Junes Water Polo Round Up

England Senior Women EU Nations Brno 2019

This was the first competition for the senior women under new rules. Fourteen teams were participating in Brno, Czech Republic, teams were split into four groups of three teams each, with each group playing in a round robin type format. CSWPC’s own Vicki Hawkins was captaining the England team. England faced Scotland in their group first a ruthless performance from England who were clinical in their attack and strong in defence, Scotland were restricted to a few chances throughout. Final score was 23-2 to England. Next England faced a very physical Serbia. Serbia edged what was a fierce contest and ultimately outsmarted England, who were unfortunate to see captain Vicki Hawkins wrapped early in the second quarter. Finale score 15-7 to Serbia. England were through to 5th-8th classification group. Next match was against the Czech Universiade team. A sensational second half performance saw England overturn a two goal deficit to claim all the points in the 5th-8th classification group. Final match of Saturday was against Belgium. England’s senior women finished a super Saturday with an impressive 13-7 victory over Belgium. This put them in pole position for a 5th place finish. The final match was on Sunday against Czech Republic. Dominant in attack and defence, England quickly built an unassailable early lead and controlled the game to take it away from the hosts.

Coach Nick Hume was really happy with the teams performance. Most of the ladies had not played together before however during the tournament they grew as a team and worked well together.

Girls U17’s NAGS Bronze Play Off

A brave team of 7 girls were able to attend the rescheduled bronze play off match in Sheffield at the end of May. Facing a full 28 minute match with no subs was a daunting prospect against last years runners up Otter.

The first quarter finished 5-0 to Otter but CSWPC wasn’t disheartened and bravely fought back. At the beginning of the final quarter the score was 12-9 to Otter, CSWPC were still in the running, but Otter had a last quarter surge of 5 goals, final score 17-11 to Otter. The girls played extremely well with some brilliant team plays. A well deserved 4th place for a second year running! Well done Gigi Boskett-Williams, Charlotte Martin (Captain), Priya Kennedy, Evie Handley, Freya Webster, Katy Daly & Tisa Maunder-Bushell.

Midland Water Polo League

CSWPC’s Juniors (U16’s) continued their campaign in the Midland Water Polo League. They had a strong home win against Warley Wasps at the beginning of June. 12 goals to 5, the junior players showed their strength and skill in the all deep lido pool. The team also had a strong match against the current leaders of the league Worcester Crocodiles. A very close 10 7 loss to Worcester. CSWPC juniors put up a brave battle against the very strong Worcester team. Finally this month they had the return match against Warley away. An even better result away 22 – 6 to CSWPC. The juniors are still 2nd in the league with only 4 matches left to play.

Player Achievements

Congratulations to CSWPC’s Rudi Polster who is currently out in Brno, Czech Republic with the England Mens team taking part in EU Nations Mens Water Polo Cup. Rudi has also been selected to represent GB at the World University Summer Games in Naples, Italy next month. What an achievement! We hope to catch up with Rudi after all his international touring but in the meantime good luck.

The following 03 and 04 CSWPC players have also been selected to take part in ESSA (English Schools Swimming Association) Duke of Cambridge Cup. James Willis, Lorcan Halstead, Dan Day, Matilda Dugdale, Priya Kennedy & Charlotte Martin. The tournament will take place at Manchester Aquatics Centre. The top 39 girls and 39 boys have been selected to form 3 male and 3 female teams for the tournament. They hope to be selected to represent ESSA at a training and tournament in Hungary in October. Its great to see so many CSWPC players being selected.

In June CSWPC also held their 7th Annual Summer Ball which included awards to the following players –

Meg Swinburn The Clubman Award.

Georgia McCool Ladies Players’ Player.

Amelia Boskett-Williams Most Improved Player.

Will Rayson 1st Team Players’ Player.

Simon Almond Men’s Spartans Players’ Player.

Taylor Walsh Most Improved Junior.

Mike Cowdell was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Finally on Achievements Swim England republished the article on CSWPC’s own Coach of the Year (2017). If you have not read the article catch up on Johns experience at CSWPC from player to coach here –

https://www.swimming.org/waterpolo/john-spicer-water-polo-coach/

Fascinating to read his thoughts on coaching and players he has taught.

British Water Polo Championships

The first weekend of June saw the British Water Polo Championships conclude at Sandford Parks Lido. CSWPC first mens team faced Polytechnic in the second mens semi final. They won this 15 – 9 meaning CSWPC faced the undefeated Manchester in the final. Sadly Sunday wasn’t as sunny as Saturday but it didn’t deter a strong CSWPC side. A thrilling game, tight throughout, CSWPC just edged ahead to win 9-8 against Manchester. Amazing work Sam Legge, Matt Witcomb, Charlie Brogan, Will Rayson, Joe Berry, Jake Polster, Rudi Polster, Tom Hunt, Ron Parker, Adam Legge, Ollie Stanley, Giulio Sartorello & Jack Simcox.