Polish juniors win dress rehearsal

Men’s junior waterpolo can be exciting as well as it was shown this weekend. After some ups and downs the five-nation-tournament at Debica, Poland was decided in the final session in a head-to-head duel, when the home team eventually took the trophy by a 9-8 victory against the till then unbeaten leader Ukraine. The three-day competition in the Southeast of Poland is one the dress rehearsals for the upcoming European Junior Championships Qualification Tournament for teams of the age group 1993  to be held 24-27 May at four different places.

Interestingly enough, Poland had lost their second match against the last-ranked team from Ireland, 6-7, but head coach Piotr Diakonov’s player still remained in the race for the first place by a 2-0-1 record. They beat third-ranked Belarus 8-6 and were now able to face in the unbeaten Ukrainians in the final session in a real clash for the first place.

The players from the neighbour country Ukraine had a successful performance at last year’s European Junior Championships of the age group 1994, but Poland took an 8-4 lead and was still ahead by three goals at the beginning of the final period, when the score was 9-6. Ilia Semko netted four balls for the Ukrainians in this match. On the Polish side, Michał Plust scored eight goals for his team in four matches.
 
In recent past, Polish water polo has gained attention by some new pools which are adapted to the demands of international competitions. Right after the pretty valuable experience for all involved teams a second tournament for this age group will be organised 3-6 May. It will take pretty close to the German border at the well-known Polish powerhouse of Gorzow Wlkp., where the teams are battling for the Slowianka Cup again. 
  
 
  
Men's Junior Five-Nation-Tournament at Debica, Poland
 
Results
 
Friday, 17 Februar 2012
Ireland vs. Belarus 7-13
Lithuania vs. Ukraine  4-20
Ireland vs. Ukraine 6-10  
Lithuania vs. Poland 6-20   

Saturday, 18 Feburary 2012
Belarus vs. Ukraine 5-6
Ireland vs. Poland 7-6
Ireland vs. Lithuania 4-9
Belarus vs. Poland 6-8

Sunday, 19 February 2012
Belarus vs. Lithuania 11-8
Ukraine vs. Poland 8-9

 
 
Final standings
 
1. Poland* 43-27 9
2. Ukraine 44-24 9
3. Belarus 35-29 6
4. Lithuania* 27-55 3
5. Ireland 24-38 3
 
* Winner of the head-to-head duels.
 
Referees: Evgenij Bobkov (BLR), Declan McKerr (IRL), Vadim Kebalo (UKR), Maciej Michalal (POL) and Nerijus Papaurelis (LTU).
 
More information: http://pilkawodna7.w.interia.pl/debica12.htm