Sedgefield Water Polo Club’s under 13 team travelled to Manchester for the biggest competition in this age group in Britain. There were 16 teams entered and Sedgefield sent a young and less experienced team than normal due to illness and holidays.
Sedgefield were drawn in a tough group but started off well with a commanding win 8-2 over Sheffield. Then they were up against Manchester side Tyldsley who Sedgefield dominated 8-0.
In their next game they played Bolton School – favourites to win the competition and Sedgefield’s youngsters fought hard to draw 4-4. In their final group game they defeated Hucknall 6-1. This left Sedgefield as group winners on goal difference from Bolton.
In the Quarter final Sedgefield were up against a team they had never faced before Northampton, but once again their tight defence and swift counter-attack was too much and they triumphed comfortably 7-2.
In the semi-final they played Clontarf from Ireland who were rated highly, but they were no match for the young Sedgefield team losing 9-2. After starting out in the competition at 10am Sedgefield were now in the final at 7.30 pm against the favourites and a team they drew within the group games Bolton School.
Unfortunately Sedgefield fell behind to a couple of early goals and were unable to pull them back and Bolton won by 3-1. The Sedgefield youngsters were disappointed but it was a magnificent effort from the depleted team. Niall Coulthard 12 was Sedgefield’s outstanding player with his great swimming power and goal threat. Youngster Ryan Jay Griffiths 10 who has been out of the water a lot with illness gave an excellent performance in defence.
Sedgefield’s two goal keepers Jessica Webb 12 and Bartosz Czajczynska 11 gave assured performances. The other members of the team were Ben Alderson 10, Kes Mcewan 11, Isaac Boys 8, Cyrstal Elliot 11, Lewis Batey 11, Poppy Stephenson 12 and Anna Harrison 10.
The Coaches who did a great job with the youngsters were Darren Webb and David Elliot. Anyone who is a strong swimmer aged from 6 years upwards and interested in joining the successful Sedgefield team can get more details on 07818 554449 or on the club website.
