Pupils at a Hertfordshire independent school have finished runners up in in the under-13s English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA) National Water Polo Championships.
After convincingly making their way to the finals, the team of 14 boys from Haberdashers’ Boys’ School eventually lost to Croydon-based independent school, Trinity.
“This was an exciting and challenging experience for our lower school pupils,” said Ryan McIntosh, director of sports at Habs’ Boys.
“The team demonstrated some fantastic play, grit and strength of character during the water polo championships. We were already super-proud of them for coming away from the semi-finals with a 5-3 win, which led them to qualify for the finals against Trinity.
“Bringing home second place nationally is an incredible achievement and is testament to the hard work and resilience they have all shown throughout the competition.
“We are immensely proud of the conduct our pupils have shown throughout the water polo championship. Their character has been a real showcase for the positive values which underpin everything we do here at Habs’.”
ESSA first began offering provision for English schools to engage in competitive water polo in 1976, with girls belatedly admitted in 2003.
In May, we reported on how Harriet Dickens, captain of both the England and Bolton School Girls’ Division teams, finished as top scorer and rated the most valuable player while representing her country at an international tournament in the Czech Republic.
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