Enfield 1sts’ Winter League promotion push remains on track after beating Hornchurch 10-6 (2-3, 2-1, 4-1, 2-1) on Wednesday night at Southgate.
In the opening quarter, Enfield struggled with the visitors’ physical approach and soon found themselves 2-0 down.
Juniors Richard Waller and Charlie Briers fought back with a goal apiece, but after some fine saves from the Hornchurch keeper, Enfield trailed 3-2 at the end of the first.
The second period was another even affair, but strikes from Briers and Alex Waller enabled the hosts to level the game at 4-4.
With the east Londoners tiring, Enfield counter-attacked strongly in the third and Andy Rollé made up for some earlier howlers with two fine breakaway goals.
Briers completed his hat-trick with a powerful shot from distance and Rob Threadgold finished off a well-worked move to put Enfield 8-5 ahead.
In the fourth, Hornchurch again battled hard, but goals from Richard Waller and Rob Lucas made it 10-6 to seal the points for Enfield.
Enfield 1sts next London Water Polo Winter League fixture is “The Enfield Derby” against Enfield 2nds on Wednesday, 25 February at Southgate Leisure Centre, 9pm start.
Enfield’s team in full against Hornchurch: Andy Boorman, Andy Poore, Rob Lucas (1), Giles Owen, Craig Snowdon, Alex Waller (1), Richard Waller (2), Charlie Briers (3), Tony Matthews, Rob Threadgold (1), Andy Rollé (2) & Martin Ilievski.