Summer of International Camps and Representation

The Olympic Hopes Tournament, Szentes

The first week of August saw CSWPC’s Mixed U15 team travel to Hungary to take part in The Olympic Hopes Tournament in Szentes. Teams from all over the world took part in the tournament with teams from as far away as The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It truly was a great experience for all the players, coaches and parents, leaving life long memories for everyone.

Results:

Day 1

Cheltenham 13 SSK Slagelse (DEN) 14

Cheltenham 5 Vasas SC (HUN) 23

Day 2

Cheltenham 12 Azerbaijan National Team 10

Cheltenham 7 Lystrup Svoning (DEN) 11

Day 3

Cheltenham 11 Hapotel Petach Tikva (ISR) 15

CSWPC’s own Zac Downer was awarded Goal Keeper MVP.

After the final match CSWPC had a parents v kids game, including all the siblings. It was a great way to finish off the tour. The result was a honourable Draw, Parents 5 Kids 5.

Lee Barnes, Junior Coach said “ I was extremely proud of the way the players represented our club and our country in this international tournament. They should be extremely proud of themselves.”

CSWPC Team : Zac Downer, Aaron Downer, Liam Barnes, Harrison Walsh, Freya Webster, Harry Barber, Rex Lewis, Alice Tubby, Lily Ross, Louis McKie.

04’s National Academy Camp, Eger

In the Middle of August the 2 year training scheme for boys and girls born 2004 and younger (National Academy) finished off their programme with a week long training camp in Eger, Hungary. CSWPC’s own Harry Mason, Dan Day, George Glover, Lorcan Halstead, Gigi Boskett-Williams and Charlotte Martin were all selected to attend. The training camp consisted of 3 days hard training  followed by an international tournament. This gave the children the opportunity to experience European polo and learn how hard a “full on” GB training programme can be. The tournament had the GB 02 girls attend as well as teams from Russia and Hungary. CSWPC’s John Spicer joined the players as one of the boys coaches.

After the camp a team of boys and a team of girls were selected to represent England at The North Sea Cup, Swansea. This tournament was aimed at U19’s so England were attending with a very young team. CSWPC’s Dan Day, George Glover and Charlotte Martin were selected to play. The boys faced 3 defeats from Wales, Scotland and Ireland but the girls went on to win the tournament with 3 wins. What an experience for all.

H2O Cup, Rijeka

Great Britain’s U19’s men travelled to Rijeka, Croatia for the H20 Cup. Four national teams were taking part from Belgium, Hungary, Great Britain and Croatia in the beautiful Kantrina Pools complex. CSWPC’s Tom Hunt and Ollie Stanley were chosen to represent Great Britain. 

The first match was against Hungary. As predicated this was a tough game ending in a 17-7 defeat. Head coach Dean Walker said “It was a steep learning curve for the GB squad but excellent international tournament experience ahead of next years European Qualifiers”. Next match was against the home side Croatia. Great Britain had a good start and a good finish to the game but could not beat the vastly experienced hosts. Final score was 17-9 to Croatia. The final match was against Belgium. An outstanding  performance from the British players give them a tight first half lead, 5-3. Belgium fought back in the third period to bring the score level, 8-8. The final quarter was set to be a tense affair but Great Britain dominated. Final score 14-10 to GB. This secured GB 3rd place and a well deserved bronze medal.

 

 

European Junior Women’s Tournament, Volos

Great Britain’s Junior Women (2002 and younger) finished 12th after an encouraging week in Volos, Greece. CSWPC’s own Amy Berry captained the team throughout the week which was filled with tough battles.

The tournament began against Germany and early signs were promising. The first quarter ended 1-1 but the girls weren’t able to keep pace with the Germans, who ran away for a 12-3 win. The following day things didn’t get any easier. GB faced Holland, this Dutch team had thrashed Bulgaria the day before 33-1 so were obviously a team to be reckoned with. GB pulled away with an early penalty in the first quarter sadly that was the only goal they scored. Final score 24-1 to Holland. Hoping to make a statement against winless Bulgaria the following day the GB girls were very determined. They cruised to a brilliant 15-4 win. Finishing 3rd in the table GB faced Serbia in the first round of play offs. Winning this match would mean they were in contention for top 8 but despite resilience and some great team play the girls lost to Serbia 10-6. This meant they were up against Hungary in the ranking semis-finals to determine places 9-12. The Hungarians hadn’t lost a match until the fourth day, they averaged a winning margin of more than nine goals per match, certainly a strong team. The British match went true to form, a 12-3 defeat. This put them into the 11th/12th play off against Germany. This was a close match for the first half. The first period finished 2-2, second period 4-4 but Britain were unable to keep pace with Germany who open up a 9-4 lead at the end of the third period. Final score 12-7 to Germany. Britain finished 12th. Head coach Sarah Dunsbee said “The realistic goal we set around 6-12 months ago was to finish inside the top 12, so it’s pleasing that we managed to do that.”

International Waterpolo Turbo Cup, Barcelona

CSWPC’s Tom Hunt was selected to be part of Englands U19’s men heading to Barcelona’s Turbo Waterpolo Cup. Again this tournament is all part of the teams preparations for next years European Championships Qualifiers. Held in another amazing venue, Montjuïc pool, the boys played matches against the spectacular backdrop of Barcelona. The team had a brilliant start with a great victory, 11-9 over Sirens ASC from Malta. This was followed by an 11-6 defeat to local side CN Atletic-Barceloneta. Day two saw two great wins over BIWPA Black , 13-5 and CN Alcoron, 19-7. Englands final group match was against CN Sant Feliu. A 13-9 win meant the team finished second in the table and faced CN Barcelona in the semi-finals. A 20-8 loss meant the team were in the bronze medal play off against Athlon Roma. A dramatic match against the Italian side the final score was 7-7 meaning they had to go to penalties to finalise the positions. An epic battle ensued but ultimately the England side lost 4-3. A very impressive 4th place to England and plenty of international experience for this team.