Head Coach Ruaridh Henderson heaped praise on the Caledonia boys under-15 water polo squad after they took a bronze medal at the Go Cardless National Age Group Championships in Coventry.
“This is an outstanding result for the boys and something we are all super proud of” said Ruaridh.
The 13 strong squad contained seven players from Edinburgh clubs plus another couple from Dunfermline.
They are Bram Stenhouse, Charlie Grey and Ben Maclean (Warrender), Dom Moodie, Alex Hurd and Michael Moodie (Portobello), Murray Simpson (Stingrays).
Dunfermline were represented by captain John Wilson and James Lees.
Ruaridh added: “The result was not only down to some exceptional individual performances but also down to the boys’ incredible teamwork.
“They are a tight group and have great relationships with one another and you can really see that in the water. We knew how strong this team was coming into the competition and the boys knew if they stuck to the plan and followed our tactics the results would come.
“They executed perfectly and this medal is testament to that.”
Starting the tournament in by far the toughest half of the draw, winning every group was the only route to the semi-finals. Caledonia started off with a 12-5 win over last year’s finalists Watford followed by another win against Cheltenham (7-5). In the final group game the Caledonia boys overpowered Kingston, 15-1.
As group winners this set up a semi-final for Caledonia against fellow unbeaten side Penguins who boasted some outstanding individual talent. In what was widely described as ‘game of the tournament’ a more experienced and physically stronger London outfit won 12-9.
Boosted by their strong performances the Caledonia boys went all out for bronze in the third place play off and emphatically defeated West Midlands side Sandwell, 22-11.
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