Waterpolo face tough opposition in UWE Bristol Men’s first game of the season

After UWE Bristol’s stellar performance of reaching the Championship Quarter Finals and comfortably beating Bristol University in Varsity last year, this season was always going to be tough to replicate for the men’s Water Polo team.

With the the loss of four key players and a disjointed training programme, the men’s first game against Oxford was always going to be a real test for this new and developing team.

The perennial lack of a goalkeeper hampers the team but Cody Plumridge does a remarkable impression of being an incredible shot stopper.

The first period exposed the lack of game time and match fitness and some basic mistakes led to being 5-1 down after Fresher, Ben Curtis scored the opening goal. The second period was a much more competitive affair and after falling further behind, the team attacked with more conviction and scored four quick goals to finish 9 -5 at half-time. UWE Bristol then defended gallantly for most of the third period before letting in four sloppy goals, eventually losing to Oxford 13-5.

“UWE Bristol defended gallantly for third period”

Rhys Tamlin

Lack of fitness showed in the final period and Oxford’s counter attacking started to hit home to close out the game 19 -6. There were many positives to take from the defeat and good team play, centre forward play and defence set play were positives that can only be enhanced. Match fitness and lack of concentration towards the end are areas the men’s team need to improve. UWE Bristol need to consolidate our position in the top tier of the BUCS league.

There were also strong debut’s from Ollie Hunt, Henry Trow, Tristan Lee, George Gregory and sharp shooter Ben Curtis. Excellent performances from Hugo Houlton showing his Military like determination as well as Essex’s finest Peter Underwood and Captain, Cody Plumridge.

Quarter Scores: 1-5 / 5-9 / 5 -13 / 19-6

Scorers: Ben Curtis (2), Brad Walker (2), Ollie Hunt, Cody Plumridge

The men’s next game is away against Cardiff University on Wednesday 21 November. How will UWE Bristol fair against last season’s BUCS Premier South Champions? Let us know your predictions below.