Our canoe polo team was back in action yesterday, at the second (and final) leg of this season’s Southwest Regional Division 3 League in Cheltenham. Unlike our previous appearance in November – when we played valiantly but largely in vain – we were rejuvenated this time with new team members; new rash vests; new helmets; and new boats – and looked like a completely different team, both in appearance and in play! We won our first game, against Swansea B (our first league win for many years!); drew our second against Rhondda White Rhinos (after they were awarded a goal despite a blatant obstruction of our goalie); and narrowly lost against Aberfan B when we lost a little of our focus. We only had the Rhondda Black Rhinos (clear winners of the last fixture) and Queens to play – both of whom were unbeaten at that point. Things took a surprising turn when Queens unexpectedly won against the Blacks; but somewhat predictably we were then beaten roundly by the Blacks. All that was left, in the final game of the day, was our standoff against Queens, who were as then unbeaten. At that point, however, the Brecon Bats stepped up their game and played their best performance of the season so far, looking like masters of the game and claiming a win against the team that even the Black Rhinos couldn’t best. Needless to say, out visit to KFC on the way home was more celebratory than of late! Huge congratulations to the team of Chris, Gethyn, Harrison, Huw, Logan, Mike, Nat and Stef for pulling off this awesome feat; and thanks to Steve for refereeing and transporting boats; and to Lee for supporting and taking photos. Roll-on the Welsh 4s league starting in February, when we’ll have 2 teams back in action…
