Early Baths, Derby Win and Friends Reunited
Habs played host to Round 2 of the BWPL this weekend with Watford facing three very different challenges across the course of the tournament.
A baptism of fire
Watford opened against league favourites Hucknall, and a bright start was punctuated by early baths for two of this season’s high flyers. The remaining ten dug in and played some positive water polo throughout the first half and at the change of ends Watford were still very much in contention.
Perhaps those early efforts eventually took their toll, as Hucknall began to convert the majority of their chances. The final scoreline of 24–12 didn’t really reflect the closeness of the first half or do justice to some of Watford’s performance. There were plenty of positives to take away, not least two more youngsters, Rishi and Matthew, making their BWPL debut.
Derby day delight
After a few hours’ break, lunch and time to reflect, it was time for the London derby against Sutton & Cheam. The Dirty Dozen were bolstered by the arrival of Captain Brown, while Adam H and Ilija started with a bang, finding the net and well and truly atoning for their sins.
Watford deserved their two-goal advantage, although a spirited Sutton side showed little inclination to roll over. The first half drew to a close with Watford leading 6–4 and looking the brighter of the two sides.
Watford’s dominance, patience and fitness began to tell as the game progressed into the third quarter. With the ‘Gelicopter’ looking as though he had never been away, Watford pulled clear to secure a third win of the season in style.
Steel yourself for Super Sunday
With Saturday’s work done, it was time for Sunday’s showdown with Sheffield and a reunion with Watford old boy Matty Williams. Always likely to be a stern test, this promised to be another intriguing encounter as Watford looked to finish the weekend on a high. With no more than a single goal separating the sides at the end of each of the first three quarters, the potential for another win looked on. However, the Steelers dominated the scoreboard in the final eight minutes and ultimately deserved the points.

What next?
The team that keeps on giving – Post match Sunday is reserved for Tiramisu, as our very own ‘Mascarpone Menace’ Adam Heywood delighted his loyal fan base with his review of this weeks’ treat. It is safe to say the tiramisu was a taste sensation. Next up – it’s off to Gloucester and two massive games against Southampton & Bristol, followed by an epic evening social of watching Otter and then going ‘out-out’ with the Pickford three and possibly Josh Barrett if he deems to grace us with his presence.