U13 Girls’ Water Polo Team Deliver Excellent Performance in National Plate Final

King’s U13 Girls’ Water Polo team travelled to Northampton School on Wednesday to compete in the Plate Final of the English Schools’ Swimming Association’s National Water Polo Championships.

After gaining valuable experience in their previous match against Warwick School, the girls were eager to put what they had learned into practice at this prestigious national tournament.

Representing King’s were Bridget P, Isabelle H, Hannah E, Millie B, Grace L, Helena C, Amelia B, Ava C, Daisy T, Emilia M, Izzy W, Lily S-H and Rosie W. The team faced strong opposition from Croydon High School for Girls, Alleyn’s School and Highgate School – all schools with long-established and highly respected Water Polo programmes. To reach this level of competition was therefore a tremendous achievement for the King’s girls.

Considering the team only began learning Water Polo in September and train just once a week, the girls understood the main aim of this tournament was to gain valuable match experience and continue developing their skills while enjoying the occasion, rather than the results. Despite this, the girls approached the challenge with great determination throughout the day.

King’s opened the tournament with a competitive performance against Highgate School. Although the girls showed excellent effort and teamwork, quicker passing and more clinical shooting from the Highgate girls ultimately proved to be the difference. Their second fixture against Croydon High School for Girls followed a similar pattern, as the opposition capitalised on turnovers to secure the victory.

Due to the level of Water Polo at this event, the girls still had another tough match to play in their last match against Alleyn’s School. The girls’ skills had improved in every game, and they were determined to deliver their best performance in their last match – and they certainly did that as the girls saved their strongest performance for their final match against Alleyn’s School. Despite conceding a couple of early goals, King’s responded brilliantly and pulled a goal back through Helena following an excellent passage of team play. The team continued to improve as the match progressed, demonstrating growing confidence, resilience and teamwork. However, Alleyn’s greater experience eventually proved decisive.

The results meant that King’s finished fourth in the National Plate Final. Combined with the top six schools competing in the Cup Final later that day, this placed King’s U13 Girls’ Water Polo team tenth overall in the country – an outstanding achievement considering how recently the girls took up the sport.

Throughout the tournament, every player showed tremendous commitment, enthusiasm and determination. The girls gained invaluable experience, made significant progress and represented King’s superbly. Well done to all involved on a fantastic achievement and a memorable national finals appearance.