On Wednesday 11th July Bridgefield who are hot favourites to win the L&D league this season visited Sankey Forum, in a match not for the faint hearted. Warrington without Bryn Edwards, Geoff Dover and Tom Hadley (away in Hungray), were bolstered by new arrivals Martin Bosson and Addison Brown. The first quarter saw Warrington defend the deep end and started well with Adam Marsland scoring first. Warrington held the lead for only 30 seconds before Bridgefield equalised. Warrington with a new mix of players were taking time to start playing as a team and Bridgefield exploited this and some light weight marking with three quick goals. It was also clear the referee was prepared to let a lot go and only gave two majors throughout the match both given against the youngest player in the pool James Williams.
The second quarter was really tight with Addison Brown scoring his first goal for Warrington and Bridgefield once again equalising. Warrington tested the Bridgefield goalkeeper repeatedly but with little to show for it. The quarter ended 2-5.
The third quarter was crucial the difficult job of defending the deep and attacking the shallow end which usually results in defeat for most teams. Ian Musgrove set the quarter up with an excellent goal bringing the score to 3-5. Warrington continued to hold the line with some great goal keeping from Peter Burke and determined defence from the rest of the team. Warrington could be proud of one of the best quarters of the season.
Bridgefield were on the back foot as Warrington attacked the deep only two goals down. Almost two minutes passed without score before a big kick against a Warrington player (missed by the referee) saw a Bridgefield player break free and score against the run of play. It really looked like we had a mountain to climb. A disputed penalty saw Bridgefield take a 3-7 lead but Warrington didn’t give up and Martin Bosson eventually getting some reward for his hard work in the pit skilfully making some room to score from 3 metres out.
In summary with the exception of the first quarter when Warrington needed to settle in the new players against an organised Bridgefield the last three quarters were 3-3. Although disappointing to lose the match Warrington made Bridgefield work hard for their victory with a full team I would expect a closer match in future. Scorers were Adam Marsland 1, Addison Brown 1, Ian Musgrove 1, Martin Bosson 1. The team also included Peter Burke, Neil Musgrove, James Williams, Lee Chadwick. Phil Smith, and Tom Cart.
The season continues in September.
Chris Byrne Water Polo Head Coach