SPORT
Water Polo
T he introduction of new head coach, Tim Kendall, to work alongside Mario DeLera Calera sees the water polo squad in its strongest ever position. Each session involves boys of all abilities, with the most advanced working alongside boys trying the sport for the first time. The atmosphere is infectious, and development is evident with every round of matches. The U10s and U11s have seen at first hand the benefits of our new structure as they progressed from mini polo at the shallow end into double deep games, enjoying their first tournament in the U11 ESSA cadet competition. The U12s have also made huge improvements, demonstrating resilience and endeavouring to attend as many sessions as possible. A special mention must go to goalkeepers Ollie Riches and Tom Cooper, who have been outstanding, and Zac Crowther, who continues to be a dominant force in his age-group. The U13 team impressed, with 32 boys taking part in total. This made the ESSA national team selection tough. Each boy has been exceptional and they all deserve a special mention. The most pleasing attribute, however, is their commitment and dedication to the team and each other. Sadly, the boys
missed the national final in a very competitive 3-2 loss against Trinity in the semi-finals. If they continue to show the same dedication, I am confident that they are capable of getting to the final next time. The award for the most improved team goes to the U14 boys. This can be a difficult year-group, with new boys joining at the start of the year and existing players having to adapt. This group of players has shown qualities and characteristics that any school would be proud of. Although they started the year with a number of defeats and difficult games, they have never given up or lost belief in the process, leading to many more wins as we entered the latter part of the year. The senior section of the water polo teams continue to reap the rewards of their efforts and the programme here at the College. They are a wonderful group of young men who are a pleasure to work with. A special mention must go to our leavers: captains Josh Gooding and Noah Cooper, and goalkeeper extraordinaire Jack Ramsay. They will be missed, but the hope, as always, is that they keep playing water polo, stay active and continue to be fine young men.
Tracey Palmer
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