Colchester Seniors Win Bishops Stortford Tournament

Colchester senior team set off to Bishop Stortford on the back of a heavy defeat to their local seaside rivals Clacton and two senior players down who decided they would rather represent Essex over 50's than help out their local team. Colchester have competed in the tournament for the past 10 years and only ever won it once. They still managed to field a strong team mixing junior and senior players including GB under 14 talent squad member Ben Chapman. Other competing teams included Bishops Stortford College old boys, Ipswich, Cambridge University, Enfield and the Army.The first game of the day saw the Army take on Cambridge University. Both teams looked strong in possession and attack, leaving Colchester's players knowing it was going to be a tough day ahead if they were going to compete for the title once more.

A very entertaining first game ended in a 3-3 draw. Colchester then took to the water for the first time against London League team Enfield. It was a no holds barred type of game as Colchester soon realised they were going to have a fight on their hands to defeat a confident London league team. Some fine defending kept their opponents at bay in the first quarter, knowing they would be attacking the shallow end in the second half meant Colchester could press forward in search of goals and soon they started to flow. Some fine passing moves were finished with glorious strikes on goal as Colchester ran out 3-1 winners.

Colchester then enjoyed a 2 game break and watched on as Ipswich ran out 5-0 winners against Old Storts, fielding some of Colchester's younger members to make up the numbers so they could get maximum game time during the day. Enfield then returned to the pool defeating Cambridge Uni 3-1. The Army lay in wait as Colchester's next opponents, fielding ex Colchester regular Duncan Lowe in their team. Despite fears, the Army did not put up as much of a fight as Colchester may have expected and were comfortable victors with the final score being 4-1. The Army just had no response to Colchester's constant press, not leaving their opponents a moment to dwell on the ball and lethal counter attacking polo.

Cambridge Uni then defeated Ipswich 2-0 before Colchester were back in action against Old Storts, who all but gave up, as Colchester convincingly won 9-0. The Army then defeated Enfield in another hugely entertaining game 4-3 and Cambridge Uni then defeated Old Storts 5-0. Colchester then took on local Suffolk rivals Ipswich, again their defence holding firm and keeping a clean sheet allowing their attacking players to push forward. The final score saw Colchester come out 5-0 winners. The tournament now seemingly won with a game in hand in the won Colchester could relax and enjoy the rest of the games on view. Next up Old Storts finally broke their duck scoring twice against the Army, unfortunately they still lost 6-2. Ipswich then defeated Enfield 3-2 in another tight game.

Colchester then took to the water to play Cambridge Uni in their final game of the day. Along day sat around a hot swimming pool had taken its toll on Colchester's players. They looked tired in the early stages against their youthful opponents and conceded an early goal. Knowing they had only a few minutes of pool time left in the day Colchester upped their game and finally equalised. The game had now turned on its head with Colchester creating all the chances, in the dying seconds Colchester were duly awarded a penalty. Unfortunately Simon Lecomber saw his penalty saved by the Cambridge goal keeper and the game ended in a 1-1 draw. Unfortunately Colchester could not quite maintain their 100% record for the day, but remaining undefeated was still a fine achievement.

The remaining games saw Old Storts double their tally of goals for the day against Enfield but, still unable to gain a point as they lost 5-2 and the Army defeated Ipswich 4-2.

During the awards ceremony there was some confusion over the leading goalscorer for the day with Simon Lecomber fully expecting to take the award following his two hatricks during the day. However, the award was presented to Colchester number 4 Adam Hanson who had clearly been credited with Lecomber's goals. In the end, another very successful and enjoyable day for all those who participated.

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Hornchurch 11 Colchester 8 2nd October 2014

Colchester fresh from the exertions on Tuesday against Clacton travelled to Hornchurch with a somewhat depleted squad. Cry-offs that day left Colchester fielding a bare 7 players consisting of 3 seniors, 3 juniors and Michael Anderson who has barely played a league game.

Colchester set up to hold Hornchurch at bay for the first half, hoping their counterparts would tire in the latter stages of the game. Hornchurch were a very successful team in their hay day but are all aging now, yet still remain a skilful side. The early exchanges in the game were fairly even as Colchester tried to keep possession and ensure all their players were comfortable on the ball. Hornchurch sat off Colchester and let us set up attacks, this seemed to be advantageous to Colchester as they passed the ball well, everyone getting involved in the game and the juniors and Anderson got more and more involved in the game. Hornchurch did eventually take an early lead but it was Colchester who looked dangerous in possession, Hornchurch setting up defence and hoping to break. The first quarter finished with the travelling team trailing 3-1.

Attacking the shallow end saw Colchester come into the game more as Hornchurch invited their counterparts players to shoot. Colchester's players responded with some fine shooting Anderson most notably shooting right into the top corner to open his account for the senior side. Luca Del-Guidice showed a great turn of speed to break away. When he received the ball he still had work to do but showed no nerves burying the ball into the back of the net. Edward Corcos worked tirelessly in the pit and was rewarded for his efforts with a nicely taken goal.

The third quarter began with Colchester trailing 5-4, they had executed their game plan magnificently and were playing some great polo. Attacking the deep end they continued to scare Hornchurch as Dominic Del-Guidice and Sam Mackinder got on the score sheet and got their rewards for tireless efforts forging attacks and working hard in defence.

The final quarter started with Colchester just one goal down at 7-8. Immediately Colchester went on the attack for the equaliser. A fine swim by Corcos was picked out by Martin Vinter; Corcos turned and scored to the delight of the away team. Unfortunately Colchester were undone by Hornchurch in the dying minutes, conceding 3 late goals as Hornchurch just had enough know how to pip the inexperienced travelling team.

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Colchester senior's vs Clacton 30 Sepember 2014

Colchester welcomed the seasiders to Leisureworld last Tuesday. Missing their inspirational captain, Simon Lecomber, to injury, Colchester were left fielding their latest batch of juniors along with some familiar old faces. Clacton, travelling with a weaker team than usual, looked as if they would run away with the game in no time. They flew out of the blocks and had Colchester in disarray and soon took a 5-0 lead by the end of the first quarter.

Colchester have been desperately trying to overcome their Clacton counterparts for more games than we care to mention. So with his team facing a heavy defeat Lecomber read the riot act. Colchester responded, Adam Hanson bagging the first goal of the second quarter, but Clacton returned with 2 more goals as the Colchester defence struggled with the speed of their counter attacks. A fine passing move led to a great goal from Ben Tuckwell soon after his introduction to the game. But the Colchester defence was really put under pressure for the remaining minutes as goals rained in and Clacton finished the half 11-2 up.

A Colchester victory being thing of the past a stern talking to from Lecomber saw Colchester really up their game for the second half. Goals came from Edward Corcos after some fine work with his back to goal and a long range effort from Martin Vinter in the third quarter, but more importantly the defence was tightened up dramatically only conceding 3 goals. Colchester's very own GB under 15 representative Ben Chapman was impressive against a tight Clacton defence and new senior players Joe Hayden-Case and Michael Anderson got to taste senior waterpolo for the first time against a strong team. Cameron Cowan, Chris Harrington and Dominic Del-Guidice made up the rest of the Colchester squad.

The final quarter saw Colchester playing their best polo of the night. Eventually the game finished 7-16 with Colchester winning the final quarter 3-1, goals came from Sam Mackinder and a further 2 for Hanson who was working tirelessly in the pit.

All defeats at the hands of Clacton are bitter pills to swallow but we can take considerable pride from the second half performance especially when we were fielding so many juniors and senior players with little senior game experience. Colchester now have an established junior section running 3 junior teams in tandem with the senior side whereas their Clacton counterparts, strong as they might be, rely on the same players time and time again. Colchester now travel to Hornchurch on Thursday evening in the hope of a victory.

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Colchester vs Basildon Under 16's 17th September 2014 - By Max Salt

On Wednesday 17th September Colchester made their way to Basildon to play an u16's game. Our squad was small, with only 8 players in total: Max Salt, Daniel Eaton, Sophie Lecomber, Adam Lecomber, Ben Chapman, Will Chapman, Luca Del Guidice and Tom Hardy. However we still managed to play a good game against a very strong Basildon squad of 13. We played 4, 10 minute quarters.

We started strongly with Colchester only conceding 2 goals and scoring 5 goals courtesy of Ben Chapman, Luca Del Guidice and Tom Hardy. The second quarter continued well for Colchester with 3 goals scored 2 from Ben Chapman and 1 from his brother Will. However in the second half of the game Basildon turned things around as the Colchester's small squad began to tire.

The third quarter started to turn in Basildon's favour as the strain of the first half began to wear down the Colchester team. During this quarter we managed to score 2 goals thanks to Ben Chapman and Hardy. However Basildon scored 4 goals and started to reduce Colchester's lead.

In the final quarter we lost Luca Del Guidice to a previous injury that had got the better of him, leaving Colchester to fight out the final quarter of the game with the bare minimum 7 players and no subs. Despite this we did score 2 great goals, 1 from Daniel Eaton and the other from Ben Chapman. Sadly though, after our best attempt of winning, Basildon equalised and scored the winning goal in the last minute. Although we lost the game the team still felt good it was only lost in the last minute against a team with such a big squad and able to rotate their team as much as they liked.

Everyone played well there were some great goals, both individual and made by the team. Ben Chapman being the overall highest scorer and there were some great saves from our goal keeper Max Salt who was supported by some amazing defensive play by Daniel Eaton and Tom Hardy. Everyone enjoyed the match and for us it was a good start back after the summer.

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Colchester Under 15 Water Polo tournament 2014

Team from back left: Meg Wall-Peters, Miles Salt, Harvey Blannchette, Antoine Massey, Thomas Carver-Hardy, Daniel Eaton Front row from left: Max Golding, Will Chapman, Adam Lecomber, Ben Chapman

Colchester hosted their second junior water polo tournament on Sunday 27th April at Colchester Leisure World. There was a great turn out with spectators seating full and all 6 six competing teams were full of anticipation.

The first game saw favourites Basildon take on Chelmsford; it was a tight game with both teams fighting hard not to lose the first game. Basildon just edged ahead and held their nerve to complete a 2-1 hard fort victory.

Colchester then eagerly took to the water against a strong Ipswich line up. Ipswich broke quickly and caught Colchester napping a couple of times early to build up an advantage. Colchester eventually got over their early nerves and fought back to 6-5 and broke in the dying seconds but Harvey Blanchette could not quite seal the draw as his shot was saved.

Paddock Piranhas from Bishop's Stortford took on Suffolk Coastal Torpedoes and it was the latter who proved too strong producing a 5-2 victory.

Colchester then returned to the pool against Chelmsford, by now they had definitely shrugged off any nerves and began to play some great polo. Ben Chapman, Antoine Massey and Blanchette in particular causing the Chelmsford defence problems with their pace. A great 6-1 victory regained confidence after the first game loss.

Ipswich and Basildon took to the pool in the next two games brushing aside Paddock Piranhas 6-1 and SCT 9-0 respectively. Chelmsford then took on Ipswich and caused something of an upset, leading Ipswich until the final seconds when Ipswich grabbed a late equaliser.

Colchester then took on Paddock Piranhas and once they took an early lead used the opportunity to give all of their squad game time. This did nothing to stop the flowing polo as they continued to score goals for fun. A resounding 9-1 victory was the final score line as Will Chapman and Meg Wall Peters scored important goals.

Ipswich then swept aside SCT 6-0 and Chelmsford made similarly light work in defeating Paddock Piranhas 7-0. Colchester the returned to the pool to really rub salt into SCT's wound with a stunning display of counter attacking water polo in notching up an 11-0 victory. Younger members Max Golding and Adam Lecomber enjoyed the space created by others, the latter setting up a goal with a great pass.

Colchester's players then watched eagerly as Ipswich took on Basildon in the hope Ipswich would win and open up the title race. It was a tight game but Basildon just proved too strong coming away with a 2-1 victory to set up a tense game against Colchester as the final game of the afternoon. However Basildon had to play against Paddock Piranhas immediately after the Ipswich game; which they won convincingly 7-0 but started to tire towards the end to increase Colchester's confidence of producing a victory.

The penultimate game saw SCT lose to Chelmsford 5-0 setting up the title decider between Colchester and Basildon. Colchester's defence of Miles Salt, in goal, Thomas Carvery-Hardy and Daniel Eaton had been strong all afternoon allowing the attacking players the confidence to counter attack. They all knew they would have to be at their best to keep Basildon at bay and they were as Colchester gained an early lead, the game ebbed and flowed with some terrific polo on show despite it being the last game of a gruelling afternoon for many youngsters. Colchester were just unable to hold on for deserved victory as Basildon scored to equalize with seconds left on the clock as they just pipped Colchester into second place in the tournament.

Colchester convincingly out scored all other teams and their own Antoine Massey was the afternoons top goal scorer.

It was a great tournament and thoroughly enjoyed by all those who turned up to support. Only a few years ago Colchester were struggling to raise a men's senior side. This side is still running along with 3 junior teams and now boast a number of girls. We offer a competitive sport that has seen both swimmers follow on from the swimming club and complete beginners nurture into good players. They learn a vast array of skills and how to play as a team. We now have upward of 50 members and have 4 qualified coaches in our ranks. This has all come at a cost and we are looking for sponsors to help us maintain and improve our current standard. If you have any thoughts on this or would like to come along to try waterpolo please contact
e: m.vinter@yahoo.com or m: 07751 520491.

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Colchester Waterpolo starts 2014 with a bang!

The New Year has bought great success to Colchester water polo team already. Throughout 2012 and 2013 the squad has grown from strength to strength and now boasts around 50 members. We run teams at under 13, 15 and under 17 levels and a senior team that have had varying levels of success over the past year.

However it is some of the juniors who have stolen the headlines recently. Meg Wall-Peters has been selected to play in the East region under 16 team to play in the Inter-Regional championships at Walsall at the end of January.

Teams have been made up from the cream of Essex and Suffolk to participate in the National Age Group Championships. In the Under 15's Sam Mackinder and Luca Del-Guidice will be representing Colchester. In the Under 19's Joe Mackinder, Jim Vickers and Dominic Del-Guidice will all be representing Colchester. Let's hope they can make it through the preliminary rounds all the way to the finals.

Sam Mackinder and Ben Chapman will also be travelling to Cardiff this weekend for trials with the GB squad in their respective age groups.

To top this off Colchester's senior team have their first game of the New Year next Tuesday at home to Chelmsford, let's hope they can follow lead set by the juniors and make it a successful start to 2014.

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