Our underwater hockey heroes bring home victory

Competition has ended at the Underwater Hockey Junior World Championships 2024 and the Australian teams – featuring four athletes from the Margaret River Underwater Hockey Club – performed exceptionally well.

Locals Nellie Lee (Captain) and Meg Barling played in the Australian U19 Women’s team, which placed second at the end of the round robin, before going on to defeat Colombia in the semi finals.

In an exciting Grand Final clash against France – the surprise opposition after topping NZ in the semis – the Aussie girls landed the gold with a 4-1 victory.

It is the first time an Australian junior team has won a gold medal at world championships, and both Meg and Nellie scored goals in the finals.

The Australian U24 Men’s team fought tough competition to beat Great Britain in the semis, putting them in the Grand Final against New Zealand.

With underwater hockey a popular school sport in New Zealand and with the country known for fielding some of the toughest opponents in the world, the Australians were up for quite a challenge.

Despite a strong performance, the U24 Aussie men could not quite overcome the Kiwis, and came away with silver.

James Iredale, who began his UWH career in the local Margaret River pool was a standout player in the back line.

Fellow Margaret River player Kai Cranfield, was part of the Men’s U19 team which battled Turkey in the bronze medal playoff match.

After going into overtime for a considerable length of time and a tense finish where the Australian side very nearly won, one Aussie spectator was overheard saying the supporters were all exhausted, watching in the stands.

Cranfield, who has always displayed a level head and dedication to the sport, showed strength and sportsmanship throughout the entire competition, particularly in the final game.

Margaret River UWH Club President PJ McGovern said the club was thrilled with the performance of the four players.

“Their dedication and unwavering commitment have been nothing short of inspiring,” he said.

“Through countless hours of training, they’ve honed their skills, demonstrating remarkable focus and determination.

“But it’s not just about their individual achievements.

“These outstanding young athletes have also embraced their role as mentors, positively influencing our younger club players and showing them what can be achieved with a bit of hard work, grit and determination.”