By Rich LANNIK

Following a disappointing loss to Hornchurch the week before, Evening Post sponsored Reading Water Polo team fought hard to earn a victory against a National League Div. 1 side.

Otter, the London-based side formed predominantly of international players had beaten Reading twice last year.

However, Reading produced their best play with every player fighting with 100% commitment throughout.

Otter scored the opening goal but Barry Johns earned a penalty with a shot that forced the keeper to use the goal to make the save. Captain Paul Hancock, in the autumn of his career, converted the penalty. Dave Baxter then scored a solo goal from the pit.

The 2nd quarter saw the number 5’s from each side exchanging goals, with Nick Harlin winning the battle with 3 goals in one quarter. The 1st came from a penalty following a lengthy drive by Steve Brown. Harlin then scored with a close range flick shot before a spectacular 3rd. Hancock passed the full pitch length to Harlin, who had sped away from the defence to fire past the keeper.

At half time reading led 5-3.

In the 3rd quarter, Reading’s defence was forced to hold tight. Otter threw everything they had but Reading managed to maintain their lead with good man-down defence and reflex saves from keeper Will Ottewell. Reading’s 2 goals came from Fergal Sharkey speeding away from his marker and Harlin again, scoring from a man-up play.

In the final period Reading played controlled polo to keep the score at 7-5 with just 2:30 mins to go. But Otter scored 2 quick goals to equalise. It was left for Baxter to claim the glory with a winner again from the pit, for a well deserved and hard fought victory.

Anyone interested in playing Water Polo should contact waterpolo@readingswimclub.org