Fatima and Bishop Anstey Claim Victory at Republic Bank Secondary Schools Water Polo League

Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, March 16, 2023: History was made at the Flying Fish Swim Pool, Federation Park, as the Republic Bank National Secondary Schools Water Polo League came to a thrilling conclusion. After intense competition, Fatima College swept the male categories and Bishop Anstey High School successfully defended their senior 2020 title in the March 5 finals. The League also marked the groundbreaking milestone of having its first combined team, First Players United, participate in the competition.

Having previously won their final match up against Queen’s Royal College (QRC) in the form one category by scoring a golden goal following a 9 – 9 full time result, Fatima faced off against the Royalians once again in the finals of the seniors category. It was an exciting match with both teams tied at 7-7 at the end of the third period. Fatima eventually managed to pull ahead in the last quarter by swinging three unanswered goals into the net of QRC’s goalie, Kerne Dick. Despite having saved a penalty shot from Yannick Robertson, he was unable to keep out the two shots that came from Justin Hackett and the final one from Robertson that gave Fatima a 10 – 7 victory and the title.

Among the ladies, Bishop Anstey High School got the better of St. Joseph’s Convent, Port of Spain, in the senior category. It was their second victory of the season having already secured first place in the form one division the previous weekend. The under 16 girls, however, saw Holy Name Convent rise to the top as they beat St. Joseph’s Convent 22 – 6.

During the tournament, Kaia Eifell became the first female to play on a combined team, First Players United, in the Open male category. Samora Titus joined later becoming its second female player. League managers, Royhil Seals, made the visionary decision to allow a combined team for athletes who did not have the backing of a full school team. The achievements of both girls highlight the importance of creating equal opportunities for all to excel in their chosen sport.

The successful return of the Republic Bank National Secondary Schools Water Polo League following a two year hiatus reflects its continued popularity and Trinidad and

Tobago’s potential to develop high-calibre athletes in the sport. The Secondary Schools League is the first of the National Schools Water Polo Series which is sponsored by Republic Bank under its Power to Make a Difference programme in partnership with the Royhil Seals Water Polo Club. Soon to be launched is the National Primary Schools Mini Polo League, which begins in May 2023.