Event: Bristol and West Division One
Teams: Swindon Dolphin -v- Welsh Wanderers II
Venue: Cardiff International Pool
Date: 20th June 2013
Swindon Dolphin returned to winning ways with an impressive 14 – 8 victory away at Welsh Wanderers II to finish a busy run of three games in five days with four points out of a possible six. Leading the Dolphin scorers were Chris Selby, Matt James and Andy Armstrong with three each, but the highlight of the night was a first senior goal for young Jack Plumb.
Despite falling behind early in the game goals by Selby and Strong gave Dolphin the lead before a late goal by Wanderers meant the first period ended all square. For the second period Dolphin switched to a hard press in their own half, spoiling Wanderers’ possession and trying to catch them on the break. In a very tight quarter further goals by Selby and Strong against a single strike by the home side meant Dolphin held a one goal advantage at the half way point.
It was in the third period that Dolphin exerted their authority over the talented young Wanderers team. Impressive defensive work, especially from Dave Quinlivan who was blotting Wanderers’ impressive centre forward out of the game, meant that keeper Andy Hicks had little to do. As Wanderers ran out of attacking ideas Dolphin took full advantage as Selby and Strong completed their hat tricks and there were further goals from Michal Trzeciak, Ian Brewer and a brace from Matt James. Outscoring Wanderers by three in the quarter, Dolphin went into the final period with a 10 – 6 lead.
The Welsh started the final period strongly and reduced the arrears to two to set up a chance of victory, but it was all Dolphin from then on as James, Brewer and Trzeciak all netted before Plumb completed an excellent night for the visitors, scoring from an Andy Strong pass.
Jack Plumb ~ an eye for a goal
Plumb was delighted to have scored his first goal. “I’m learning so much so quickly. The team spirit is awesome and all the lads are constantly helping me, Dan (Dixon) and Fraser (Durston) to improve.”
Final score: Welsh Wanderers II 8 Swindon Dolphin 14
Team: David Quinlivan (2 majors), Chris Selby (3 goals, 1 major), Andy Hicks, Andy Strong (3 goals, 1 major), Michal Trzeciak (2 goals, 1 major), Ian Brewer (2 goals, 1 major), Matt James (3 goals), Dan Dixon (1 major), Jack Plumb (1 goal).
Swindon Dolphin water polo team are next in action way at Exeter on 9th July. Their next home game is against Cheltenham II at Milton Road on 28th July.
