UNSW West Magpies have taken the crown in the 2017 National Water Polo League Finals against traditional rivals Sydney Uni Lions in a nail-biting 6-5 decider.

The Sydney Uni Lions lead 5-2 at half-time with Jermey Davie scoring two goals. But the second half belonged to the Magpies, with triple Olympian Richie Campbell producing four goals for his side.

“We had to take it one game at a time. We beat Drummoyne, we beat Cronulla in the semi and then we knew we had to leave it all in the pool today so we are glad we are here,” Campbell told Water Polo Australia.

“The result just shows how we could dig deep and the get the result we wanted,” he said.

The UNSW West Magpies team included Ben Lexcen Scholar and recent Blues Award winner, Angus Lambie; Lexcen Scholar alumnus, Corrie Eames; Elite Athlete Scholars, Josh Watkins, Jean-Luc Poidevin and James Reid; and UNSW Elite Athletes and Performers Program alumnus Michael de Gail.

The Sydney Uni team also included UNSW Ben Lexcen Scholar alumnus, Johnnno Cotterill.

Ben Lexcen Sports Scholarships are awarded to UNSW students for outstanding sporting achievements on the national or international stage.

UNSW was the first Australian university to establish a program of sports scholarships in 1988 and now provides more than $200,000 in support to talented student athletes, largely made possible through generous donations.

The University recently launched its UNSW 2025 sports strategy, part of a wider initiative to promote stronger community engagement.  

It was also one of the earliest members of the alliance of Elite Athlete Friendly Universities and offers a comprehensive Elite Athlete Support Program which includes a range of flexible study options, to allow students to manage their study around competition and training.  

The UNSW Wests Water Polo club has a strong junior program to encourage children to take up the sport.

Read more about the game on the Water Polo Australia website.