Spalding Water Polo Club found the going pretty tough in their opening two National Water Polo League Division Five matches at Sheffield over the weekend.
New to the league this year, Spalding travelled to Ponds Forge for games on Saturday and Sunday.
The first match was against 2015 Division Five runners up, Tyldesley (Manchester).
It was a baptism of fire against a very strong team, but Spalding held their own in the first quarter, finishing 2-4 down after goals from John James and Ben Marsters.
Tyldesley stepped up a gear in the next two quarters, winning them 6-2 and 6 -1, with Spalding’s goals from James, Marsters and Harry Bumfrey.
The final quarter was evenly balanced as both teams scored three apiece, with Spalding’s scorers Ed Martin, James and Jack Carpenter.
That left the final score at 19-8 in Tyldesley’s favour, with Spalding’s man of the match being goalkeeper Jon Davis – who played brilliantly despite the goal tally.
Sunday saw Spalding up against Warwick at the same venue – and they started much more confidently, playing better polo than in the previous match.
The first quarter finished 4-5 to Warwick, with Spalding’s goals from Martin (2), Carpenter and Marsters.
Spalding pressured Warwick’s goal in the second quarter and were unlucky not to score, losing the quarter 3-0.
The third quarter was fast end-to-end play, with Warwick finishing 5-3 to the good despite scorers Carpenter (2) and Marsters.
The final quarter was evenly matched, but Spalding’s finishing let them down, losing 4-2 with goals again from Carpenter and Marsters.
That ensured they suffered a 17-9 defeat, with Martin man of the match.
Spalding will take some positive feedback into the next round where they face a long trip to Marlborough, Wiltshire, on October 22 and 23 to play Leeds and Rotherham.
- Annual awards night winners: Newcomer of the Year – Phil James; Most Improved Player of the Year – Jimmy Hook; Player of the Year – John James.
