Swindon Dolphin confirmed their first National League Water Polo title after another two wins and a draw at Walsall this weekend. This caps off an excellent season for the team that has dominated a strong division four from their first encounter in Sheffield back at the start of September.
The first match of the weekend was against a strong Cambridge side that were still in the hunt for second place. Dolphin started the stronger of the two teams and had a narrow two goal lead at half time. Superior fitness and strength showed through in the second half as Swindon dominated and were run-away winners by sixteen goals to nine. Goals came from Steve Margetts (5), Rhys Tamlyn (4), Michal Trzeciak (3), Andy Hicks (2), Rob Toolen (2) and Diogo Monteiro.
This victory secured the title for Dolphins and the trophy and medal presentations were made immediately afterwards.
Captain Andy Hicks is presented the National League
4th Division trophy by Steve Monico Chairman of the NWPL
Swindon Dolphin NL League Winners
Dolphins were back in action later that afternoon against Bedford. Swindon again started well and opened up a lead. This was held until Bedford levelled the match up at twelve goals each with only 36 seconds left on the clock. Swindon attacked and Rhys Tamlyn thought he had won the game for Swindon only for Bedford to level up again with only 3 seconds remaining.
Swindon scorers in this encounter were Rhys Tamlyn (5), Steve Margetts (4), Angelo Polymeris (2), Matt James and Michal Trzeciak.
The final game of the season was against a young Manchester second team that included 4 GB Juniors. Swindon knew this would be a tough final game of the season but were determined to finish on a high.
Swindon again dominated from the off and finally won by a comfortable eighteen goals to thirteen. Scorers this time were Steve Margetts (6), Rhys Tamlyn (4), Matt James (2), Diogo Monteiro (2), Andy Hicks, Ian Brewer, Angelo Polymeris and Michal Trzeciak.
Rhys Tamlyn commented after securing the title, “This is a fantastic achievement for the club, coming in and winning the title at the first attempt is something that has not happened too many times in the past. We now need to build on this success and ensure we are ready for next season. Division three will be a much tougher prospect.”
Weekend Results: Swindon Dolphin 16-9 Cambridge
Swindon Dolphin 13-13 Bedford
Swindon Dolphin 18-13 Manchester Hawks
Weekend Stats: James Farror (2 Appearances, 0 Goals, 0 Majors), David Quinlivan (3 App, 0 G, 4 M), Diogo Monteiro (3 App, 3 G, 2 M), Andy Hicks (3 Apps, 3 G, 1 M), Steve Margetts (3 App 15 G, 3 M), Darryl Pye (3 Apps, 0 G, 0 M), Angelo Polymeris (3 Apps, 3 G, 4 M), Ian Brewer (3 Apps, 1 G, 0 M), Matt James (3 Apps, 3 G, 4 M), Rob Toolen (3 Apps, 1 G, 2 M), Michal Trzeciak (3 Apps, 5 G, 0 M), Rhys Tamlyn (3 Apps, 13 G, 1 M), Chris Selby (2 Apps, 0 G, 0 M).
