Warrington 12&U Win Silver Medals at M&D Mini Polo Tournament
Warrington 12&U Team put in a brilliant performance at this year’s Manchester & District 12&U Mini Polo Tournament, hosted by Bridgefield WPC at the Austin Rawlinson Pool in Speke on 22nd May
With just 6 players, Warrington were outnumbered by every team there on the day, all of which had the full complement of 13 players. This meant that Warrington played all matches with no subs making the achievement even more impressive.
Match 1
We faced Tyldesley, traditionally a tough team and hard to beat. An early goal put Tyldesley in the lead, but Warrington evened up shortly after. A foul from Warrington Goalie Oliver led to a penalty for Tyldesley, but Oliver deftly saved it. We scored another before half time, taking it to 2-1 swapped halves and restarted, with an early goal from Warrington. Another goal from Warrington made it 3-1 then Tyldesley banged one in with just over 30 seconds left on the clock. Warrington had an attempt at a final goal but the whistle went and we ended with a 4-2 win.
Goals from Louis (2) and Marcus (2)
Match 2
This time we faced Liverpool, a relatively new Team and new to the M&D tournament. With only the minimum number of players Warrington stuck with the formula adopted in our first match, playing on the break with Marcus and Louis storming the goal at every opportunity while Joe, Sam and Lilly protected Oliver in net. The strategy paid off as time and again Warrington’s defence closed down attacks from Liverpool, and fed the ball up to Marcus and Louis on the wings who played some great 1-2 action. Warrington dominated the first 4 minutes claiming 4 goals. Liverpool pulled one back then Warrington got another before half time for a 5-1 lead. Warrington continued the onslaught through the second half with goal after goal, and all Liverpool attempts being thwarted. Warrington added a further 5 goals in the second half, ending the match 10-1.
Goals from Louis (5) and Marcus (5)
Match 3
Warrington played Radcliffe in the semis. Radcliffe were another newly formed team and this was only their second competitive outing. They had improved significantly since Warrington played them a few weeks earlier. Warrington got an early goal in and followed with another shortly after. There was lots of midfield action as both teams battled to gain an advantage, and then Radcliffe grabbed one before half time.
Second half started with a gaol in the first minute from Warrington followed by another soon after for 4-1, then Radcliffe scored taking it to 4-2. Warrington scored another then Joe was accidently elbowed in the mouth, temporarily taking him out of the game – with no major damage he bravely carried on, but Radcliffe had upped their game taking it to 4-3 with just over 30 seconds left then taking another with just 14 seconds left on the clock. With Radcliffe coming back so strong in the last minute, Warrington were relieved when the full time buzzer went leaving them with a 5-4 win
Goals from Marcus (2) and Louis (3)
Match 4
For the Final, Warrington were up against Tournament favourites Bridgefield. From the outset it was clear that this would be a tougher match for Warrington. Bridgefield had several experienced players at the higher end of the age group, and they took the lead with a goal just after the first minute, followed by another a minute later. Louis was struggling to get past Bridgefield defenders and into a good position, and frustrations were clearly starting to show. Warrington battled on but were unable to secure any goals in the first half. Warrington went down to 5 players shortly after half time when Louis was briefly taken out of the game due to over frustration. Despite being a man down Warrington pulled it together, this time with an impressive goal from Sam making it 2-1. Louis re-joined the game for the restart and Warrington tried to pull even. A clash between Marcus and a Bridgefield player led to both being excluded with a minute and a half left. When they re-joined, Warrington tried to get up the pool for another attack but the lack of subs had meant it was a gruelling match for them, and tiredness and frustration took its toll. The game ended 2-1 to Bridgefield.
Goals from Sam (1)
Summary
Warrington played a fantastic tournament, and with only half a team, Warrington had worked twice as hard as the others. With our stronger more experienced players on the attack, and Oliver bringing his Goalkeeping experience to the rear, we had a successful formula which was bolstered by our less experienced players Lilly and Sam providing strong defence and Joe working hard in the middle ground, both defending our goal and feeding our attackers. Warrington fought a brave final up against a strong Team with double the number of players – and it was to their credit that they were able to keep the final score so close.
Final results
1. Bridgefield - Gold
2. Warrington – Silver
3. Tyldesley – Bronze
4. Radcliffe
5. Liverpool
6. Chester
Team - Oliver Naughalty (GK), Marcus Woods, Louis Stowell, Lilly Irelend, Sam Owen-Short, Joe Dailey
Coaches – Craig Stowell, Nigel Dailey