Southampton’s biggest boys returned to the jubilee pool once more for their final Hampshire match of the year. The end was just within reach which made every team member want to give it their all.

The boys donned in white caps readied in line with the goal post, the whistle blew, and they sprinted for the ball. Sadly, the Lager men were too fast and gained the ball, but Soton’s boys put up some strong defence so that they only scored 1 minute and 39 seconds in. This was followed by another shot into the net by Lager, and then another one in the last minute of the quarter. However total defeat was not on the cards, and Dalton sent the ball straight in to the net, resulting in the score 1 – 3 to Lager.

After a supportive team talk congratulating the defence from the team, the second quarter started. I’m sure everybody enjoyed the top-quality polo from lager during this quarter, but it was frustrating to play against. The only team who shows up for this quarter is Blue (Southampton Lager) with them getting 5 more goals, and shamelessly getting 4 exclusions. The quarter ended in 1 – 8, All to play for!

The 3^rd quarter began with a man up for our team, but nothing came of it – so Lager responded with 2 more goals. Then Luke Bennalick, who has been yearning for outside the goal all year, impressed the referees so much with his tackle he got excluded. Not to matter though as Lager provided a subpar man-up and missed out on the goal opportunity. However, 30 seconds after the man up ended Lager scored again. Dalton attempted to even out the score again by sending another ball past the opposition goalie. A few goals from lager happened intermittently, but we ended the quarter with one last goal from Coach Wilmshurst, making the goal tally 3 – 13. Still all to play for!

Our final quarter began, and we were off! Starting good defensively, we delayed Lagers first goal to 46 seconds in. The rest of the quarter was very brutal, as Soton Lager ended up scoring 8 times, with 2 coming from man-up situations, and 2 from penalties. With the competition igniting a fire within Wilmshurst’s heart, our final goal was secured with the ball being placed gently over the Lager goalies head into the goal. Bringing the scoreboard almost level 4 – 21. Despite the scoreboard there was a sense of relief in the air, we had done it, more matches in a year than we have had socials, and somehow, we were still alive and kicking, and were happy about the progress we had all made within just one year and were excited about what next year’s matches could bring.

Player of the match – Michael Scott, for his long-awaited return to water polo matches and being very enthusiastic about the final match of the season and keeping spirits high.

Dick of the Day – Finn Tomas for having the only match of the year where he didn’t score a single goal (What happened my guy!??!) He then had the gall to say he hurt his back at the end of the match… Very disappointing indeed. ;’(

Goals / Majors

Sam Ellis 0 / 0

Sam Dalton – 2 / 0

George Lea 0 / 1

Finn Thomas 0 / 2

Jack James 0 / 0

Luke Bennalick 0 / 2

Ed Wilkes 0 / 0

Michael Scott 0 / 0

Alex Wilmshurst 2 / 0

Til Jordan 0 / 1

Written by George Lea