BASINGSTOKE Bluefins ladies water polo team travelled to Croydon expecting a tough afternoon full of games, but the failure of half the teams to show up meant that the only other team available to play was Polytechnic Ladies.

Despite this setback, the teams lined up for their one and only match of the afternoon.

The first quarter was a close, tense affair with few goals scored.

The teams sounded each other out, testing their opponents’ strengths and weaknesses.

Basingstoke more than held their own and produced a solid defensive display, shutting down many opposition attacks and looking dangerous on the counter themselves.

The game started to turn in Basingstoke’s favour after the half-time break.

Having a good number of substitutes on the bench meant they were able to keep up a high-intensity game, maintain the pressure and tire their opponents out.

A strong few minutes at the beginning of the fourth quarter came at just the right time.

This spell saw the Bluefins pull a few goals ahead, putting a cushion between them and Polytechnic.

As a result, they just had to see the game out and defend their lead.

Despite a late surge from Polytechnic, Basingstoke held their opponents at arm’s length for the remainder of the game and protected their lead, emerging as 9-6 winners after an exciting and hard-fought game.

Basingstoke: Kate Richards, Michelle Foulkes, Megan Fletcher, Cara Malone, Charlyne Lebosse, Aimee Dannan, Gina Lay, Rachel Mell.