Water way to win cup as town team takes trophy
HINCKLEY’S water polo team has been crowned Midlands league handicap cup champions.
The side met Coventry in the final of the handicap cup which was played in the all deep pool at Hinckley Leisure Centre.
The team had previously beaten Wednesbury, Warley and Wellington on route to the final.
Hinckley went into the final with an eleven-goal advantage over the strong Coventry side, who’s team consisted of current and ex GB players
Hinckley knew they had to work hard to keep their lead against the National league Coventry side. The first quarter ended 3 – 3 with goals from Houghton and Hall (2). The next two quarters Coventry started to eat into Hinckley’s lead winning 3-2 and 5-4, Hinckley goal scorers Hall (2), Shires, Cooper, Bird and Mellors. This set up a tense final quarter in which Hinckley were protecting a 9-goal lead. Coventry scored three goals in the first two minutes and looked like they could claw back the deficit. A tactical time-out called from the Hinckley coach with five minutes remaining allowed Hinckley to re-group and defend their lead. .
The final five minutes saw Hinckley defend for their lives and limit the stronger and more experienced Coventry to one more goal. As the clock ticked down to the last-minute Hinckley kept possession and a six-goal advantage, finally securing their first ever trophy in the Midlands Water Polo League. The final score was Hinckley 24 Coventry 18.
A club spokesperson said: “Thanks to Adam at The Railway - Steaming Billy for providing postmatch food all season.
“Hinckley success is only possible due to the excellent facility provided at Hinckley Leisure Centre and the extra pool time granted to Water polo after the move to the new pool two years ago.”
Hinckley Water Polo run mixed Under 16s and Under 14s teams who compete in East midlands tournaments, and men senior teams who compete in the Nottinghamshire League and Midlands water polo league.
Several Hinckley members also play for Coventry in the British Water Polo League and will be competing in Sheffield this weekend.
Hinckley Water polo are always looking for new junior and senior players. Juniors train on Wednesday and Sunday evenings, and the Seniors train on Tuesday evening. More information can be found on the website and Facebook page: http:// www.hinckleyswimmingclub.co. uk/page/waterpolo/207 or https:// www.facebook.com/HinckleyWaterPolo/