Sedgefield Water Polo club based at Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre sent their under 15 team to the Northern League Tournament at the new Olympic size pool Aquatic Centre in Liverpool. Sedgefield were the only team that trains in a predominantly shallow pool as all serious competition takes place in a minimum depth of 2 metres.
Sedgefield were up against big city teams from Manchester, Liverpool, Sheffield and Rotherham but once again Sedgefield dominated with a 10-2 victory over Liverpool in the first game. Then a 12-1 win over Rotherham.
Sedgefield’s most difficult game was against Sheffield and led only 1-0 at half time but Sedgefield’s superior fitness told in the second half as they ran out 6-1 winners.
In their final game they were up against Manchester who have vast resources at their disposal, but Sedgefield led from the start to run out easy 14-2 winners.
Player of the tournament was 12 year old Ben Stephenson who was top scorer in the whole tournament with 15 goals. Richard Murray (13) in goal supported by Connor Keeble (13) in defence made it very difficult for the other teams to score goals.
Kris Egginton (13), Michael Cousins (13) and Jake Plant (14) created and scored goals on the counter attack with their swimming power and their all round flair and skills. Young players Niall Couthard (11), Elliot Edworthy (13) and Michael Hampshire (12) showed their great potential for the future.