Watford’s final Championship four weekend at Walsall Gala Baths proved very successful for the club as they clinched the title in dramatic circumstances.
Watford began the weekend in second spot, one point off leaders Grantham and one point ahead of third place Ealing. The club only needed a point for promotion but also with games against both teams, Watford knew they could also win the title.
The club’s opening weekend fixture was against near rivals Ealing and having recently beaten their opponents in the Referee’s Cup final the local rivals were set on revenge. But Watford had the better of the first half and held a slender 6-5 lead at the half way stage.
At the end of the final period the score was level at 12-12, both sides then had chances to snatch a winner but the game finished in a draw and the one point gained from the match was enough to earn Watford promotion.
Watford trailed Grantham by two points but victory on the Sunday morning against them would give the club the title in their first season in the British Water Polo League.
The game started competitively but Watford were on the wrong end of a 8-4 score line. Then during the third period, Watford scored eight goals with no reply until the dying seconds when Ealing snatched two back.
Further goals were exchanged but with only 15 seconds remaining Ealing scored again leave Watford with a single goal advantage. Despite late pressure there so no further scoring and Watford secured the championship.
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