TT crowned water polo champions

TT first took a comfortable 15-4 win over the Netherlands Antilles in the Boys 15 and Under category. It was Daniel Alvarez who found the net for TT, the most with a stunning seven goals.

But Russell Ferreira was not far behind, as he put in five, while Simon Chin Lee, Shaquille Mitchell and Daniel Tardieu contributed the others.

For the Dutch team, Signayro Cintje scored three, with the other coming from Renato Schotborg.

Next, it was in the 18 and Under Girls category, where TT outplayed hosts Jamaica in winning 16-2. Kelcie Ferreira and Adana Welch-Phillips top scored with four each, while Caleah Gregoire finished with three, Nicola Welch and Kira Ferreira (two each) and Yanis Augustine, one.

Jamaica’s both goals came from Gabrielle Mesquita. The heartbreak for TT then came in the Boys 18 and Under category, as the Netherlands Antilles got the better of a close encounter.

After a 4-4 draw in round robin competition, Trinidad and Tobago just could not seem to find the back of the net in the first half of the game, as four goals went unanswered by Dutch players Paco Martina, Javier Diaz, Joshue Hooi and Kevin Richards.

But in the third quarter TT fought back with a goal from Jake Gillette. But Bram Rooyakkers, forge the Netherlands Antilles to a 5-1 lead. But the fighting spirit of the Soca Boys, narrowed the score-line, as Ryan Percy, Jonathan Bolai, and Kristian Bocage brought it to 5-4 before the start of the final period.

As the continous struggle persisted in the last minutes of the game, TT was unable to put in any more. Goalie, Yannick Hutson even managed to keep out a penalty as TT sought to tie up the scores.

As desperation seem to kick in, a slip in defence caused the Netherland Antilles to secure their gold medal with a goal by Bjinse Bouma with 46 seconds left in the game to finish the Dutch boys 6-4 to take the gold medal.

All in all, there was still much for TT to celebrate, as the two team stood at the highest level of the podium to hear their national anthem. Several TT players were also lauded for being in the top three scorers in the competition:

15 & Under Boys: Russell Ferreira, Daniel Alvarez and Simon Chin Lee

18 & Under Girls: Adanna Welch-Phillips, Kelcie Ferreira and Kira Ferreira

18 & Under Boys: Kristian Bocage.