Men's Water Polo Update, July 2010

Andover Men's Water polo team met close rivals Basingstoke at the Basingstoke Aquadrome for the Hampshire Handicap Knockout Final on Tuesday 6th July. Andover started the match with a 6-0 advantage (based on last season’s final league position). Basingstoke did not appear to be phased by this deficit and began strongly, scoring four goals in the first eight minutes, Andover’s Evan Martin clawed one goal back to finish the quarter 7-4 up.

The home side then scored an impressive five goals to close the deficit and the second quarter finished 9 a piece. During the third quarter, Andover played more controlled polo, however, Basingstoke managed to creep ahead, finishing it 12-10 and setting the scene for a tense final quarter. An early goal from Basingstoke forced Andover to fight back and with two goals from Chris Martin and one each for James Ross and Martin Philips, the two teams were at 14 all. With just 18 seconds of play remaining, Andover’s Tom Hunt scored a fantastic goal to take his team ahead. A desperate Basingstoke called a time out in a last ditch attempt to level, however, Andover held their nerve and the final whistle saw them crowned champions.

This knockout win rounds off an impressive season for an undefeated Andover who finished top of the Hampshire League Division 2 winning promotion to Division 1 next season.