Event: Friendly Fixture -v- Bradford-on-Avon
Venue: Bradford-on-Avon
Date: 4th February 2010
Swindon Dolphin Water Polo played their first pre-season fixture last night against fellow Wiltshire rivals Bradford on Avon.
Strugging to pull a team together due to holidays and work commitments, a seventh player was confirmed literally hours before the game meaning it could take place. The team included two new signings making their debuts and coach David Quinlivan, not 100% fit due to a recent Skiing injury.
The game started at a frantic pace; not surprising considering it was pre-season and having new players in the team. Swindon trailed at the end of the first quarter by 3 goals to 2.
During the second quarter things started to come together for Dolphin and goals began to flow. Unfortunately defensively the team were still a little off the pace, leaving them trailing by two goals at the half time break.
Dolphin won the fixture with the third quarter performance by playing some free flowing polo whilst also sharpening up in defence. The quarter was won by four goals to one and set up a two goal victory by the end of the final period. Final result was a victory for Dolphin by 15 goals to 13.
Goals were spread throughout the team, all but two of the outfield players managed to hit the back of the net. Contributions came from Matt James (5), Michal Trzeciak (4), Ian Brewer (3) Andy Hicks (2) and one for Mike Oliphant on debut.
Captain Andy Hicks said after the match “We always knew this was going to be a tough match – not only was it our first of the season after a two month break, but we also had a two new faces which can take a while to settle in. We started slowly but finished as we wanted to. Both the new lads played well and I was pleased to see one of them get on the score sheet. We definitely have something to take forward in to future pre season encounters.”
Result: Bradford on Avon 13 – Swindon Dolphin 15
Team: David Quinlivan (1 major), Andy Hicks (2 goals), M Oliphant (1 goal), Ian Brewer (3 goals, 1 major), Matt James (5 goals, 2 majors), Michal Trzeciak (4 goals), Tim Newcombe.
