Water polo begins

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 33061, 31 October 1972, Page 18

Water polo begins

The senior water polo season had an encouraging start at Waltham Park Pool last evening.

The champion, BeckenhamSockburn, was held to a 3-ail draw by a strengthened Wharenul A team in the feature game. University, another leading contender, beat Wharenui B, but not impressively. In the other game, Jellle Park beat South Brighton, but only by one goal. WHARENUI A 3 (G. Campbell

2, P. McClure). BECKENHAM-SOCKBURN 3 (G. J. EcEwan, M. C. Scott, D. J. Reid).

Although Beckenham was an early two-goal leader, a draw was a just result. It also ensured, with these two strong teams avoiding defeat, that interest will be high in the competition. Beckenham fielded seven players who were in the team last year, but they were a litUe unco-ordinated. There was greater liaison between the Wharenui players, two of whom —the goal-scorers—were new from last season

Although Wharenui only drew level in the final minute, it would have been rough justice if Beckenham had won. When the scores were level, the Wharenui captain, T. M. McGirr, broke and was almost certain to score, but he was held without penalty. A feature of the game, as it ao often seems to be in Canterbury, was the performances of the goalies. M G. Davie (Beckenham) and K. M. Burrowes both made a number of fine saves. UNIVERSITY T (P, G. C. Hay

2, R. Gunthorp 2. P. R. Tweedie, P. S. Carplnter, S. A. Johnstone). WHARENUI B 2 (A. J. Hessey 2). It seemed that University would go into double figures without very much trouble when It had three goals In the first quarter. But it struck a determined Wharenui B team which refused to yield, though Its cause seemed hopeless, and University’s standard slipped badly in subsequent quarters. University, with seven representative players in its line up, still carried too much experience, but W’harenui, with Hessey, particularly, P. V. Costigan and R. B. Erickson performing valuable jobs and the youthful M. Rooney playing with determination, was not dis graced. JELLIE PARK 2 (C. D. Robinson 2). SOUTH BRIGHTON 1 (N. Brixton). Jellle Park scored its winning goal in the final quarter, but South Brighton, on Its entry to the senior grade, was unlucky not to be rewarded with a draw. The game was a contrast of physical attributes —Jellle Park young and faster, South Brighton more mature and thus stronger. It was quite an entertaining game, ano in the long run, the greater speed of the Jullie Park schoolboys was just decisive. Senior reserve games resulted — Services 3, New Brighton If. ' Sumner 3, South Brighton 1;| Beckenham-Sockburn 4, Univers-', ’ ity 2.