Rampant Spalding Water Polo Club completed an impressive double over rivals City of Milton Keynes with a thumping 20-5 triumph on Thursday night.
Spalding knew that a win would put them in the driving seat to avoid relegation and remain in Herts League Division One in what is their first season in the top flight.
And boy did they deliver, with Jordan Templer – the youngest player in the squad at 17 – top scoring with an incredible seven-goal haul.
Tim Shields also helped himself to a fantastic five goals, while Ben Marsters bagged four to steer Spalding to a comfortable win.
The other goals came from Jack Carpenter (2), Tom Marsters and new boy Ed Martin in a game that pitted Spalding’s speed against MK’s physical prowess.
Captain Steve Rogers was full of praise for his team – singling out goal-getter Templer and debutant Martin for special praise.
He said: “This is the best match Jordan Templer has played so far this season.
“Congratulations to new team member Ed Martin scoring on his debut and assisting with a number of goals.
“He played very well and looks set to be a permanent fixture.
“This was a great team performance. After just three minutes we took the lead, were the better team and never looked like losing.
“There was an excellent team spirit with lots of positives to take into our forthcoming matches.”
Next up for Spalding is a home date against Bedford on Tuesday, June 10. That’s at the Castle pool (9pm).
Spalding: Davis, Shields, Teesdale, Templer, Carpenter, Martin, B Marsters, Rogers, T Marsters, Rickett.