finalists; the losing teams found their interest had waned by Christmas; and the entries for the national championships have hammered home the message.

These titles start at Queen Elizabeth II Park this morning. Maranui. of Wellington, is in both club finals, firstly against the Avon women, from Christchurch, then against the Wharenui men. Those games completed — and both should be sterling fixtures — the provincial championships start with only three teams (Canterbury, Wellington and Com-

bined Services) in the men's A grade, just two Canterbury teams and Wanganui in the B grade, and two Canterbury teams again and Wellington in the women's grade. In each case, for sure, competition will be very keen; there are no such things as “easy" games, except that the second Canterbury women’s team might find things a little difficult against the A sides. But the Wellington-inspired change to the competitions last year must be dumped just as precipitiously as it was introduced; and the irony of it all is that the Maranui club, if the rumblings and grumblings are accurate, was as unhappy as any at the unjustified change.

The Maranui men's team is not as strong as it could have been, with Ross Paterson, the club and national team captain, now in Auckland and not making the long trek for the one game. Also, Ashley Fogel and Wayne Mills are returning for work after the club match.

But Wellington will still field a useful side, with Robert Borgers, Chris Jarvis, Alan Hesketh, Brent Coates, Stephen Simpson. Neil and Stuart Watson all internationals at some level or other. When Fogel and Mills leave, Stephen Williams, Craig McGuinness and Jeff Payes will step in, and they.

too. have all played for New Zealand.

Coaching Maranui — and Wellington women — is a former U.C.L.A. player. Don W'eber,. and merely by definition. a Californian university player has to be a major acquisition. The Maranui women's team will also consist largely the Wellington team, with the important additions of Ann Jackson and Louise Grant, of Hutt, both of them front-ranking national team players. Wharenui probably has its best chance of taking the men's club title, but its preparation has not been eased with the recent absences from Christchurch of Derek and Damian Ferigo, Chris and Matt Lewis. But its solid core — Richard Clark, Gary Campbell, John Laugesen, John Koens, Bryan Buck — has had a solid programme in recent weeks and these players will hold the key. Among the opposition is Paul Dyson, available for Maranui but not for Wellington, as he is playing for Combined Services, in company with Campbell, Laugesen and Buck, for example. His form will be critical to Maranui's chances.

The championships commence at 8.30 this morning, and conclude on Saturday afternoon.

Ray Cairns j