DURBAN, South Africa, March 8. KWAZULU Natal hopes of having a say in the outcome of the inaugural Samsung National Water Polo League received a major setback as Western Province staged a major comeback in the final two chukkers to beat the hosts 12-11 at the Clifton Aquatics Centre here today.
Coached by the experienced Brad Rowe, KwaZulu Natal held a slender 1-0 lead after the first chukker, which they extended to 5-4 by the halfway stage. But the failure to convert quality possession when the visitors were a man down due to infringements cost the home side who finished off just two out of 12 attempts in this situation.
KwaZulu Natal's Bevan Manson (centre forward) and left-sided player Warren Beuster produced consistent performances, as the hosts looked to score beyond Western Province stand-in goalkeeper Milton Caldis.
For Western Province, former Central Gauteng OJ Eagles defender Andre Lotz, now studying at Stellenbosch University, was a pillar of strength, as he scored two goals for the blue-capped side.
Title favorites Central Gauteng Old Edwardians were pushed all the way by a determined Central Gauteng Old Edwardian side, before winning 7-5.
Special thanks to Swimming South Africa for contributing this report.