With only nine players including Katie Bowater from the 12 & under’s as Warrington U14s took on Royton in the Manchester & District League. Warrington attacked the team and showed no mercy with three goals in 90 seconds from Molly Boniface-Ashton, Dom Richards and Emily Bowater. Royton pulled one back before Ben Dailey scored to finish the quarter 4-1 up. Significantly Connor Lynch and Ben Dailey picked up personal fouls in the trick Royton Pool.
In the second half Warrington tried to attack the shallow end of this small pool. Royton gave away two exclusions but Warrington failed to convert this advantage into goals until half way through the second half when Connor Lynch scored to make it 1-5. Ben Daily was excluded a second time and Royton scored to bring the score to 2-5. What might be described as a water polo incident occurred which later transpired I nor the referee saw. This seemed unfair to exclude two players and they returned to the water and the game continued. The table officials had to write quickly as four exclusions took place three against Royton and one against Warrington. Dom Richards who is getting stronger every game powered in a shot from 5 metres quickly followed by a goal from Molly Boniface-Ashton’ then Dom Richards secured his hat trick as Warrington moved up a gear. The 2nd quarter ended with a score line 3-8 to Warrington.
In the third quarter Royton scored first but as Warrington attacked the deep end again a goal feast ensued with goals from Emily Bowater, Molly Boniface-Ashton, Ben Daily and Dan Farini. Luke Atkinson playing in goal showed he is a great shot stopper but quickly converts defence into rapid attack with pin point passes sometimes three quarters the length of the pitch - outstanding distribution of the ball. With Ben Daily adding one more before the end of the quarter the score was 4-13 to Warrington and no exclusions to either side.
In the fourth quarter Royton fought back attacking the deep, they scored two quick goals as Warrington were caught on the counter attack before Molly Boniface-Ashton scored her fourth goal of the game and looks a real quality player. Connor Lynch was adjudged to have committed an exclusion foul which was his second of the match. Royton scored again before. Molly Boniface-Ashton scored her fifth to make the score 6 -15. Then Ben Dailey made it 6-16. Molly was then excluded for the usual 20 second break and Royton took advantage of the power play within two seconds to make it 7-16. Young Dan Farini had started as sub soon added his second goal which he clearly enjoyed. The Connor Lynch picked up his third exclusion this can happen when playing in centre defence and Connor had been resolute in defence. With four minutes left the game continued Royton scored again but a short time later their goal keeper pushed the ball under water and a penalty was given. Dan Farini calmly converted the penalty to gain his hat trick.
The game finished 8-18 to Warrington and an excellent team performance including Matt Williams and Katie Bowater who played a significant part in the team’s success.
Warrington’s Team included Luke Atkinson (GK), Connor Lynch (1), Dom Richards (3), Ben Daily (4), Dan Farini (3), Molly Boniface-Ashton (5), Emily Bowater (2), Matt Williams and Katie Bowater.