Defending champions Western Railway routed hosts Hindu Bath 13-1 in the final to retain their hold on the GMAAA Water-Polo trophy, at the latter’s swimming pool at Charni Road pool. In the hopelessly one-sided final, star-studded Western players dominated to such an extent that the hosts could hardly get a look-in. Western’s Shreyas Vaiya who netted five goals bagged the ‘Most Valuable Player’ Trophy.
P.M.Hindu Bath girls pose after their thrilling win over MGMO in the final of the GMAAA Water-Polo trophy.
However, earlier the Hindu Bath side put up a fine show against Maharashtra Police in the semifinals. After trailing 4-5 till the last quarter, they turned the tables with two quick goals through Vaishnav Mahadik to emerge winners (6-5).
The hosts women’s team, however, brought some cheers for their supporters as they scored a thrilling win over MGMO in shootout at to win the women’s title. After both were tied at 6-all at the regulation period, the tie was resolved via shootouts in which the Hindu Bath women prevailed 4-3. However. MGMO had the consolation to see their Sayali Gudhekar being presented with the “Most Valuable Player’ of the tournament award.
Results of the finals:
Men: Western Railways 13 (Shreyas Vaidya 5, Akshay Kunde 4) bt P.M.Hindu Bath 1.
Women: P .M.Hindu Bath 10 (Kanishka Naggar 3) bt MGMO 9 (Sayali Gudhekar 5)- via shoot-out (full time: 6-6).