Event: Pre-season Friendly
Teams: Bristol Harlequins v Swindon Dolphin
Venue: Bristol
Date: 31st January 2013
Swindon Dolphin’s water polo team began their preparation for the 2013 season with an 11 – 8 win in a pre-season friendly at second division Harlequins.
Dolphin travelled to Bristol with a strong squad that included two junior members; Dan Dixon appearing in his second game and Fraser Durston making his debut. The fixture giving them both valuable match time and Durston wasted little time making an impact scoring his first goal as Dolphin clawed their way back after a slow start to level at 2 – 2 by the end of the first period. Dolphin then started to show their superior class and extended their lead over the remainder of the fixture. Captain Andy Hicks led the scorers with four late goals, with Chris Selby, Michal Trzeciak, Matt James and David Quinlivan also joining Durston on the scoresheet.
Hicks was delighted with the performance. “The team played very well considering it was our first match since November. Most pleasing of all was the performance of the two junior lads. They both showed real promise for the future.” Harlequins were equally impressed, commenting that both Dixon and Durston showed excellent skill and fitness levels for players who have been involved in the game for a short period of time.
Match result: Harlequins 8, Swindon Dolphin 11
Team and scorers: David Quinlivan (1 goal), Chris Selby (2 goals, 1 major), Andy Hicks (4 goals), Andy Strong, Will Smith, Michal Trzeciak (1 goal, 1 major), Matt James (2 goals, 1 major), Dan Dixon (1 major), Fraser Durston (1 goal).
Dolphin are next in action at the Health Hydro on Sunday 17th February starting at 8.30pm when they face the return pre-season fixture against Harlequins.
