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AAP
AAP
Oliver Caffrey

Magpies create history with eighth water polo title

An eighth men's Australian Water Polo League title has been won by the UNSW Wests Magpies. (HANDOUT/WATER POLO AUSTRALIA)

The UNSW Wests Magpies have become the first team to win eight Australian Water Polo League men's titles.

In Sunday's grand final, the Magpies downed the UWA Torpedos 23-18 after putting their foot down in the third quarter.

Olympian Jarrod Gilchrist, celebrating his 300th game, scored a crucial goal just before halftime to level the scores 11-11.

"It means the world, I'm absolutely speechless," Wests captain Michael de Gail said.

"To have that accolade for the club … there's a lot of hard work from a lot of different individuals to bring it to the point where we were at, so it feels great.

"This club means absolutely so much. (I've played) 300 games and I just love being a part of it.

"It's a good mix of boys, we've got some older guys and young talent coming through."

In the women's final, Griffith University Queensland Thunder claimed back-to-back titles, and their fourth in five seasons, by defeating the Sydney Uni Lions 12-10.

players celebrating.
Thunder players celebrate after their tight grand final win in Sydney. (HANDOUT/WATER POLO AUSTRALIA)

After a hot start, the Thunder had to deal with a gallant Lions fightback in the second term.

With scores tied at the final change, the Thunder rallied in the last quarter to cement their legacy.

"It was an interesting game because at the start we had a big lead, and then they really came back in the second (quarter)," Olympic silver medallist Alice Williams said.

"Sydney Uni have such experienced, amazing players like Keesja (Gofers) and Anni (Espar), so you can never take your foot off the pedal, you can never relax.

"I think it was an exciting game and we're really happy to come away with the win.

"I've really enjoyed this season - for me this year it's been a bit different because I've been in a bit more of a leadership role."

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