For the ESSA National Bowl final the boys took the long trip to Northampton School for Boys and played with all their hearts in a dramatic finale on 9 March.
Charterhouse v Birkdale School (Sheffield)
Result: 6 - 0
Having never played Birkdale before the team didn’t know what to expect. To add to the uncertainty, ESSA Waterpolo rules state that teams have 30 seconds on the clock to make a shot at goal before possession is given back to the other team. For Charterhouse this was a first for many, but to their credit the team soon settled down to their game plan and started to take control of the game. The opening goal from Will set the scene, with Seb and Emil contributing to the score sheet and the solid defence led by Cassian and Giovanni seeing off any comeback from Birkdale. The team moved to the next round full of confidence.
Charterhouse v Bedford
Result: 4 - 0
Bedford were a strong swimming team which initially presented the Charthouse boys with some problems but with Sam, Orlando, and Will working hard to compete with this the Charterhouse team soon took control of the game. Will once again opening up the scoring followed up by Seb and Emil, with the ever keen Maja shouting support and pushing for more goals…!
Final Match - Charterhouse v KCS Wimbledon
Result: 1 - 3
Earlier in the season the boys played the Wimbledon team and managed a 2 - 2 draw, so the boys knew it would be a tight game going into the final. From watching previous rounds the team knew they had to watch their dangerous number 10 who scored the majority of goals. Taking the initiative, Cassian stepped up to mark this player out of the game, but the didn’t stop Wimbledon taking an early lead through a quick counter attack, then with a second to go Wimbledon scored a disputed goal to go in at half time 0 - 2 up.
At the start of the second half Charterhouse pushed for goals and were finally rewarded when Emil pulled one back. Tense minutes ensued as Charthouse pushed forward desperate for the equaliser. This gave Wimbledon more chance to counter attack but was always covered by the hard working Orlando, Finn and Sam. But no matter how hard Charterhouse tried the KCS Wimbledon keeper was in top form and saved 6 or 7 shots that in previous game had gone in… as the Charterhouse team pushed Wimbledon got one more goal right at the end to finish off the game.
Thanks to Maja for organising the day and the support from parents who came along.
Coaches comments:
Gerry Lay: "This was a fantastic team performance, they represented themselves and the school with great pride and passion, although very disappointed in not winning the final they should look back with pride on their achievements they have set the bench mark for future Charthouse teams to beat. Whilst not all players were mentioned in the above report ALL contributed and none let down the team and stay positive throughout even when certain decisions didn’t go their way.
At the end of the day 2nd in a national final is something to be proud of."
Team
Emil Almazov (g) Captain
Sebastian Rimmer(D)
Cassian Frost(B)
Benjamin Lawson(R)
Finlay Jenkins(B)
Sam D’Souza(H)
Giovanni Dos Reis Montefiori(B)
Orlando Morris(g) Player of the Match
Will Holmes(L)