The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Spalding Water Polo clinched the Herts League Division One title after a 17-12 win over Cambridge last week.
The first quarter was evenly matched, with goals being traded between the two teams – but Spalding finished slightly ahead at 3-2, with goals from Damian Makwana (2) and Toby Rickett.
Spalding then stretched their lead at half time to 5-3 with goals from Makwana and Nathan Henfrey.
Cambridge commanded the third quarter, finding the back of the net eight times to Spalding’s three (Makwana, Matt Papworth and Tim Shields).
But the hosts started the final quarter with steely determination, levelling the game at 11 apiece after two-and-a-half minutes.
The next five-and-a-half minutes were very tense with penalties and exclusions galore, resulting in Spalding having five players on three exclusions and Cambridge four players on three exclusions – which meant they could take no further part in the match.
Spalding were able to dominate the attack and took control of the game to score a further six goals to finish deserved victors and seal the title.
The final quarter goals came from Makwana (4) Tom Marsters (2), Ed Martin (2) and Henfrey.
The club would like to give a special mention for Sally Hook and Alan Barnard from Spalding and Gemma Clare from Cambridge for their excellent timekeeping and secretarial duties as table officials for the match and to Mark Le Sage for his action photos.
