Sedgefield crowned national champions after dramatic victory

Sedgefield have been crowned Swim England Water Polo National Age Group champions after a dramatic victory in the boys U15s final.

In a thrilling contest against Devonport at the Sunderland Aquatics Centre, the two sides were locked at 4-4 at the interval.

Sedgefield then edged ahead 8-7 only for Devonport to be awarded a penalty in the dying seconds of the game.

But the chance was missed and Sedgefield held on to take the gold medal after winning all five of their matches.

Sedgefield head coach Adam Woods said: “I’m so, so impressed with all of them. They played very well, both teams.

“The fact it came down to the last goal, the last penalty. It’s fantastic I couldn’t have asked any more from the lads.

“They have done so well – I’m so happy with them.”

Sedgefield won all three of their Group D matches, defeating City of Birmingham 8-4, Caledonia 13-6 and Bridgefield 12-6 to set up a semi-final clash against Cheltenham.

They had topped Group C following victories over City of Sheffield (14-1) and Croydon Amphibians (10-7).

But they were no match for Sedgefield, who ran out convincing 14-8 winners to set-up a final clash against Devonport.

They sealed their place in the last four with two Group B victories over City of Chester (16-1) and City of Manchester A (8-1) .

That earned them a last four match against Group A winners Watford and they edged through 10-9 in an exciting contest.

However, they came unstuck against Sedgefield in the final.

Watford took the bronze medal after narrowly defeating Cheltenham 7-5.

It was the second time in three years Watford had taken the bronze, after winning it 2017, followed by silver 12 months ago.

Devonport’s Reuben Powell was the top scorer in the competition and named most valuable player.

The top goalkeeper award went to Ejike Ochei-Okpara of West London Penguins.