Article by British Swimming and The ASA
The British Gas Men’s Water Polo team took part in the Mithat Hantel Memorial Water Polo Tournament in Istanbul, Turkey at the weekend and won two out of their three games on their way to taking the tournament title.
Playing in their first competitive matches for over a year, the British Gas team has integrated a number of junior players into the squad and performed excellently throughout the tournament.
In their first match against Ukraine, a team classed higher than them, the British Gas squad were thoroughly in control and put in a solid start to the tournament clocking 14 goals to the Ukrainian’s 10. This four goal lead gave the boys confidence as they took to the water for their second match against Turkey.
This second match saw the British Gas squad’s style of play stopped by the Turkish team, but the men managed to pull out a 7-7 draw after coming back from a few goals behind.
The final match for the British Gas team saw them play exceptionally well against a strong French squad. After going three goals down at half-time, their determination saw them come back for a 7-6 win, marking the British Gas team’s first win over France in 20 years.
Programme manager Joanna Wray said: “This was a brilliant start to the men’s preparation for the Europeans, and shows the men’s GB water polo are back and better than ever.
“Their sheer determination to keep fighting throughout the matches and the teamwork that they showed was exceptional. I believe that this is only the start of a really successful team.”
Captain Craig Figes added: “Our results in Turkey show the potential within this current squad and our determination to reach the top. We had a fantastic result against France in particular, but we know this is only the start and we will continue to work hard for the Europeans in September and beyond.”
British Gas team member Sean Ryder said: “Recent results only reinforce the fact that the British Water Polo men’s team’s future cannot be overlooked. Under the new regime we’re only just starting to fulfill our potential.
“Through tough training and strengthening of the mind, we are progressing faster than ever and this can only suggest greater improvements for the team that are yet to happen. Morale is high and things are looking brighter.”
The results from this competition show progress and will give the boys confidence as they put the finishing touches to their preparations for the European ‘B’ Championships this summer.
The British Gas Water Polo team consists of:
Edward Scott
Matthew Holland
Alex Parsonage
Tom Curwen
Rob Parker
Scott Carpenter
Adam Scholefield
Craig Figes
Richard Lawlor
Glen Robinson
Jake Vincent
Jack Waller
Jonathan Kirk
Mike Bourne
Sean King
Sean Ryder
Awarded Best Player – Tom Curwen
Top Scorer – Tom Curwen
Top Goalkeeper – Matt Holland
29 goals scored: Tom Curwen-14, Craig Figes-5, Scott Carpenter-5, Rob Parker-2, Adam Scholefield-1, Sean Ryder-1, Alex Parsonage-1
