The 2018/19 Regional League concluded yesterday in Zagreb with a spectacular final match where the home side HAVK Mladost defeated VK Jug CO and took their first title in this respective competition.
Although Mladost finished in the 1st spot after the league stage, Jug was a big favourite in this final. But Mladost played one of the best games of their last few seasons, completely disarming Jug’s attack (who scored their first goal after 12 minutes) and presenting almost clinical finishing in their man-up situations. The final result could be very misleading as Mladost had already established a 13:6 lead early in the last quarter.
This is the first trophy for Mladost after more than 7 years (they won the Croatian Cup in 2011). Lovre Miloš (3 goals in the final) was named the MVP of the Final Four tournament.
We played three brilliant quarters. Fantastic defence without any mistakes! I want to congratulate all my players and I hope this will be a huge motivation for their further development. I also hope this will bring Mladost (Zagreb) back on the water polo map where it once was.
Congratulations to Mladost! Our domestic title-winning streak has come to an end. They completely deserve to celebrate today, no need to talk about our performance.
HAVK Mladost 13:12 VK Jug CO (3:0, 4:4, 4:2, 2:6)
HAVK MLADOST: Marcelić (9 D), Radu 2, Miloš 3, Čagalj 1, Ćuk 2, Petković 1, Anzulović, Lazić 1, L. Bajić 1, Biljaka 1, Buljubašić 1, Fabris, Jurlina, Herceg. COACH: Zoran Bajić
VK JUG CO: Popadić (6 D), Macan, Fatović 3 (1), Lončar 1, Joović, Garcia 2, Lozina, Merkulov, Kržić, Žuvela, Benić 5, Papanastasiou 1, Vukojević (2 D), Čulina. COACH: Vjekoslav Kobešćak.
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