Back to Back Wins

That division 1 team, they can’t help themselves now.

Two wins on the bounce, this time with a 12 - 7 win over Corrib in Lisburn on Saturday. Decky McKerr was the danger man again with 4 goals while the other 8 goals came from 8 players across the team. Corrib had a big 3rd quarter, pulling the score from 8-4 to 8-7 before the lads took control again.

Our division 3 team traveled to Dublin on Sunday to play St Vincents. The squad was pretty thin with just 8 players. It wasn’t help by a hapless display by the unnamed author of these reporter picking up 3 majors before halftime, leaving the team to play the second half with no substitutions. Going into the 4th quarter the teams were tied at 10-10, impressive, given the circumstances.

The game finished 15-11 to St Vincents, they really got away with one here.

Both teams have a few weeks break before playing again.

Winning, it's alright. Cú Chulainn 12 - Drogheda 6

It’s alright isn’t it?

Winning games; you could really get a taste for it once you get started.

First team had a chance to bounce back from defeat to Sandycove with a game against Drogheda in an Irish Cup Qualifier.

In order to keep things interesting the team went down 2 goals in the first quarter. After a few minutes of the 2nd quarter the score sat at 5-2 to Drogheda. Then something happened, something explainable (mostly due to the fact I wasn’t there and am using a picture of the score sheet). The thing that happened was Decky McKerr and Cathal Fitzpatrick. Off they went on a mini scoring spree bringing the score to 5-7 at half time.

That was pretty much that, Drogheda scored once in the second half. As McKerr and Fitzpatrick to a wee rest from scoring the squad stepped up with goals from Campfield, Donnelly, Jacob Duffin, O’Callaghan and a first team debut goal for Creagh.

To the Irish Cup.

Huzzah!

New Year - Newish Story

Yeah it was quiet, oh, how about yours?

Yeah quiet, family, the usual.

Then it was the new year and then it was the first weekend of water polo fixtures.

The first team headed to Dublin for a qualifier for the Irish Cup against Sandycove. Win this and a place would be secured. Lose it and it’s another trip to Dublin the next day for a final bite at the apple.

Nothing has been easy this season, so far, for either senior team and things were not about to change. Sandycove running out 15-8 winners. Details of how things went have been hard to come by but going 5 goals down in the first quarter probably tells it’s own story.

Meanwhile in division 3, a blend of youth and whiskey soaked experience took on Athlone; a bottom of the table super clash with both teams looking to register their first points on the season.

This went well, really well with the team coasting to a 18-5 win.

Impressive performances from the juniors who played, all getting on the score sheet.

If Man of the Match awards were handed out, that would go to Emmet Ewing; scored 4 goals. All from distance; all perfectly placed in the corners. But it wasn’t just the goals, he put in a strong performance defensively, putting in solid tackles and interceptions and getting the team moving up the pool.

Well done that manboy.

Ulster Skills Camp 27th & 28th December

There will be an Ulster Skills Camp in Bangor just after Christmas.

The target age-groups are u15’s and over 15’s. The boys and girls have slightly different age groupings due to skill level and numbers of players. The sessions are aimed to be streamed to match the ability of the athletes and it is important that we get numbers and registration before the 8th Dec. We would like you to invite players who are aged 17, 18 and 19 to take part in the later session each day.

COACHES – lead coaches have been appointed for each session however we need volunteers from each club to enable us to run the Skills Camp smoothly. Level 2 coaches who want to refine their skills, Level 1 coaches who want to learn from more experienced coaches or just coach a different group of players.

Deadline for entry is Friday 7th December - if you are interested, please return completed form to me at this address.

We would appreciate if all payments could be made by either BANK TRANSFER or CHEQUE (made payable to Cu Chulainn WPC and posted to 44 Downshire Park East, Belfast BT6 9JP). Please make reference to Ulster Skills Camp with either form of payment.

Cash should not be handed to coaches at training sessions.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Joe on 07739843180.

CLICK HERE FOR THE REGISTRATION FORM.

Junior Blitz Events

Cú Chulainn junior teams have been invited to play a number Junior Blitz events.

For anyone new to the club, these events are a great introduction to the sport with lots of game time in a relaxed, fun, non-competitive environment on a Friday evening.

Dates to keep in mind (these may change, nothing in Irish Water Polo is ever set in stone!):

Friday 16th November U15's (possibly boys only) - Born 2003 & Later

Friday 23rd November U13's - Mixed - Born 2005 & Later

Friday 30th November U9 - Mixed - Born 2009 & Later

Friday 7th  December U11's - Mixed - Born 2007 & Later

Friday 14th December U15's (possibly Girls only) - Born 2003 & Later

Keep an eye on the website and social media for updates.