Warwick Canoe Polo shine in national tournament

Over the last weekend of the Easter holidays, Canoe Polo teams from universities across the country descended upon Hatfield Water Park to compete at the annual BUCS Tournament.

Warwick entered mens’ and ladies’ teams as well as a B team and an assortment of Old Boys.

The Warwick As were confident going into the competition having won the Cardiff Canoe Polo tournament just less than a month ago, and boasting an impressive record of just two defeats this season.

The team started strongly, winning their first three matches to make the last four of the top tier league system.

However a closely fought 3-2 defeat to Sheffield Hallam meant that Warwick dropped to the bottom tier.

Not to be disheartened, the team recovered strongly and fought their way back towards the finals.

After convincing victories against Loughborough, Cardiff and Durham, the As made history by making it to the Open Final for the first time.

Meeting Sheffield Hallam again in the final, it was a nervous and intense affair. However, despite fighting hard and bravely, the quality of Sheffield Hallam’s three Great Britain international players proved too big a gap, and the Warwick As had to settle for silver.

The Warwick Ladies fought hard throughout the tournament and eventually finished in a richly-deserved fifth spot.

Playing in the sponsored leagues, the Bs recovered from a semi-final defeat and won the bronze with a 5-0 result over Southampton Bs, while the Old Boys finished eighth.

It was a fantastic tournament for Warwick Canoe Polo and a great way to end the season.