Water Polo News
27 Apr - Scotland Boys Team for 1996+ Inter Regional Championships
The following team has been selected to compete for Scotland in the 1996+ Inter Regional Championships which will be held at Basildon on 25-26 May 2013 :–
1. Jack Gardner (Falkirk)
13. Jamie Heywood (Warrender)
2. Aiden McKenzie (Hamilton)
3. Sam Pritchett (Warrender) - Captain
4. Liam Rodger (Dunfermline)
5. Rory Gallacher (Portobello)
6. Darren Smyth (Hamilton)
7. Mathew Clark (East Dunbartonshire)
8. Lewis Aitchinson (Stirling)
9. Ben Parsons (Menzieshill)
10. Clayton Woods (Portobello)
11. Bailey Forbes (Warrender)
12. Scott Wilson (Dunfermline)
Coach : Brian Campbell
Manager : Douglas Gardner
Congratulations to those selected.
18 Apr - 2013 Scottish Secondary Schools Water Polo Championships
The Entry & Information Form for the Scottish Secondary School's Championships has been sent out and the event will take place on Friday June 7th at St. Margaret's Academy in Livingston.
Divisions: 1. Open - (7-a-side) - mixed gender. This will be played down the length of the pool 2. S1-S3 - (5-a-side) - mixed gender. This will be played across the width of the pool (2 pitches simultaneously)
The rest of the details can be found in the form by clicking on this link: 2013 School Water Polo Championships
Please pass this along to anyone that may be interested.
11 Apr - Scottish Teams dominate at Universities Celtic Nations
East District Clubs were well represented at The University Celtic Nations Tournament as both the men's and women's Scottish Universities select squad swept to victory at Celtics over Ireland and Wales in Cardiff. The men's squad won 11-7 against Wales and 11-9 against Ireland. Andrew Woodall (DWPC) led scoring against Wales with 4 and Rob Tate (EDI UNI) led against Ireland with 3. Congrats to all the squads!
26 Mar - 2013 Scottish Secondary Schools Water Polo Championships
The 4th annual Scottish Secondary Schools Championships will be held on Friday June 7th at St Margerets in Livingston.
Details are still to be finalised, but there will be two divisions: 1. Open (S1-S6) which is 7-a-side and, 2. (S1-S3) which will be 5-a-side. Teams will be mixed.
22 Mar - St. Andrews and Edinburgh Uni all in BUCS finals this weekend 23/24 Mar 13
In an impressive display of Scottish Water Polo prowess this year, three different University Clubs (all SASA clubs) qualified for the British Universities Championship (BUCS) Finals this weekend at the Edge in Leeds, 2 of which come from East District.
The Edinburgh Ladies will be taking on Cardiff, Sheffield Hallam and Newcastle in the top tier round robin.
St. Andrews Men will have a final against Cardiff for the Trophy.
12 Mar - League and Cup Double for Dunfermline WPC U16s
On Sunday 10 Mar DWPC U16s completed the 2012 League and Cup double with a thrilling 9-8 win over Menzieshill at NSA Stirling in an emotion charged game between the two best and evenly matched teams in this age group in Scotland.At the end of last season, the 2012 Scottish National League was tied between DWPC and Menzieshill and therefore a league play-off was agreed. With both teams also reaching the final of the 2012 Scottish Championships, it was decided to combine these 2 games into a winner takes all match.
DWPC started the better in an end to end game with both teams mounting strong attacks and tight defenses but DWPC took a 3-1 lead into the break at the end of the first qtr. Menzieshill worked themselves back into the game to bring the score to 4-4 at half time.
A tense and tough period followed and a number of good saves by both goalies kept the goal count low however DWPC took that qtr 3-2 to lead 7-6 going into the final qtr. A Menzieshill goal with just over 4mins remaining meant a nervous finish for players, coaches and supporters of both teams as play see-sawed from end to end in this finely balanced game with the both teams only scoring 2 goals each in the final qtr. Despite picking up an injury earlier in the game, Alison Tate fired in the winning goal with 2.32mins left on the clock to give DWPC the lead that they never relinquished. The pressure and tension mounted as Menzieshill sought the equaliser and force extra periods but time ran out and the Dave Balbirnie Trophy was heading to Dunfermline after what was an excellent team performance.
The players taking part for both teams played with great spirit, competitiveness and restraint to deliver what was always expected to be a close and exciting match worthy of the final. Dunfermline have now won 4 out of 5 of the 2012 Cup finals, whilst finishing runner up in the 5th final.
11 Mar - St Andrews Uni Men progress to the final stages of the BUCS Waterpolo after 2 wins and a draw at Carnegie LC on Sat 9 Mar.
9/10 Mar - BUCS Championship Semi Finals
Good luck to St Andrews University and Edinburgh University teams as they compete in the semi finals of the BUCS Championship. DWPC players will also be playing for Dundee Uni.
6 Mar - Scottish Champs Success for Edinburgh Uni as their Ladies retain the Graz Cup.
Despite a spirited effort, the Dunfermline Ladies waterpolo team came up against the defending Scottish Champions, Edinburgh University, last Sunday in the Scottish Cup Final, who are in good form. A well drilled and confident university side took an early lead with 2 quick goals before goals by Dunfermline Captain, Julia Mackay, brought Dunfermline back into the game to ensure the university were held to a 4-2 lead at the end of the first qtr. 2 goals by Edinburgh without reply from Dunfermline increased their lead to 6-2 at half time. A strong and effective drop by the university girls ensured Dunfermline was limited to long range outside shots which were easily saved by their goalkeeper. Dunfermline persevered and worked hard to ensure the 3rd qtr was a closer affair with goals from Julia Mackay and Kerry Falconer limiting the qtr score to 3-2 to the university. The university girls showed their class and experience to stretch the lead in the final qtr by scoring another 6 goals without reply from Dunfermline with good breaks out from their solid defence. Amy Middlemast was Edinburgh Uni's top scorer putting away 10 of their goals to ensure a 15-4 victory and the Graz Trophy returning to Edinburgh Uni for a second year.
24 Feb - Scottish Champs Success for Dunfermline WPC Junior Teams.
Dunfermline juniors repeated the success of the older teams with 2 wins in the Scottish Championships last Sunday at Stirling.
Up first were the 95s playing in the final of Scottish Cup for the Willie Mellors Trophy. DWPC fielded a strong team against tough opposition from Menzieshill. DWPC went ahead within 15 secs and then further goals ensured a clear 6-2 lead after the 1st qtr. A strong press nullified Menzieshills GB junior Louise Fox and the Dunfermline side increased their goal count by half time to lead 10-4. The 3rd went 4-2 to Dunfermline then as each team traded goals during the 4th, the final score settled at 17-9 to Dunfermline as they became the Scottish Cup Winners of the Willie Mellors Trophy.
Immediately after the 95 Cup Final, the 97s were straight back in action in the Scottish Cup 97 semi final against Stirling ASC. After a nervous start, the team regained their composure to take the first qtr 5-2 before taking the 2nd
6-3 to hold a 11-5 lead at half time. A good 3rd qtr saw 7 goals scored by 5 different Dunfermline players with only 1 goal in reply and ensured a comfortable 18-6 advantage going into the final qtr. With all players getting pooltime, the 4th went 4-2 to DWPC and the final score ending up at 22-8.
The 97s have now progressed to the final to compete for the Dave Balbirnie Trophy scheduled for 3 Mar at Stirling.
In the other 97 semi final, a Menzieshill 97 team travelled from Stirling to RCP to play Portobello. Menzieshill narrowly won 13 -11 over a vastly improved Portobello side. Menzieshill will now play Dunfermline in the Scottish Champs 97 Cup Final.
18 Feb 2013 - Dunfermline WPC Triumph to become 2012 Scottish Senior Men Champions
Dunfermline WPC senior men kept up the success of their U21 squad to take the Scottish Cup after a hard won, entertaining and competitive final against Dundee based Menzieshill with a 15-9 win.
Dunfermline took a narrow 4-3 lead at the end of the first quarter which they stretched to 9-6 by half time. A tight press defence limited the Menzieshill attack to some long range shots. With both teams playing a similar style game, it was always going to be a tight match as Menzieshill worked hard to keep in the game winning the 3rd qtr 2-1 to reduce Dunfermline’s lead to just 2 goals going into the final qtr.
Coach Paul Metcalfe continued to rotate the squad and Dunfermline regained the upper hand in the 4qtr by pressing home the attacks with some clinical finishing and putting away 5 goals with only 1 in reply to extend the lead and take the match 15-9.
5 goals from Chris Campbell led the tally but goals from 7 different players showed the strength in depth of the squad.
16 Feb 2013 - Dunfermline wins back Malta Cup from Edinburgh Uni in 2012 Scottish Championship U21 Cup Final.
Dunfermline WPC left no doubt in the pool last night that they wanted the Malta Cup back to the delight of their supporters filling up the diving pool end of the RCP. Last year, Edinburgh Uni surprised Dunfermline and broke their streak of 3 straight wins with a one goal victory. However, this was not to be repeated this year as Dunfermline scored on their first possession and kept on scoring while totally shutting down the Uni side.
The Campbell twins showed their class immediately despite Edinburgh Uni attempting to press them with their best players. However, the whole Dunfermline team showed their class as other players stepped into the gaps, maintained good team discipline and put their shots away against a strong Edinburgh Uni keeper. It was 7-0 by the end of the first qtr and at half it was a runaway game 14-0.
In the second half, the same occurred until 22-0 when Edinburgh Uni put in a couple past Joe Thomson who was a virtual wall for Dunfermline. In the end it was 27-2. Malta Cup is on it's way back to Dunfermline and this young team look forward to defending it in 2013! Chris Campbell led scoring with 10, but everyone got in the act of offense for Dunfermline.
19 Jan 2013 - Scottish Girls Team for 1998+ Inter Region Champs
The ASA Academy Girls (98 and under) Inter-Regional Tournament will be taking place at Walsall baths on 9-10 February.
Congratulations to the following East District players selected to represent Scotland:
Alison Tate (DWPC), Hannah Milner (DWPC), Caitlin McRobbie(Haddington), Anna Simpson(Warrender), Rebecca Martin(Warrender), Jodie White(Warrender), Emma Hamilton(Warrender), Carys Hardy(Portobello)
All teams to be hosted by the West Midlands at Walsall Gala Baths, Walsall.
Other players selected:
Hannah Edwards(Menzieshill), Kirsty Bell (Menzieshill), Rachel Renton (Menzieshill), Skye Campbell (Stirling),
Sara Morrison(Stirling).
Manager : Brenda Tate (DWPC) Coach : Derek Docherty (Warr/Edi Uni)
Good luck to all involved.
17 Jan 13 - Fun Development 5-a-side Water Polo Tournament Jan 12th (for players born 1998 and later)
Last Saturday Academy and mini Polo squads attended a 5 a side development tournament at Stirling University Pool. The Stirling 50 Meter pool was split into three pitches for the 5-a-side competition with the older and most experienced squads competing in the biggest pitch. The tournament attracted 13 squads and nearly 100 youngsters from all over Scotland. Dunfermline WPC entered 2 teams with the majority of their players 12 years and younger whilst Warrender entered a team into all 3 groups.
Aimed at younger and inexperienced players for players 15 year and younger, teams were put into leagues against similar ability players. The emphasis was on gameplay and enjoyment as opposed to creating a champion though we suspect the players will claim their own winners.
For many of the players this was their first taste of real waterpolo in a tournament format
Scottish water polo development Officer Neal Rayner said, "We succeeded in having lots of kids play and getting lots of touches on the ball in this 5-a-side format. I was thrilled to have 13 squads at a time of the year when we have other trainings and swim competitions on. It was also terrific to have Aberdeen come down to their first Scottish Competition and do so well”.
7 Jan 2013 - Scottish Boys Team for 1998+ Inter Region Champs
Congratulations to the following East District players on their selection to the Scottish Boys team to compete in the 1998+ Inter Regional championships in Liverpool on 26-27 January 2013:
Ross Stewart (DWPC) Scott Wilson (DWPC) Jordan McKilligan (DWPC) James Melville (DWPC) Charlie Johnstone (DWPC), Jamie Heywood (Warrender), Felix Charlton (Portobello), Clayton Woods (Portobello), Bailey Forbes (Warrender)
Other players selected:
Jack Gardner (Falkirk), Ben Parsons (Menzieshill), Cameron Harris (Stirling), Jamie Murray (Stirling)
Manager : Douglas Gardner Coach : Brian Campbell
The team play group matches against East, London, Wales and North West Ravens followed by play-offs as they attempt to gain promotion to division 1.
Good luck to all involved.
20 Dec - Where is the Grant Trophy?
Hartley MacGibbon, West District WP Convener, is keen to revive the Junior Inter-District Championship which has not taken place for some years. The last record we have is 2003 when Alan Donaldson coached the East District to victory (photo here).
Anyone with any information on the whereabouts of the trophy should contact the National Convener at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
16 Dec - Scots celebrate at Loughborough
Two Scottish teams will compete in men's Division One for the first time next season after Caledonia clinched a top three spot in Championship 1 at Loughborough University (16 December) with wins over Invicta and Sutton & Cheam. 10 of todays 13 players were from Dunfermline and the team will join Portobello next year as one of the 8 teams in the top division of waterpolo. This rounds off a good year for Scottish men’s polo and with East District players to the fore.
8 Dec - Congratulations to Paul Metcalfe, David Armstrong and Alan Anderson who were nominated for Special Awards at the 2012 East District AGM for their contribution to the London 2012 Olympics waterpolo events. Portobello Water Polo team were also named winners of the Peter Heatly Trophy and Ian Lindsay (Warr) collected the East District Junior Player of the Year trophy.
Congratulations to all the award winners.
29 Oct - 27 ED Players represented Scotland at the Annual Tri-Nations International Waterpolo Tournament held this year in Cardiff. Team lists below.
The junior girls and junior men lost both their games against more experienced and older opposition whilst the Senior Men narrowly lost 9-7 to Wales and, after taking an early lead against Ireland, eventually lost by 1 goal at 10-9. Scottish Ladies however were successful and defeated both Wales and Ireland to return Tri-Nations Champions.
Gabby Gatherer (DWPC) was awarded best Junior Girl goalkeeper whilst Neilson Rutherford was awarded ‘Most Valued Player’ for the Men.
14 Sep - Scotland Squad announced for 2012 Tri Nations International Tournament being held in Cardiff 27/28 Oct. East District is well represented once again in all 4 squads. Below is a list of the East District players selected to represent Scotland:
Junior Women (Born 95 and younger):
Alison Tate (DASC and DWPC), Gabby Gatherer (INCAS and DWPC), Katy Barker (WARR), Mairi Jaap (WARR)
Senior Women:
Julia Mackay (DWPC), Gael Logan (WARR), Vicki Witko (Warr), Chantal Guillot (DWPC), Gabby Morris (Warr)
Junior Boys (Born 95 and younger):
James Philip Heywood (Warr), Daniel Woodall (Capt) (DWPC), Iain Lindsay (Warr), Luke Thomson (DWPC), Rory Gallacher (PORT), Scott Wilson (DWPC), Liam Rodger (DWPC)
Senior Men:
Bojan Donevski (PORT), Simon Metcalfe (DWPC), Andrew Woodall (DWPC), Neilson Rutherford (CAPT)(PORT), Fraser Rutherfor (PORT), Ed Grundy (PORT), Alasdair Campbell (DWPC), Mark Speed (DWPC), Tom Crammond (PORT)
Final two places from the following reserves:
Miles Radcliffe Trenner (PORT), David Baxter (DWPC), Darren Campbell (DWPC), Chris Campbell (DWPC), Stewart Carlisle (DWPC), Lorcan Morgan (PORT).
6 Jul 12 - 5 live sports extra are broadcasting the GB games in Ireland from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 Jul. Also you can follow Tweet updates on Lisa Knight’s 's twitter feed. She's at 'newslisaknights'.
Portobello won the Men’s league with DWPC second and Edi Uni third. In the final match between the top 2 teams, Portobello showed their experience by closing out the game, narrowly beating DWPC by a single goal in a tense match at Stirling.
In the Ladies league, Edi Uni currently have top spot with DWPC third.
ED Clubs with junior squads have been represented at The Scottish Waterpolo Academy for young players which is just completing its first block of sessions at RCP on Fri nights. Approx 40 players have been taking part and a further block will continue in the Autumn. This academy is linked with the GB Regional Training Centre (RTC) system and is seen as the first step towards national squad selection and a route into GB squads.
11 members of ED clubs attended Grade D and grade C referees course and exams held in Glasgow in Jun; thanks go to ED committee for contributing to the course fees, very much appreciated.
A number of Development events have taken place over the past few months, targetting new players or players with little game experience. These have taken place in Dunfermline, Falkirk and most recently, Midland District supported a development tournament in Forfar.
DWPC attended this 7 club event which was run by Menzieshill WH of which 5 teams were from within local swimming clubs. Over 70 youngsters took part and a great afternoon was had by all, plus the event was also made more special when teams were allowed access to the Olympic torch that had been carried by Louise Fox of MHW.
All 4 Scottish National squads have held training sessions which will continue over the summer and ED clubs continue to be well represented by players and team staff.