Croydon Amphibians U19s water polo team came within a whisker of upsetting the favourites in the National age group final, leaving co-coach Mickey Helps feeling “privileged” to be associated with them.

After beating Exeter 14-6 in the semi-final, Croydon faced the hosts and favourites Manchester in the final – going down by just 5-4.

Helps said: “It’s been a privilege to work with such a talented bunch of lads. They have performed so well, conducting themselves with distinction throughout the tournament.

“This is the premier competition in the country for the juniors, and we hope they realise what a great achievement they have been part of after once they can see past the obvious disappointment of just missing out on the title.

Croydon got off to a great start in the final, with Matt Helps scoring the opening goal having stolen the ball in defence.

However Manchester replied almost instantly to level the scores at the end of the first quarter.

Great goalkeeping by both keepers, especially Croydon’s Peter Deutsch, kept the second quarter a tight affair, but an inspired spell of Croydon team interplay set up Ashley Castle to score two goals.

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Croydon Amphibians U19s waterpolo team

The third and fourth quarters saw a resurgent Manchester pull back three goals to only one further goal from Croydon level the scores 4-4 going into the last two minutes.

As Manchester tested a Croydon’s defence, that has been their strength throughout the tournament, mounting a series of attacks upon a tiring Croydon team the home crowd sensed the opportunity for victory.

With just over a minute to go, a penalty was awarded to Manchester which they converted.

With less than 30 seconds to play a Manchester player was excluded meaning Croydon had a few precious seconds to play with a man-up advantage.

They were however not able to capitalise on this and Manchester’s celebrations on the final whistle showed their relief at winning a hard-fought and entertaining final 5-4.