Essex Epic W

The first match back after exam season saw a spirited showdown at Basingstoke aquadrome, where a squad brimming with freshers and old faces eagerly represented our team. Essex, perhaps sensing our enthusiasm looked nervous with only 1 player on their bench. Nevertheless, the game proceeded with our captain, Lottie, exuded confidence and gained the help of Katie Smith to give an incredible pep talk and with the help of Coach Alex explain some new tactics before kick-off.

As the whistle blew the game was off to a good start, Rhia Perks scored a goal within 27 seconds despite losing the initial swim off. Deciding to not add to her ever growing list of majors and instead use her love of exclusions for good, Lottie gave Essex the only kick out of the whole match as the girls then set up their well-practiced man-up, resulting in a goal from Katie Magill. Momentum swung in our favour, Magill and Rhia dominated the first quarter giving Essex no opportunities to get a point of the score board ending the quarter with a whopping 10-0.

With only 1 substitute available for Essex the fatigue began to take its toll in the second quarter. Rosie won the swim off, and the Southampton ladies continued to score goal after goal featuring great shots from Katie Smith (getting her first goal in BUCS!), Jess, Iris, Tilly and Lucia all getting their names listed on this season’s stats sheet, well done ladies! This did however come to some frustration from goalie Antonia who complained she was getting cold sat in goal.

Entering the third quarter, Soton’s victory seemed imminent. Essex’s’ game play and effort was commendable considering only having one substitute compared to our full squad. Our defence slipped as the girls began to relax with a score line of 22-0, leaving only Lottie to swim to defend their counter (from the oppositions goal) and they scored much to Antonia’s solid efforts to get a clean sheet. The girls weren’t too upset at this (except Lottie who didn’t appreciate the full-length sprint), as Miss Neild had been dared to down a pint for every goal she let in

Nevertheless, Soton persisted in the last quarter, extending their lead with goals from Jess and Iris as well as the top scorers Lottie, Rhia and Katie pumping up our score. Soton’s swift counters and tight defence secured a comfortable 39-1 win by the end of the game. This game was a great display of the girls’ tactical ability and how much improvement they had made since we last played Essex, even using the second quarter as an opportunity to try some new plays which the girls coped with brilliantly.

With this remarkable win, our team has firmly established itself as a force to be reckoned with, inspiring confidence and admiration among fans and competitors alike. As we celebrate this triumph, we remain focused on our ultimate goal of achieving greatness and leaving a lasting legacy in the sport of water polo and winning Bucs!!!

Man of the match: Has to go to none other than President Katie Magill who scored a whopping new Soton record number of goals: 14!!

Dick of the day: Miss Ramshaw for once again swimming the wrong way up the pool with the ball (perhaps wanting to say hello to Antonia) however! Special mention to the author: Miss Tilly Phillips who tried handing in this report written by ChatGPT (as evident by the final paragraph which we have left in)

Goals/Majors

Antonia Neild 0/0

Eleanna Fairhurst 0/0

Ellie Allsop 0/0

Iris Bugnar 2/0

Jess Grace 4/0

Rhia Perks 12/0

Katie Magill 14/0

Katie Smith 1/0

Lottie Ratledge 3/0

Lucia Ciardo 2/0

Neve Rowland 0/0