Water polo battle resumes

Press, 9 November 1978, Page 7

Water polo battle resumes

The impasse that is almost typical of the Freshbake premier water polo competition after the first complete round is again the case. Wharenui A and BeckenhamSockburn A drew their second meeting of the season, 8-all, at Queen Elizabeth II Park on Monday evening to set the patern for another tightly-fought competition. but it was not one of the higher-quality matches between these two teams. Even without Mark Harding, but with Dennis Reid in very dominant early form BeckenhamSockburn took a 4-2 half-time lead. But Wharenui stormed back into the game in the second half, getting up to 5-all, dropping back to 5-6, then twice getting i ahead in the final quarter. But i it had to play the final minute la man short when Stephen Ward I was ordered out for brutality 'and with only Bsec remaining. John Symon equalised for Becker) ha m-Sockhurn. These two teams are thus level with 9 of a possible 10 points; Wharenui B has six, with its fortunate win against University, and Beckenham-Sockburn B has four. University and Pegasus have the one point they both earned for the draw with each other. Scorers in the main match were:— Wharenui A 8: R. A. Clark 3 • R. E. McConnochie, J. N. Koens, ID. J. A. Ferigo. S. J. Wakefield. G. W. Campbell. BeckenhamSockburn A 8: D. J W. Reid 5. J. R. Davie 2, J. A. Symon.

i Matt. Lewis scored ail three 1 goals for Wharenui B, a fitting' ireward, for he was his team's! ' best player. But it would not jhave been an injustice had (University won or shared a draw, for it made much of the; j running and only lacked a little I finesse. Its goals were scored by Steve' Johnston and Brian Honeybone.i Beckenham-Sockburn B 9 (B I Wilson 3, J. F. Laugescn 3, R. J.| Lee, F. McMaster, P. Scobie), i Pegasus 6 (G. Barry 3, B. M.. Mustchin 2, R. R. Tullett). Beekenham-Sockburn gained J what turned out to be a winning! advantage when it slipped 3-1, clear in the first quarter, thanks' to pin-point shooting by one of l its youngsters, Bruce Wilson.) and slack marking which gavel him his opportunities. Thereafter, there was precious 1 I little between the teams, the (Strength and opportunism of (John Laugesen being matched I by excellent shooting froml ! Geoff Barry, in his first game; since transferring from Univer-! Isity. But the deficit was too much' jto haul back, and Beckenham-' ; Sockburn easily kept, its nose in 1 ; front.