Event: Bristol and West Division One
Teams: Cheltenham II -v- Swindon Dolphin
Venue: Cheltenham
Date: 18th June 2013
Swindon Dolphin travelled to Cheltenham in buoyant mood following their victory at the RNAS Culdrose tournament and a scintillating league win over Weston-super-Mare, but never recovered from a poor start and ultimately suffered their worst defeat of the season. Cheltenham are one of the leading clubs in the country and the strength in depth and size of their squad made the difference as their second string ran out 20 – 11 winners.
Cheltenham took the lead after just 20 seconds but Michal Trzeciak equalised. It was the last time the visitors would be level in the game though as the home side ran up a 6 – 2 lead at the interval playing a hard press that Dolphin struggled to cope with. Dave Quinlivan’s goal was the only other bright spot in a difficult opening period.
Dolphin tightened things up considerably and matched Cheltenham in the middle phase of the game with the Gloucestershire side just edging each of the second and third quarters by a single goal. This was Dolphin’s best spell and there was nothing to choose between the teams at this stage as Matt James, Andy Hicks and Chris Selby netted in the second period whilst goals from Andy Strong and a brace from Michal Trzeciak reined back the impressive Cheltenham in the third.
In the final period Cheltenham’s superior bench strength paid off though as the smaller Dolphin squad started to tire. Cheltenham totally dominated, netting six times and were only prevented from a much larger score by some impressive goalkeeping from Ian Brewer. Dolphin’s reply in the final period came from Trzeciak and James with two.
Ian Brewer ~ impressive play
The final score of 20 – 11 was harsh on a Dolphin side that for long periods had matched Cheltenham. Fraser Durston, like fellow junior Jack Plumb, again showed that he is settling in well in senior water polo and felt this was his toughest game to date. “I have learnt a lot tonight. Cheltenham were very strong but it is games like this that ultimately make us better players.”
Final score Cheltenham II 20 Swindon Dolphin 11
Team: David Quinlivan (1 goal, 3 majors), Chris Selby (1 goal, 2 majors), Andy Hicks (1 goal), Andy Strong (1 goal, 1 major), Michal Trzeciak (4 goals, 1 major), Ian Brewer, Matt James (3 goals, 2 majors), Jack Plumb (1 major), Fraser Durston
