MATCH REPORT: READING vs BECKENHAM

READING WIN DESPITE TENSE FINISH

Water Polo by Nick Harlin

READING 11 BECKENHAM 10

A strong team performance gave Evening Post-sponsored Reading Water Polo team their 2nd win of the season.

Reading took an early lead through Captain Paul Hancock, defying his reputedly arthritic joints, to fire 2 consecutive rockets into the top corner. Mark Williams then finished a good man-up move with a quick shot wide on the left, before Beckenham pulled one back to end the 1st quarter 3-1.

In the 2nd quarter the teams exchanged goals, Reading’s coming from Steve Brown and Fergal Sharkey, both demonstrating power and accuracy from long range. Reading maintained their early advantage to end the half 5-3.

Reading extended their lead to 8-5 during the 3rd quarter. Williams again scoring with trademark quick hands and Nick Harlin driving dynamically at the goal to draw a foul and penalty. Despite concerns from some team-mates, Harlin took the penalty himself stuffing it in the bottom corner. Reading’s strength-in-depth was further demonstrated by Dave Baxter contributing with a cheeky flick shot goal from the pit.

The final quarter saw reading apparently put the result beyond doubt. Cawley scored 2 more, the 1st capping off excellent team movement and passing. Harlin scored again to take the score to 11-6 with just 3 minutes to go.

Despite appearing in control, Reading were slowly pegged back in the final minutes to the extent that the final play of the game saw Beckenham score to make it a narrow 11-10 victory for Reading.

A special mention for Luke Williams who, despite earning 2 major fouls, managed to last the whole match.

Anyone interested in playing Water Polo should contact readingwaterpolo@yahoo.co.uk