After they had to postpone yesterdays game against Branik, Triglav gained new points in international Alpe Adria water-polo league. In delayed game of Game day 6 they beat last placed WBC Tirol and jumped on third position.


Triglav (Slovenia) – WBC Tirol (Austria) 17:7 (5:2, 3:0, 5:2, 4:3)
Olympic swimming-pool in Kranj, spectators 150, referees: Homovec and Balderman (both Slovenia).
* Triglav: Pogačnik 4, Resnik 3, Anzeljc 2, Vehovec 2, Todič 2, Šenica 2, Murgič 1, A. Kalan 1.
* WBC Tirol: Böhme 3, Gratzl 2, B. Hengl 2.

Triglav continue with successful games in Alpe Adria league. This time they celebrated expected win over Tirol. Austrian champions came in Kranj in good mode. Yesterday they showed great resistance to league leader Opatija. But today they could follow playful home team only in first minutes when they scored two equalizers (1:1 and 2:2). Later most of the goals were scored by Triglav, mostly after quick contra-attacks and some also because poor goalkeeping of guest goalkeeper. Game was decided already after second period, when home coach Aleš Komelj decided to substitute goalkeeper. Dalibor Stojčev came between goalposts, but not for long time. After meeting opponents elbow in struggle for the ball, had to go out of the water with bleeding nose. So Žan Smolič had to return to his place 

Grega Košir

International Alpe Adria water-polo league continued with another two games of game day 11. There should be three but Triglav and Branik had to postpone their game because of illness in Branik’s team. Slovenian derby, between last years national championships finalists Olimpija and Koper, ended with sharing points. League leader Opatija once again beat last placed Tirol.


Slovan Olimpija (Slovenia) – Rokava Koper (Slovenia) 6:6 (0:1, 3:0, 1:2, 2:3)
Kodeljevo swimming-pool in Ljubljana, spectators 250, referees: Balderman and Rožman (both Slovenia).
* S. Olimpija: Verač 2, Ju. Škof 2, Kecman 1, Puš 1.
* R. Koper: Smolnik 3, Pucer 1, Mertelj 1, Crnica 1.

In Kodeljevo swimming-pool last years finalists of Slovenian championships met again. Game was supposed to be tight and tough and all expectations fulfilled. In first period spectators saw only one goal and it was scored in home net. Later “Dragons” started to throw fire. At the beginning of third period they already lead 4:1. After that they fall down again. They missed from positions that they normally score. “Sharks” punished every miss and in last period Sandi Mertelj scored for 5:5. Two minutes before last whistle Rok Crnica scored his goal and “Sharks” were in lead once again. It was still more than minute to play when Andraž Verač scored equalizer. But in last seconds home team almost lost point that they had in hands. Nenad Černeka escaped in contra-attack, shoot and hit the goal post. Ball rebound from goalpost and stopped on goal line. But it didn’t want to cross it so teams get one point each.


Opatija 1981 (Croatia) – WBC Tirol (Austria) 16:9 (4:2, 3:2, 5:1, 4:4)
Kantrida swimming-pool in Rijeka, spectators 150, referees: Laginja (Slovenia) and Ban (Croatia).
* Opatija: Kancijanič 4, Frančiškovič 2, Turina 2, Martinčič 2, Sablič 1, Cirkovič 1, Pupovac 1, Milič 1, Matijašič 1, Sušanj 1.
* WBC Tirol: Hornak 5, B. Hengl 3, Böhme 1.

Austrian champions play better and better from game day to game day. They are still on the last place without points but in last games they showed some good performances and threatened their opponents. This time they performed great in the game against league leader Opatija. Home team needed more than half a game to break their resistance. Game was finally decided in third period. Scoring duel between Opatija’s Danijel Kancijanič and Tirol’s Peter Hornak was won by Tyrolean with 5:4. 

Grega Košir

With game day 10 Alpe Adria league continued. Spectators were shortened for desert because duel between UTE and Koper was postponed to February 12th. Anyway there were two exciting games. Duel of “teams on fire” in Trieste was won by Triglav. League leader Opatija gained home success over Branik and expands lead on the table.


Opatija 1981 (Croatia) – Branik (Slovenia) 15:8 (4:0, 4:2, 3:2, 4:4)
Kantrida swimming-pool in Rijeka, spectators 150, referees: Ban and Franulovič (both Croatia).
* Opatija: Turina 4, Kancijanič 3, Cirkovič 2, Martinčič 2, Pupovac 1, Frančiškovič 1, Milič 1, Matijašič 1.
* Branik: Ul 3, Štuhec 2, Vrbnjak 1, Skernišak 1, A. Pevec 1.

Opatija continues winning streak and remains on the top of league table. This time their victim was Branik. Team from Maribor hoped to surprise their hosts because they bloody need points in fight for “Final six” tournament. But this time it was mission impossible. Despite first scorer of the league Gabrijel Strižič didn’t score at all, home team already in first period decided this game. Krešimir Turina and Danijel Kancijanič unmercifully filled up opponents net. Only Matjaž Ul keep up for a while but it was not enough for Maribor’s success this time.


Pallanuoto Trieste (Italy) – Triglav (Slovenia) 11:13 (1:3, 3:5, 4:3, 3:2)
Bruno Bianchi swimming-pool in Trieste, spectators 100, referees: Piccoli (Italy) and Laginja (Slovenia).
* Trieste: Giorgi 5, Planinšek 2, Brazzati 1, Irredento 1, Maver 1, Colino 1.
* Triglav: Todič 4, Pogačnik 3, Anzeljc 2, Komatar 2, A. Kalan 1, G. Kalan 1.

In Bruno Bianchi pool fight for “Final six” was much more tensed. “Hot teams” that gained lot of pints this year meet. Guests started better and gained two goals advantage already in first period. In second, after great scoring performance by Čedomir Todič and Jure Pogačnik, they expand it. In third period also home team woke up. Center-forward Aaron Giorgi scored five times until the end of the game and Triglav’s advantage started to melt. But it was high enough to rescue two goals until the end and took full points back home. 

Grega Košir

After almost complete month, mostly because of postponed games, Hungarian Ujpest Torna continued their games in international Alpe Adria league. This time they beat ASV from Vienna. League will continue tomorrow with Game day 11. Koper will go to Budapest to fight for second place, table leader Opatija will host Branik, while Triglav had to go to visit reborn Trieste.


Uniqa UTE (Hungary) – ASV Wien (Austria) 21:5 (5:1, 6:1, 5:2, 5:1)
Alfred Hajos swimming-pool in Budapest, spectators 350, referees: Petik and Dodig (both Hungary).
* UTE: Borsos 6, Suti 2, Debreceni 2, N. Szabo 2, Olasz 2, Mathe 2, Vörös 1, Salamon 1, Kotsidis 1, B. Szabo 1, Somogyi 1.
* ASV: Rukavina 2, Rosič 1, Perkovič 1, Kaimak 1.

On January 6th UTE played first game in the league in year 2008 against Trieste. Later it happened it was also their last game for almost a month. Reason is in postponed games. In this time they fall from second place on fifth on league table. Obviously they missed games in this international league. They were so anxious that they filled up ASV net already in first period. At doing that Endre Borsos was most keen and by the end of the game he scored six times. This win also means that UTE is back on third position and tomorrow they will face Koper in fight for second. 

Grega Košir

With two Slovenian – Austrian duels Game Day 10 of Alpe Adria league started. In Koper home team beat ASV from Vienna and helped also other Slovenian teams in struggle for final tournament. After winning in Innsbruck also defending champion Olimpija remains in this struggle. Rest of the games of this game day will take place on Wednesday.


WBC Tirol (Austria) – Slovan Olimpija (Slovenia) 13:14 (3:4, 2:3, 2:5, 6:2)
Universitätshallenbad in Innsbruck, spectators 50, referees: Košir and Stariha (both Slovenia).
* WBC Tirol: Gratzl 4, Böhme 3, B. Hengl 3, Burtscher 2, Koroknai 1.
* S. Olimpija: Kecman 3, Ju. Škof 3, Verač 2, Ja. Škof 2, Merlak 1, Podvršček 1, Šinkovec 1, Puš 1.

In normal circumstances winner of this game should be known before start, Slovenian champion shouldn’t have problems with Austrian. But it was completely different this time. Olimpija suffered real Odyssey on their way to Innsbruck. First their bus had problems twenty kilometers away from Innsbruck. They managed to keep it running but only for next ten kilometers when bus stopped for good. They called taxi and drove to the wrong pool. Taxi left when they realized that the facility they are standing in front is empty. So they had to call another cab to finally come to the right pool. When game started, “Dragons” soon enforced their advantages. They came to Tyrol without their Croatians, but also without them they expand their lead through first three periods. Last quarter they started with five goals advantage. Advantage that was impossible to catch on first sight, they almost blow away. Impatience in attack and holes in D-fence was reason for that. Home team threatened already in the middle of last period when they were in attack to close the gap on only one goal. But “Dragons” managed to steal the ball and score decisive goal from contra-attack. Home team scored their last goal together with last whistle, so Olimpija’s success wasn’t in danger any more.


Rokava Koper (Slovenia) – ASV Wien (Austria) 7:4 (1:0, 1:1, 4:1, 1:2)
Žusterna swimming pool in Koper, spectators 250, referees: Piccoli (Italy) and Homovec (Slovenia).
* R. Koper: Smolnik 3, Berce 2, Černeka 1, Crnica 1.
* ASV: Rosič 1, Papič 1, Draganič 1, Jajčinovič 1.

Game was more important for ASV than for Koper. Also other three Slovenian teams waited to hear about result from Koper. ASV is their direct rival for “Final six” tournament. “Sharks” from Koper brought them joy and revenged ASV for defeat in first Game day. Duel was tough; teams didn’t loose or gave up a bit. Home team was in minimal advantage in first half. Than came third period and another excellent performance of Uroš Smolnik. He was responsible that home team gained four goals advantage. ASV faced hard task. They had to play without excluded Marko Draganič and Ivan Grabič. Despite of that they closed down the gap but never threatened Koper’s success. 

Grega Košir

In today’s games of game day 9 of international Alpe Adria water polo league important wins on away games gained Koper in Maribor and ASV in Innsbruck. Leader of the league Opatija ended winning streak of Triglav. During the week Trieste and Olimpija tied their game, while games Ujpest Torna vs. Opatija and Ujpest Torna vs. ASV will be played later.


WBC Tirol (Austria) – ASV Wien (Austria) 11:17 (2:6, 4:3, 1:3, 4:5)
Universitätshallenbad in Innsbruck, spectators 100, referees: Košir and Rožman (both Slovenia).
* WBC Tirol: Böhme 3, Gratzl 3, B. Hengl 2, Burtscher 1, Röhle 1, Koroknai 1.
* ASV: Rosič 4, Rukavina 3, Kajmak 3, Papič 2, Draganič 2, Schaffhauser 1, Grabič 1, Perkovič 1.

In Austrian duel home WBC Tirol still hoped that they can won some points in this season of Alpe Adria league. Finally Tyrolean team is Austrian champion. But in Alpe Adria league story is different, in this league all games between those teams were won by team from Austrian capital. And they did it also this time. Game was much more important for ASV while team from Vienna is still fighting for final tournament ticket. Loosing this game was not option if they wanted to stay in the fight for this place. Despite coming to Innsbruck with only ten players, they won this game with safe difference. At the beginning home team lead 2:0, but than ASV made streak of six consecutive goals. Home team, that had to play without injured Thomas Niklanovič, several times threatened ASV lead, but at the end they let empty-handed.


Branik (Slovenia) – Rokava Koper (Slovenia) 8:9 (2:2, 2:1, 2:3, 2:3)
Pristan swimming pool in Maribor, spectators 250, referees: Gumbsch (Austria) and Robnik (Slovenia).
* Branik: Šmarčan 2, Skernišak 2, Jokič 1, Ul 1, Šulič 1, Rajšp 1.
* R. Koper: Smolnik 3, Mertelj 2, Potočnik 1, Benčič 1, Černeka 1, Crnica 1.

After loosing game against ASV yesterday, Branik found itself in big troubles. In fight for place in “Final six” tournament they desperately needed points from duel against Koper. Once again they started the game very good, they were in lead for long time, but they failed to keep the lead until the end. With second consecutive defeat their troubles only grove. “Sharks” from Koper didn’t need long time to reinforced after yesterdays defeat against Triglav. With this success they again become best Slovenian team in the league. In hard and tight game Branik lead 6:4 in third period. Uroš Smolnik tied the result before last break. In last period Branik scored for 7:6, but than Sandi Mertelj scored twice and Koper came into lead. Koper later also expand advantage on two goals (9:7). Branik answered with another goal. In last minute Koper had to defend minimal advantage and also had to play without excluded coach Marino Cetin who received red card. Koper blow away their last attack and Branik requested time – out. They prepared action for Miha Šmarčan who shoot from five meters but failed to score.


Opatija 1981 (Croatia) – Triglav (Slovenia) 12:6 (2:1, 2:2, 4:1, 4:2)
Kantrida swimming pool in Rijeka, spectators 250, referees: Blažič and Ban (both Croatia).
* Opatija: Kancijanič 5, Turina 3, Strižič 2, Martinčič 2.
* Triglav: Anzeljc 1, Štirn 1, Resnik 1, Todič 1, Šenica 1, Komatar 1.

After streak of four consecutive wins Triglav had to go to Rijeka to face league leader Opatija. They hoped to revenge for defeat in Kranj and continue their streak. But for success against so experienced team as it is Opatija, Triglav is not mature enough yet. Opatija closed all the ways towards their goal in first two periods. They beard up all Triglav’s attempts and what was most important they stopped their quick contra attacks. This was the key to success. In “second half” of the game Danijel Kancijanič, Gabrijel Strižič and Krešimir Turina proved their scoring abilities, they are among best scorers of the league, and filled up Triglav’s net. 

Grega Košir

Game day 8 of international Alpe Adria water polo league brought eternal Slovenian derby between Koper and Triglav. For the first time this season Triglav won it. League leader Opatija hosted defending champion Olimpija and revenge for defeat from the start of the season. Two games were played in Austria. In Vienna ASV and Branik fight for ticket to “Final six” tournament, and points stayed at home. Innsbrucku hosted duel from the bottom of the table between Tirol and Trieste, that was won by guests.


WBC Tirol (Austria) – Pallanuoto Trieste (Italy) 13:20 (4:3, 4:6, 4:6, 1:5)
Universitätshallenbad in Innsbruck, spectators 100, referees: Košir and Rožman (both Slovenia).
* WBC Tirol: Böhme 5, Gratzl 3, Niklanovič 3, B. Hengl 2.
* P. Trieste: Giorgi 6, Vampa 3, Polo 2, Liggieri 2, Pastore 2, Irredento 1, Vitiello 1, Colino 1, Planinšek 1, Giacomini 1.

In duel from the bottom of the table, that was won by home team last year, was much more important for Trieste. Italian team had to win this game, to stay in position to fight for “final six” tournament. Also home team desired full success, because that was one of their last chances for some points. Importance of the game tied hands of guest team. Also their goalkeeper performed poorly and Tirol leads the game until “halftime”. In third quarter team from Trieste, they come to Innsbruck without their best scorer Andrea Brazzati, took initiative in their hands and came into lead. In last period they finally enforced their advantages and secured all points. Once again Aaron Giorgi was their best man in the water. This time he scored six golas.


ASV Wien (Austria) – Branik (Slovenia) 12:11 (3:4, 2:5, 4:1, 3:1)
Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, spectators 300, referees: Gumbsch (Austria) and Stariha (Slovenia).
* ASV: Grabič 4, Schaffhauser 2, Kajmak 2, Draganič 2, Papič 1, Rosič 1.
* Branik: Ul 5, Šmarčan 3, Jokič 2, Šulič 1.

Also game in Vienna was important for “final six” participants. Before the game, ASV was in worse position. Because Branik started good in the game, situation for ASV become almost critical. Center forward of Branik Matjaž Ul played one of his best games this year. Also Miha Šmarčan performed good in attack. So, at half of the game Branik lead with 9:5. This was signal for home team to built stronger D-fence. They also pushed hard in attack and before last period they were only one goal behind. In last period Branik collapsed. On the other side ASV made series of three consecutive goals and came in the lead for the first time in this game and later this lead expand on two goals. Hero of those minutes was Ivan Grabič, who scored four times. Branik answered with goal, but they didn’t have time to equalize any more.


Rokava Koper (Slovenia) – Triglav (Slovenia) 7:9 (2:2, 2:1, 2:2, 1:4)
Žusterna swimming pool in Koper, spectators 150, referees: Margeta (Slovenia) and Franulovič (Croatia).
* R. Koper: Smolnik 2, Berce 2, Kavčič 1, Volčič 1, Mertelj 1.
* Triglav: Grašič 3, Anzeljc 3, G. Kalan 1, Vehovec 1, Todič 1.

Biggest derby of Slovenian water polo rivals Koper and Triglav again justified its title. In both this years duels Koper won convincingly. They beat their eternal rivals in Slovenia cup semifinal in Žustrna pool and at the beginning of the league in Olympic pool in Kranj. Because of that they were considered favorites also this time. But young team of Triglav proved that they are maturing very fast. After half of the game home team lead by only one goal. In third period Triglav kept in touch and started final attack in last quarter. It was obvious that Triglav is better prepared at the moment. Center forward Janez Grašič and new captain of the team Borut Anzeljc were stars of the evening. Last period Triglav won highly with 4:1 and cheered because of deserved success.


Opatija 1981 (Croatia) – Slovan Olimpija (Slovenia) 13:11 (3:1, 4:2, 2:4, 4:4)
Kantrida swimming pool in Rijeka, spectators 250, referees: Blažič and Ban (both Croatia).
* Opatija: Strižič 8, Pupovac 1, Turina 1, Kancijanič 1, Martinčič 1, Matijašič 1.
* S. Olimpija: Kecman 3, Verač 3, Podvršček 2, Šinkovec 1, Ja. Škof 1, Puš 1.

In hard, real championships, game home team won and revenge to Olimpija for their only defeat at the beginning of the season. With that they also expand lead on the table. Opatija won mostly because of great start and unstoppable Gabrijel Strižič, who scored unbelievable eight goals. Home team led 7:3 in second period. Olimpija tried and tried and almost denied home team advantage (7:6). This took a lot of strengths from Olimpija players and Opatija escaped once again. “Dragons” still had stored some more fire. In last period Olimpija came two goals behind (11:9), but this was also the difference at the end.

Grega Košir

Game day 9 of Alpe Adria league started today. Two games were on the schedule but Ujpest Torna and ASV had to cancel it. So only today’s game was between Trieste and Olimpija and ended with the first tie of the season. Rest of the games this game day will be on Sunday.


Pallanuoto Trieste (Italy) – Slovan Olimpija (Slovenia) 10:10 (3:1, 2:5, 1:2, 4:2)
Bruno Bianchi swimming pool in Trieste, spectators 150, referees: Piccoli (Italy) and Laginja (Slovenia).
* P. Trieste: Giorgi 5, Pastore 3, Vitiello 1, Planinšek 1.
* S. Olimpija: Verač 3, Kecman 2, Šinkovec 2, Podvršček 1, Ju. Škof 1, Puš 1.

“Dragons” that started year 2008 with win hoped that they finally dig out of the crisis. But it obviously isn’t so. This time even Klemen Podvršček, their new reinforcement, couldn’t help them. Podvršček at last played for Triglav, but was also in Olimpija before and in Egypt where Željko Tonkovič, who coach Olimpija at this moment, was his trainer. Team from Trieste once again showed their teeth and won a point this time. Despite their chances for final tournament are small, hope always dies last. If nothing else they first made problems to Branik and now also to reigning Slovenian champions.
Game started with slight delay because there were some problems with playfield at Bruno Bianchi swimming pool. After game started home team took initiative. Aaron Giorgi announced another candidacy for scorer’s title also this season. He was unstoppable again. Home team got two goals advantage. But it didn’t last long. In second period Olimpija, lead by Andraž Verač, turned the result over and come into lead. Also their center-forwards David Kecman and Jon Šinkovec played well and secured two goals advantage for “Dragons”. They probably thought the game was over but they couldn’t be more wrong. Enrico Pastore was another Trieste player that was in good mode and his team manages to equalize the result. With this point Trieste could still have some small chances to qualify for “final six”. Excitement at the end of the game was too big pressure for nerves of home team player Enrico Pastore and “Dragon” Gorazd Gotovac, both of them were excluded with substitution. 

Grega Košir

Long seventh game day of International water-polo Alpe Adria league ended with the game for the top of the table between league leader Opatija and Koper. Third team that is looking for first place after regular season is Hungarian Ujpest Torna. Last three participants in “final six” tournament will give us fight between Triglav, Olimpija, Branik and ASV Wien. They all have 12 points on the table. After today’s defeat, Trieste lost chances for “final six”, while Tirol lost its chances long ago.



Pallanuoto Trieste (Italy) – ASV Wien (Austria) 9:11 (2:1, 2:2, 3:5, 2:3)
Žusterna swimming pool in Koper, spectators 50, referees: Carič (Slovenia) in Piccoli (Italy).
* P. Trieste: Giorgi 3, Giacomini 2, Pastore 1, Planinšek 1, Brazzati 1, Iredento 1.
* ASV: Schaffhauser 2, Papič 2, L. Stejskal 2, Rosič 2, Ivičevič 1, Perkovič 1, Draganič 1.

On Wednesday Trieste finally stopped serious of unlucky defeats. Today they had to play decisive game for entering “final six” tournament on neutral playfield. Because their pool Bruno Bianchi was full, they had to host ASV Wien in Koper. Chances for Trieste to qualify for “final six” were poor even before the game, so defeat against ASV deny their last hopes. Also for team from Vienna this game was crucial. With three points they again join group of teams from fourth to seventh place on the table, that will decide last three teams in “final six“ tournament.
Because of importance game was hard, full of mistakes and pretty nervous. First half belong to the home team, but they gained only one goal advantage. Again Aaron Giorgi was in good shape, but effect of Andrea Brazzati was missing. On the other side roles were deled equally through the team. In third period ASV came into lead. In great desire to expand it, Vienna players also become nervous. Dominik Ivičevič at the beginning of third and Marko Draganič in the middle of the last period paid that with exclusions with substitutions. But also without them ASV gained decisive advantage in last minutes of the game. Accuracy with man up in the pool was decisive this time. ASV first used two of their chances with player superiority. Than they denied Trieste with two man down and scored from contra-attack. With that they come to three goals advantage and winner was known.


Opatija 1981 (Croatia) – Rokava Koper (Slovenia) 12:6 (1:3, 5:0, 3:2, 3:1)
Kantrida swimming pool in Rijeka, spectators 250, referees: Franulovič and Ban (both Croatia).
* Opatija 1981: Kancijanič 4, Strižič 3, Turina 2, Pupovac 1, Frančiškovič 1, Martinčič 1.
* R. Koper: Volčič 2, Berce 1, Smolnik 1, Mertelj 1, Crnica 1.

“Sharks” from Koper came to Rijeka to fight for the top of the table. After first period they were on the right track with two goals advantage. But Opatija was not prepared to give up the lead yet. Leading scorer of the league Gabrijel Strižič and today even more efficient Danijel Kancijanič took things in their hands and Opatija won second period with 5:0. In second half of the game Koper came back again and tried to attack home team. But they failed to turn over the result again. Opatija’s D-fence was firm enough to deny all Koper’s attempts. “Sharks” were more and more nervous because of pore attack. Finally Simon Berce and Rok Crnica both got exclusions with substitution. 

Grega Košir