Barracudas bite back as the Crocs and Power dominate in round two of the Dolphins’ season

Round two of Narrabri Dolphins Water Polo Club’s 2025/26 competition delivered another night of competitive action, brilliant teamwork and friendly rivalry at Narrabri Aquatic Centre, with exciting matches contested across both the junior and senior divisions.

The Bellevue Barracudas turned the tables on the Club Narrabri Marlins in the under-15s match, securing an 8–5 win in an entertaining and evenly-contested game.

The teams were locked at 3-all at the half-time break before the Barracudas found their rhythm in the third quarter, pulling away to a three-goal lead and maintaining control right through to the final whistle.

Lucy Booby and Lachy Dunn both finished the game with hat-tricks for the Barracudas and teammates Will Hayne and Maddison Connole chipped in with a goal each.

For the Marlins, Jordan Dunn bagged a double and Rafferty Lendon and Max and Angus Booby all found the back of the net as well.

The Narrabri Dolphins’ president Todd Dunn told The Courier that the club’s junior players are improving each week.

“It was a fast, high-energy contest, and it’s clear that the training sessions are paying off, with noticeable improvement in swimming speed, ball movement, and game awareness. A great sign for the season ahead,” Dunn said.

Both of the under-15s teams now have a win after two rounds, with the Marlins claiming the round one match 8-7 a week earlier.

The first game in the senior division on Friday saw the Nutrien Crocs register a convincing 6–3 victory over the SierraTek Sea Snakes.

Determined to bounce back from a round one loss, the Crocs came out firing and opened up a three-goal lead in the first quarter.

The Sea Snakes made it 3-1, which was the way it remained at half-time after neither side was able to score in the second quarter, but the Crocs outscored them two goals to one in the third quarter before both teams netted a goal each in the fourth.

Liam Donaldson and Peta Cox both bagged doubles for the Crocs, and teammates Keeley Glass and Josiah Barnes chipped in with a goal each.

Lachy Dunn scored the Sea Snakes’ first before Nick Brennan netted twice in the second half of the contest.

The final game of round two on Friday saw PAB Power come out firing, setting the pace early and cruising to a strong 12–1 win over the Santos Sea Pigs.

The Power dominated from the start and had jumped out to an eight-goal lead by the half-time break. They managed to keep that energy up until the final whistle.

Karla Carruthers was the most clinical for the Power, netting five of her side’s 12 goals, while Kris Hobden scored four, Andrew McManus bagged a double and Paul Bushby netted one.

Liam Mair scored the Sea Pigs’ lone goal.

Just two points separate the top-ranked team from the bottom-ranked team after two rounds.

PAB Power are first with three points as the only undefeated side following a win and a draw. The other three teams have all lost once each, with Nutrien Crocs and Santos Sea Pigs both on two points after winning a game each and the SierraTek Sea Snakes sitting in fourth with one point following their round one draw.

The Dolphins’ president declared that the new season is entertaining with a friendly atmosphere.

“All four senior teams showed great spirit and sportsmanship, with plenty of friendly banter and encouragement making for another enjoyable night of community sport,” Dunn said.

“This Friday’s fixtures promise more great matchups at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.”

The under-15s game between Club Narrabri Marlins and Bellevue Barracudas will kick off round three before the SierraTek Sea Snakes meet the Santos Sea Pigs in the second game and the Nutrien Crocs challenge the PAB Power to wrap up the night.

There is plenty more to look forward to for local water polo fans as well.

“The club wishes our junior players heading to the Gosford Junior Water Polo Tournament the very best of luck this weekend,” Dunn said.

“Looking ahead, Narrabri will proudly host a gala day against Tamworth Water Polo Club on Saturday, November 22, featuring under-12s, under-15s, senior women’s and senior men’s games at the Narrabri Aquatic Centre.

“It’s shaping up to be a great day for players and spectators alike.”