WATER POLO
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SYDNEY East caused a major boilover to take out a third-straight NSW CHS Girl's Water Polo title with a 6-4 victory over Hunter in Friday's final.
Hunter entered the final with an unblemished record from eight games at the championships but fell to a bigger and stronger Sydney East in a thrilling final at Oasis Regional Aquatic Centre.
The two teams were locked together at half-time but a big third quarter from Sydney East proved the difference.
Sydney East goalkeeper Chelsea Clarke put in a Herculean effort to keep her team in the game and was duly awarded the player of the final award.
It continued an amazing record at the championships from Sydney East, who have now won 16 of the past 18 titles.
In good news for the hosts, Riverina prevailed 6-4 in a penalty shootout over Sydney North to claim third place at the championships.
Riverina were rewarded for their best result at the tournament with Wagga High School's Kate Gallaher and Claudia Nugent, Albury High School's Bridget Johnston and James Fallon High School's Alhana Hofer all making the NSW CHS team.
Carnival manager Kelly Lawson said the four-day titles were an overwhelming hit.
"It's been an outstanding success," she said.
"We've showcased such a high level of skill that is available in women's water polo.
"It's been really good."
Walker said Sydney East rose to the occasion to upset heavy favourite Hunter in the final.
"It was a really tough final," she said.
"Sydney East just seemed to be a little bit stronger and more powerful.
"It was a draw until the third term when Sydney East really stepped it up."
Walker said it was a big effort from Riverina to finish third, and get four girls in the NSW CHS team.
"We're absolutely stoked, we've never been that high before," she said.
"They did a great job.
"We got four girls in the CHS team, that's one better than last year so we're stepping up.
"You can just tell the difference with the metropolitan schools, who play all year round, compared to the seasonal players.
"It's a big advantage."
Wagga High School's Lauren Macleod was selected as a shadow player for the CHS seconds team.
