Southend swimming club's water polo team have completed a triumphant season by clinching an impressive double.

First up was a championship success, with the Seasiders lifting the Division Four title in their first year competing in the London water polo league.

During a hard season, Southend only lost points at Bexley, where they drew 9-9, and Basingstoke, falling to a rare 7-2 defeat.

And in the Referee's Cup final another piece of silverware was bagged, with Southend beating Met Police in a physical match where the winners' extra swimming fitness proved the deciding factor.

The Seasiders' goalscorers were T Denkmayer (4), K Oldfield (3) and B Saunders. A special mention must also be made of the stout defending of K Hume, G Goodman, G Clarke and G Chapman, plus the hardworking midfield trio of K Bridge, M Hammond and M Townley.

Published Wednesday, January 15, 2003

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