South East Regional Club Water Polo Finals - Sunday 22nd April 2007

After winning twelve from twelve games, in the Kent League 2006/07, Hythe moved forward to compete in the South East Regional Finals. The format saw Hythe meet Basingstoke in the first of the semi finals, Basingstoke were the runners up in the Hampshire League and contained some pedigree and it was thought they would be a hard opposition for the Kent based side. The game was dominated by Hythe from the first whistle and the result never in doubt. At half time Hythe were four goals clear and looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory. Hythe maintained a professional approach and at full time the score was 18 – 6 in the favour of the Kent team.
The second semi final saw the runners up in the Kent League Bexley face a strong looking Jersey team who were the 2006/07 winners of the Hampshire League suffering only one defeat. After watching the first two minutes of the game, it was clear who the opponents would be in the final, Jersey ramming in five goals without a reply from the Kent runners up. At full time there was an equal margin to that of the first game.

Water Polo Team

The final saw Hythe meet Jersey, both sides deserved their place in the final having easily won their respective leagues and semis comfortably. Hythe started brightly but found themselves behind to an early goal. Callum Bailey replied quickly to bring the Kent side level. At the conclusion of the first period Hythe Aqua led by two goals and looked to be comfortable.
Hythe were kept solid in defence by Russell Cave and by Captain / part-time goalkeeper Alan Smith. Paul Hancock and Marc Stephenson linked well with with the Bailey brothers in attack to push the Hythe Aqua team ahead, half time read 9 – 4 to Hythe. The team stayed solid and despite taking strong play from the Jersey side Hythe retaliated the correct way with more goals. Hythe finished victors by a comfortable margin,

Hythe team –
Alan Smith (Captain), Marc Stephenson, Russell Cave, Paul Hancock, Jamie Bailey, Callum Bailey, Oliver Bray, Andrew Ayres, Tom Burridge, Jamie Platts, Scott Holder.