SOTON TOPPLES QUEENS (21/11)

On a day with a light dusting of snow, Southampton’s Biggest Boys set out for London on a journey filled with more twists and turns than they anticipated. With James Popple steering the minibus, the team was eager to clash with Bart’s Queen Mary University. But as traffic slowed to a crawl at Hyde Park Corner, Finn Thomas made the executive decision to take the London tube, in order to make it there on time. With Popple still behind the wheel in a hollow bus, the rest of the team navigated their way to Poplar baths spending 20 comedic minutes trying to find their way to the pool via GPS. The finally made it poolside only to realise Popple had arrived at the same time, making the London tube experience a waste of time. Nevertheless, the team was ready, pumped full of energy and eager to get it started.

Southampton’s Biggest Boys wasted no time making their mark, with Jacob, the seasoned elder of the squad, netting two quick goals. Mr President Finn Thomas added to the momentum with a goal of his own, showcasing his leadership in the water. Both Daniels scored one each, Ammons goal being the most impressive in the quarter, who manoeuvred through three defenders in tight quarters to find the net, showcasing his skills as the pit attacker. However, Ed Wilkes’ enthusiasm got the better of him, earning a red card for a late jump into the pool after the referee had blown his whistle to continue play when we only had 6 men in the pool. Barts number 7 racked up the only 2 goals for their team that quarter. With such a strong start, Southampton took an early lead, setting the tone for the game.

In the second quarter, Jacob kicked things off with another goal, putting Southampton on the scoreboard. However, Bart’s number 7 seized the momentum, capitalizing on penalties to score four goals. An unfortunate own goal by Fernando Alvarez added to Bart’s tally. Despite the setbacks, Finn Thomas and Jack James each found the net, keeping the pressure on. The quarter ended leaving the total at a close score of 7-9.

After an inspiring team talk from Captain Howard, the Boys were fired up to show their true potential in the third quarter. Jacob continued to be a force, adding another goal to his tally. However, Mr Teng faced some tough luck with two penalties saved by Bart’s goalkeeper. Daniel Bourne and Jack each found the back of the net, keeping the momentum going and Fernando redeemed his earlier mistake with a goal in the right net this time. With a great defensive performance from the team and Sir Ellis gatekeeping the net, we managed to leave the 3rd quarter without conceding a goal. This was mainly due to Finns incredible ability to keep number 7 from shooting and also getting past him to bag Soton 2 more goals.

My goodness the 4th quarter… let’s be honest no one knows what really went down. Ellis was sent off for tussling with a player from Barts. What is certain is that John got 2 goals, one of them being an incredible top bins clanger. Our incredible goalkeeper managed to save a goal with his head and not his face this time so props to you Mr Ellis. After repeated fouls committed by Barts number 7, he eventually got Red carded and stormed off the pool in a fit of anger. The match ended with a final score of 17-9 and Southampton breathed a sigh of relief that it was over.

Written by Daniel Bourne.

Most Valuable Player: Finn Thomas for scoring 4 goals and defending against the toughest opponent.

Dick of the day: Fernando Alvarez for scoring an own goal, silly TJ.

Goals/Majors:

Sam Ellis 0/1

George Lee 0/0

Jacob Graham 5/0

Finn Thomas 4/2

Daniel Ammon 1/0

Daniel Bourne 2/1

Ed Wilkies 0/3

Jack James 2/1