QE’s senior water polo team competed against five other leading schools in some close-fought games in the sport’s national finals.
The 2017 U18 English Schools Swimming Association water polo finals were held at QE’s Martin Pool in a last-minute change of venue after Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School’s pool plant room suffered problems on the day.
QE’s senior team had reached the nationals by seeing off Warwick School, Cheltenham College and hosts Northampton School for Boys to take second place in the semis.
![""]("/images/Waterpolo_Finals_2.jpg")
PE and Games teacher Richard Scally said: “In the national finals, even with the unexpected bonus of home advantage, the competition proved very tough. Although the games were close, any missed opportunities at this level are punished and unfortunately we did not progress out of the group stage.
![""]("/images/Waterpolo_Finals_3.jpg")
“Overall, this term has been a busy one for many of the QE water polo sides, with many firsts achieved. The Seniors did magnificently to qualify for the national finals. The U15s qualified for the National Plate finals held in Northampton, notching up some convincing wins over Bedford School, St Ambrose College and Birkdale High School. However, defeat by City of London meant they were runners-up in the final. The U13s are currently in round 2 of their national competition and will hope to emulate the success of the older years.”
QE operates its water polo in partnership with Watford Water Polo Club, and the club’s Chairperson, Nikki Baker, has congratulated the team on qualifying for the finals, describing it as “an awesome achievement”.