Location: Basingstoke
Date: 15th and 16th November 2008
Swindon Dolphin continued their undefeated winning streak with two more victories at Basingstoke this weekend and now need just one more point from their remaining three fixtures in National League Division Four to claim the title.
The first match first match of the weekend was against a young Grantham team who were high in confidence following a win earlier in the day. Although the youngsters started well, Swindon soon found their feet and opened up a lead of four goals by the end of the first period.
This lead was extended quarter by quarter as the youngsters struggled with Swindon’s hard press and quick counter attacks. Strong pit play from Steve Margetts, who scored and impressive eleven goals himself, also contributed to Grantham’s demise. Other scorers in the twenty eight goals to nine win were Rob Toolen (4), Matt James (3), Diogo Monteiro (2), Andy Hicks (2), Rhys Tamlyn (2), Michal Trzeciak (2), David Quinlivan and Ian Brewer.
Swindon’s second game of the weekend was a potential banana skin against Weymouth & Portland; a team packed with players that the Swindon team know well from local Bristol and West league fixtures.
Swindon started the match well and ensured the fixture was played at a controlled pace opening up a three goal lead early on. Steve Margetts the man on target with all three efforts. The second period of the match was where Dolphin extended their lead, scoring seven times and finding themselves 10-2 up at the half way point. Although Weymouth came back in the second half of the fixture they never really challenged Swindon who won comfortably by 20 goals to 10.
“Mr Consistent” – Captain Andy Hicks commented after the two victories “We knew this weekend was a defining one in our season. We had a good chat before both games, and although in fairness we did not play our best polo of the season we still managed to bag two comfortable wins. Our aim now has to be to complete the season undefeated. This would really be an impressive achievement in our first season and would be something that we could really build on next year.”
Swindon’s final three matches this season are against Cambridge, Bedford and Manchester at Walsall in a fortnight.
Weekend Results: Swindon Dolphin 29-9 Grantham
Swindon Dolphin 20-10 Weymouth & Portland
Weekend Stats: James Farror (2 App,0 G, 0 M), David Quinlivan (2 App, 1 G, 1 M), Diogo Monteiro (2 App, 2 G, 3 M), Andy Hicks (2 Apps, 4 G, 1 M), Steve Margetts (2 App 19 G, 3 M), Darryl Pye (1 Apps, 1 G, 0 M), Angelo Polymeris (2 Apps, 1 G, 5 M), Ian Brewer (2 Apps, 2 G, 1 M), Matt James (4 Apps, 4 G, 0 M), Rob Toolen (2 Apps, 7 G, 0 M), Michal Trzeciak (2 Apps, 2 G, 0 M), Rhys Tamlyn (2 Apps, 5 G, 1 M)
