Event: Bristol and West Division One
Teams: Swindon Dolphin -v- Weston-super-Mare
Venue: Milton Road, Swindon
Date: 16th June 2013
Swindon Dolphin returned to winning ways with an impressive 16 – 8 home victory against Weston-super-Mare, ending a run of two successive league defeats.
In front of the biggest and noisiest home crowd of the season so far Dolphin flew out of the blocks with two goals in the opening minute and held a four goal lead by the period’s mid-point courtesy of goals from Ian James, Andy Strong and a brace from Matt James. Weston rallied though and reduced the arrears to one before a late strike from Michal Trzeciak gave Dolphin a two goal advantage at the break. The scoreline flattered Weston who had been outplayed for long periods.
Dolphin re-organised at the start of the second quarter to counter the Weston attacking threat. Employing a hard press in defence to frustrate the visitors Dolphin re-gained control of the game. Doubles from Trzeciak and Chris Selby and a strike from Fraser Durston saw Weston out scored by five to two in the quarter as Dolphin stretched their lead to five by the half-way point. There was no stopping Dolphin and with the home side in complete control, their high pressure polo paying dividends. With two early strikes in the third quarter from James, added to by goals from Dave Quinlivan and Selby, the game appeared over before Selby was excluded for kicking an opponent. Weston duly converted the resulting penalty but Dolphin defended well despite being a man down and led 14 – 6 with one period remaining.
With Dolphin starting the final period a man down Weston finally took advantage pulling two goals back before the home side were restored to full strength. But at full strength there was again no stopping Dolphin as strokes from Andy Hicks and a second goal from Strong secured a comfortable win.
Andy Hicks ~ strike secured win
There were a lot of positives from this game for Dolphin. Chances were well taken, the team defended exceptionally well, Ian Brewer and Andy Hicks both played exceptionally well in their stints in goal and once again the young trio of Dan Dixon, James Plumb and goal scorer Durston made good contributions. Dolphin will hope to maintain this form as they enter a tough run of away games.
Final result: Swindon Dolphin 16 Weston-super-Mare 8
Team: David Quinlivan (1 goal, 1 major), Chris Selby (3 goals, 3 majors), Andy Hicks (1 goal), Will Smith (1 major), Andy Strong (2 goals, 1 major), Michal Trzeciak (3 goals, 2 majors), Ian Brewer (1 goal), Matt James (4 goals, 1 major), Dan Dixon (1 major), Jack Plumb, Fraser Durston (1 goal)
