Spalding Water Polo Club’s first match in the 2014/15 East Midlands League involved the two home teams – and it turned out to be a thriller.
The town’s two sides – Spalding Sharks and Spalding Orcas – did battle, with the Sharks running out as eventual winners at 15-12.
The Sharks started the match at a frantic pace, with Tim Shields scoring the first goal in the opening minute.
Another goal from Shields and two strikes from junior player Calvin Wilson saw the Sharks leading 4-0 at the end of the first quarter.
They continued their scoring streak into the second quarter, surging into a 7-0 lead with goals from captain Steve Rogers, Gareth Lord and Jordan Templer.
The Orcas did pull two goals back, courtesy of captain Ben Marsters and junior player Oliver Clutson, but the Sharks scored three more goals, to lead 10-2 at half time.
The third period was equally matched, with both teams each scoring three goals apiece to end the quarter at 13-5. The Orcas then came out ‘all guns blazing’ in the final quarter, putting immense pressure on the Sharks defence.
Another goal from Oliver Clutson and quick hat-tricks from Jack Carpenter and Ed Martin increased their score to 12, but the final whistle put a stop to their rampage.
Two more goals from Jordan Templer and Tim Shields secured the Sharks win at 15-12.
After the game, captains Rogers and Marsters released this joint statament: “Both teams are a mixture of senior and junior players, to help introduce the stronger junior players into fast and furious adult matches.
“We are looking forward to seeing the juniors – Will Bell, Calvin Wilson, George Rogers, Harry Bumfrey, Oliver Clutson, Jimmy Hook and John Baxter – improve over the forthcoming season and learn from the senior players.”
Scorers: Sharks – Gareth Lord (3), Jordan Templer (3), Calvin Wilson (2), Steve Rogers and Tim Shields (6). Orcas – Jack Carpenter, Nathan Henfrey, Ben Marsters (5), Oliver Clutson (2) and Ed Martin (3).
