Dorset is the tops at water polo
BLANDFORD Swimming Club's Will Cleal was top goalscorer and the official Player of the Tournament as a mixed Dorset 12 and under team ended the county's 50-year wait for a regional inter-county trophy.
The team – drawn from five clubs across Dorset – thrashed both Devon and Gloucestershire at Exeter to become South West regional inter-county champions for the first time.
They began with a resounding 26-5 victory over Devon to avenge a 15-2 defeat in the equivalent tournament last year.
Then they followed this up with a 27-2 destruction of Gloucestershire.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Dorset coach Fred Fowler said: "It was a fantastic day for Dorset water polo.
"We had a great bunch of kids from five of our clubs working together with great spirit."
In an effort to avoid a repeat of the 2011 defeat to Devon, Dorset had held a series of special training sessions ahead of the Exeter tournament.
Their efforts paid off from the start and Dorset were 9-1 ahead after the first quarter against Devon.
"The strength of teams at younger age group tournaments is largely unknown due to many new players taking up the sport so that the early scoreline was a pleasant surprise," said Fowler.
"It was clear from the start that the Dorset players were not only stronger swimmers but had the skills and tactical awareness to outclass Devon.
"That was something that has been missing from previous teams from the county in that age group.
"The entire team played their part with most players ending up on the scoresheet."
He added: "It has taken us eight years of hard work in the county since our junior league was formed and some narrow misses to finally clinch our first tournament win, which I'm sure will be the first of many.
"It is particularly rewarding that five clubs spread across the county contributed players to the team and shows that our development work is making a difference. It was a real pleasure to coach this group of youngsters."
Dorset team: Rupert Bowerman, Will Cleall, Max Denton-Smith (Blandford), Sarah Rogers, Matt Folland, Edward Stephenson, Nathan Wickens (Christchurch & New Milton Seagulls), Katy Cutler, Izzy Davies (Bournemouth SC / Salisbury), Charles Kendall (Bridport), Harry Wheeler (West Dorset).
Comments