Hucknall water polo aces can look back on a 'massive' year

An impressive campaign has made a 'massive' difference to Hucknall Water Polo Club holding on to their top players.
Hucknall keeper Kieran Poland in action.Hucknall keeper Kieran Poland in action.
Hucknall keeper Kieran Poland in action.

A fine season saw the Men's team gain promotion from the British Water Polo Men's Championship 3 while the Ladies' squad maintained their status in the Women's Championship 1, the top division.

After fulfilling their seven fixtures the men finished second in their division, going up with table toppers Cheltenham Spartans and third-placed Croydon.

"With the promotion, we've got good young players coming through," said chairman Sarah Dunsbee. "For them to stay at the club they need to be playing at the right level.

"We have a lot of players with a lot of ability and we can offer them a good level to play at and fulfil their potential."

The Ladies’ side finished third in their league, ending the campaign with an 11-10 victory over champions Caledonia.

“It's been a massive year,” Mrs Dunsbee added. “We've got a lot of young players and for them it's a massive step to be playing at this level, as one of the top six sides in the country.

“It's really hard for such young players. It's been a lot of hard work but it was important for them to stay at that level."

The coronavirus outbreak may have put paid to the club’s hopes of success at this month’s British Championships, but the club is already planning for next season.

“We qualified for the British Championships but that’s not going to happen,” Mrs Dunsbee added.

“We’re just preparing to come back fighting in September.”

While the club attracts players from across the East Midlands, interest is starting to grow more locally as well, which the club believes is important to its identity.

“The men and women’s games are very different,” Mrs Dunsbee added.

“The fundamentals are the same, but for a development point of view a good lady player needs to train with ladies and vice versa.

“Not many clubs have both men’s and ladies’ teams, so we are pretty unique.”

Anyone wishing to learn more about to club can contact Mrs Dunsbee at [email protected]

Related topics: