By Luke Buckland Politics and International Relations Second Year
Bristol were able to fight back from a three goal deficit despite key players and their coach being sent out in a thrilling 11-11 draw against rivals UWE.
Before the game much was at stake for both teams. Bristol were motivated to complete an undefeated record in the Premier South. For UWE there was a precious chance to avenge their loss earlier this season and even the score. At the Richmond Building, it was derby day.
I spoke to Louis Harris, a supporter of UWE. ‘We have a full 14 which is one of the first times this season.’ Bristol also fielded a full strength side. There was little excuse for a poor performance from either team.
The start of the game could only be described by one word: frenetic. The game had little structure as the ball whizzed from one end to the other on counter attacks. It took until the third minute of play for Bristol to set up their attacking formation as Charlie Shay buried one into the top right corner. Yet, it remained close and Bristol only led 3-2 at the end of the first quarter. UWE and Bristol were neck and neck throughout the second quarter as neither were able to sustain a lead. It wrapped up 5-5 at the end of the first half.
The third quarter was where separation formed between the two teams. Within 15 seconds, Bristol had a man sent out for 30 seconds and UWE capitalised early to set the tone for the second half by taking the lead. Both teams then went goal for goal but UWE retained their one-goal lead with a minute to go in the quarter.
It was now the referee’s turn to impact the game. Bristol’s starting centre back was sent to the changing rooms for having committed three major fouls. The referee then deemed the Bristol coach’s reaction to the decision as dissent and issued a red card. UWE grabbed this opportunity to score late in the quarter with a rocket from seven metres out, extending to a two-goal lead.
After this eventful quarter, Fred Stein, a Bristol water polo player, stayed hopeful.
‘The anger levels are reaching a high point but Bristol have definitely got it in the bag for a win’.
To complicate matters further, Bristol conceded a quick goal from the restart and at the same time both a UWE and (another!) Bristol player were red carded for a tussle in the pit. Bristol were now 3 goals down with 7 and a half minutes to go. Luckily for Bristol, Callum Mckenzie was able to produce a moment of personal brilliance as he spun his man and lobbed the keeper to reinvigorate the team. Another hero in the clutch was the fresher goalkeeper Zac Downer. He made a huge double save from close range to keep UWE out and Bristol hopes alive. 3 minutes of evenly matched, passionate water polo then passed with neither team able to find the net until a UWE player was sent out for 30 seconds. Bristol used the extra man to whizz the ball around the arc and find Hannibal Nabli Lopez whose shot beat the goalkeeper to the near post.
Still Bristol needed another to keep their unbeaten streak alive. With 2 and a half minutes left Charlie Shay used his last legs to sprint out and initiate a counter-attack. Beating his man to the ball, he shaped up to shoot and was fouled, winning a penalty. After a long delay, Max Rowley-Sánchez was able to calm any nerves and whipped the ball into the top-right corner to tie things up.
With 2 minutes to go and all to play for, UWE went on the offensive. On the defensive end this time, Bristol were resolute. Two big turnovers from Callum Mckenzie and Conor Egan respectively kept UWE from winning the game. Neither team was able to score the decisive goal.
In a game operating under such tight margins, the exclusion of two key Bristol players and their coach might have made the difference. Ben Barnish, the Bristol Men’s 1s captain told me about the impact of losing their coach. ‘We have no…commander. We have no one doing our subs….you’re behind and you really think, OK, we’re out’.
In the end, both teams left with their heads held high. Given that Bristol finished first and UWE second in the Open Premier South, both teams will have a bye into the quarter finals of the National Championship. To Ben Barnish, winning this meant it all, ‘this would be my life best achievement’.
The result matched the hunger and passion shown from both sides. Bristol kept their unbeaten streak and UWE avoided a second defeat in the derby. Both teams will now be hoping they can do better in their quarter finals on the way to becoming national champions.
Featured image: Luke Buckland
