John James and Calvin Wilson both bagged hat-tricks as Spalding Water Polo’s Sharks won their latest East Midlands League match 11-8 against Kettering at the Castle Sports Complex’s pool.
Further efforts from Tim Shields (2), Jordan Templer (2) and George Rogers also helped steer to the Spalding side to success in what was a very close contest.
The Sharks started superbly, with Shields giving them the lead inside 20 seconds. Amazingly, Kettering then hit back to level within 15 seconds to make it 1-1.
The visitors then piled on the pressure as they took advantage of attacking in the shallow end of the pool, scoring three quick goals to move 4-1 ahead at the end of the opening quarter.
However, two quick goals from Sharks’ Wilson at the start of the second quarter reduced the deficit to 4-3. His second goal, in particular, was an excellent left-handed shot from just ten metres out.
The comeback continued when Sharks were awarded a penalty for an infringement on James, who coolly slotted the ball home to level the scores at 4-4.
The fast and furious pace of the game continued with the away side going back ahead thanks to their fifth goal a minute later, only for Templer to equalise almost immediately for the hosts.
There was a sting in the tail of an otherwise excellent period for the Sharks, though, as they were unlucky to see Kettering score again with only two seconds to go before half-time.
The third quarter was pretty frenetic with more end-to-end play. Spalding’s James played both the hero and the villain in the opening exchanges, as his second goal of the night levelled the scores at 6-6.
But James soon gave away a penalty, which allowed Kettering to go back into the lead once again.
However, this was to be the quarter when Spalding seized command as four more goals from Templer, Wilson, Shields and Rogers – coupled with another Kettering goal – saw the Sharks take the lead for the first time in the match as they entered the final period 10-8 to the good.
After such eventful three quarters, the pace did – understandably – die down a little in the finale. The only goal arrived when the Sharks were awarded another penalty in the first minute, allowing James to complete his hat-trick.
Despite plenty of attacking play and many shots from both sides, neither team could find the net again as Spalding celebrated an impressive fourth win from their last five outings.
Goals: John James (3), Calvin Wilson (3), Tim Shields (2), Jordan Templer (2), George Rogers.
