Dolphin Slip Again

Event: Bristol & West Division II League Fixture

Teams: Swindon Dolphin v Cheltenham II

Location: Milton Road – Swindon

Date: Sunday 13th May 2007

Swindon Dolphin Water Polo slipped to yet another defeat in their latest B & W division 2 encounter against Cheltenham II at Milton Road .

The match was a tight affair that was only decided in the final seconds, but that will be little comfort to Dolphin who know they let a crucial two points slip from their grasps.

Cheltenham was first out of the blocks with a well-worked goal. Michal Trzeciak responded with a strike. Andy Hicks traded goals before the young Cheltenham team got their noses ahead just before the end of the period.

Early in the second period this lead was extended further. A strike a piece from Trzeciak and Hicks hauled them level. Cheltenham fought back and regained a two-goal advantage, but captain Hicks completed his hat trick to leave Dolphin trailing by one at the half waypoint.

The third quarter was the most thrilling of the entire match and resulted in ten goals, five for each side. Coach David Quinlivan struck twice, as did Hicks, Trzeciak adding the other. The match was well poised when a Cheltenham player picked up his third personal foul. As they had travelled with only 7 players this meant they would have to play the whole of the final period with a man down.

Dolphin started well and two quick goals from Matt James handed them the lead. However, Cheltenham managed to pull themselves level following a mix up at the back. Quinlivan ensured that Dolphin had the lead going into the final minutes with a well taken shot from out wide. Dolphin switched off at this point and Cheltenham capitalised. Two well-taken long shots gave them the lead again with 20 seconds left on the clock. Dolphin knew this would be their final attack and last chance to gain a point. Unfortunately the attack ended when the post was struck. Dolphin remained routed to the bottom of the table as their poor run continued.

Coach David Quinlivan said following the fixture “I am so disappointed. We knew points were for the taking, we had a game plan that worked for long periods. Still we will come back stronger, hopefully in our next fixture next weekend.

Result: Swindon Dolphin 13 – 14 Cheltenham II

Team: Andy Watts, David Quinlivan (3 goals, 1 major), Andy Hicks (5 goals), Andrew Prowse (1 major), Chris McConnell (1 major), Matt James (2 goals, 1 major), Andy Snowball (3 majors), Mark Lawlor (1 major), Michal Trzeciak (3 goals, 1 major), James Godden.