Never Say Die
Oxford University Water Polo Men's Blues Season Report 2022/23
As is often the OUWPC way, the season started with a bang. Hectic recruitment in fresher's week left the Oxford Blues travelling to the reigning champions' home turf in Bristol having not yet trained with or even met their new coach, Colin Gasper. A scrappy match ensued and although Oxford lost, the skill and passion displayed from players, both old and new, left both Captain (Michael Hampshire) and Coach Colin optimistic about what was to come. A newcomer -- Kervin Tsai -- received the Man of the Match award after a strong performance in the centre back position, where he would stay for the rest of the season.
Oxford University Water Polo Men's Blues Season Report 2022/23
As is often the OUWPC way, the season started with a bang. Hectic recruitment in fresher's week left the Oxford Blues travelling to the reigning champions' home turf in Bristol having not yet trained with or even met their new coach, Colin Gasper. A scrappy match ensued and although Oxford lost, the skill and passion displayed from players, both old and new, left both Captain (Michael Hampshire) and Coach Colin optimistic about what was to come. A newcomer -- Kervin Tsai -- received the Man of the Match award after a strong performance in the centre back position, where he would stay for the rest of the season.
Soon after that defeat, the first team was finalised, and real training began. Bonding immediately, the team showed character and fought through two close matches, beating Kings at home (12:11) and Cardiff away (9:10). In both games Oxford came back from behind, a theme that somewhat continued for the rest of the season. Finlay Harris secured a man of the match award against Kings for some incredibly sharp shooting before Matthew Schaffel claimed one against Cardiff for reaching his target of conceding under 10 goals. This target, he previously claimed, would mean a 'guaranteed win' for the boys in blue. With four points on the board and sitting in third position, the team picked up some momentum and were able to smash through Imperial at home (12:8) and Bath twice, first at home (13:10) and then away (10:14). Another first team newcomer, Alen Maguire, picked up the MotM award against Imperial for scoring with confidence on his debut for the Blues. Against Bath, Vice-Captain Jack Sun, and Club President Vincent Luscombe picked up the awards: Jack for an all-round strong performance in both defence and attack, and Vincent for proving himself as a formidable force on the perimeter with some vicious five-meter shots.
Then came Bristol again. This time at home, and a must win match. However, things were looking bleak after illness ruled out Connor Grubaugh (a stalwart defender) and the dynamic Pembroke duo of Rushil Shah and Bence Tanko Bartalis who were required at a college scholar's dinner. Despite being three men down, a passionate team talk from Coach Colin alongside some hairdryer treatment from Captain Michael gave the boys a necessary kick to start the match with a vengeance, and they stormed into an early 4:0 lead. Stoic defence followed and the underdog Oxford team secured the win (11 -- 7). This piled the pressure onto a Bristol team who were previously undefeated in three years. With the Oxford boys hot on their heels, Bristol could not afford to drop any points if they were to retain their title. Another newcomer, Ben Griffin, picked up the MotM award for some sneaky counterattack play that showed off the veteran player's experience in the game. The Oxford boys reunited with their Pembroke compatriots in the depths of Parkend after a spirited Christmas Dinner with the women's and second's team. What better way to celebrate?
Following that huge win, Oxford ended Michaelmas term with two more, firstly against Kings (8 -- 11) and then Cardiff (14 -- 11). Alex Christie, a man previously known as an assist-merchant, picked up the MotM award against Kings for a beautiful goal that put Oxford in front at a crucial point in the game. Michael Hampshire picked up the award against Cardiff after scoring 4 solid goals in the fourth quarter to ensure that two points were in the bag against Cardiff.
Storming into Hilary with only one game in the season remaining, Oxford were still sat in second place -- until Bristol slipped up against a feisty Bath team (14:16), which left the door open for Oxford to win the league against Imperial. To warm up for the match, Oxford played an energetic RAF team which they dispatched with style (??). Perhaps a little overconfident from this performance and the 9-match unbeaten streak, Oxford started slowly against Imperial, which quickly proved the biggest game of the season. Going into the third quarter, Oxford had a five-goal deficit to overcome. The crowd rallied behind boys, with the Women's captain, Maya Lemaire, quoted at half time saying 'they love the drama, we all know they'll still win'. And that they did. Displaying incredible spirit and team strength, the Blues fought back to win the match (16:15) and the league. With no single standout player, the whole team was awarded the MotM Award. Being crowned BUCS South Champions also qualified us for the European University Games.
Storming into Hilary with only one game in the season remaining, Oxford were still sat in second place -- until Bristol slipped up against a feisty Bath team (14:16), which left the door open for Oxford to win the league against Imperial. To warm up for the match, Oxford played an energetic RAF team which they dispatched with style (??). Perhaps a little overconfident from this performance and the 9-match unbeaten streak, Oxford started slowly against Imperial, which quickly proved the biggest game of the season. Going into the third quarter, Oxford had a five-goal deficit to overcome. The crowd rallied behind boys, with the Women's captain, Maya Lemaire, quoted at half time saying 'they love the drama, we all know they'll still win'. And that they did. Displaying incredible spirit and team strength, the Blues fought back to win the match (16:15) and the league. With no single standout player, the whole team was awarded the MotM Award. Being crowned BUCS South Champions also qualified us for the European University Games.
As is always the way with a fairy tale finish, there has to be a sting in the tale. Or in this case, two. Despite sweeping past Oxford City in the annual Town Verses Gown Match (19:10), the Blues crashed out of the National Championships in the Quarter Final against reigning national champions, Edinburgh (14:8). The team from the BUCS North Division showed their quality but Oxford put in a performance that proved that they could compete with the best of the best. Following that, the well-known foe -- Cambridge University -- were next. With insider information provided by Kit Gallagher, the boys felt ready to take on their age-old rivals. On paper, Oxford were clear favourites to win after a dominant season. However with a shallow pool and an away crowd the match simply did not want to go their way. The Blues went down in the first half by seven goals while still calibrating to the shallow pool. In an amazing display of mental resilience, the lads stayed calm under increasing pressure and rallied in the third quarter, bringing the match back to 15:13 with one quarter to go. The crowd and the Cambridge team became nervy, and Oxford picked up confidence -- they are comeback kings after all. However, with a swap of sides Cambridge were able to see out the fourth quarter whilst defending the shallow end and take the Varsity match. The Oxford Blues once again displayed unity and strength of heart, fighting to the end of a difficult match that refused to swing their way. Despite this, the lads ventured out in Cambridge, showing resolve and humility in defeat.
Overall, the season was a huge success both on and off the pitch. The lads in the first team fostered a passionate, honourable, and fun culture which enabled greater unity with both the second's and women's teams. Social events were busy and harmonious and attendance at the sports club night steadily grew throughout the season. On the pitch, despite losing a close fought Varsity match, the boys did incredibly well to win a tough BUCs South Title, a feisty Town Vs Gown match, and qualify for the European University Games. The season can only be described as a roaring success and there is a lot to look forward to both this summer and next year.
Overall, the season was a huge success both on and off the pitch. The lads in the first team fostered a passionate, honourable, and fun culture which enabled greater unity with both the second's and women's teams. Social events were busy and harmonious and attendance at the sports club night steadily grew throughout the season. On the pitch, despite losing a close fought Varsity match, the boys did incredibly well to win a tough BUCs South Title, a feisty Town Vs Gown match, and qualify for the European University Games. The season can only be described as a roaring success and there is a lot to look forward to both this summer and next year.
Wrapping up with some thank yous... firstly and most importantly to Colin Gasper, the new Coach of the men's Blues team. Colin immediately bonded with the squad and helped us develop both individually and as a team, on and off the pitch. It will be exciting to see where he can take the team next year. Secondly, to the Committee who have helped the season run smoothly. Finally, to the players leaving -- Alex Christie, Rushil Shah, Matthew Schaffel, and Michael Hampshire. Alex is leaving after four years in the Blues; his dedication to the team and the sport has been admirable and his presence will be missed next year. Rushil's term as social secretary this year contributed to developing a strong team culture through socials and crew dates, and his naughty goals on the pitch speak for themself. Matthew Schaffel has been club treasurer for the past three years, an achievement in of itself. However, he went above and beyond this year by becoming the Goalkeeper coach for the Women and Men's Seconds. Schaffel has worked as hard as anyone to ensure that talent is nurtured in the club. He has also become a contender for GB #1 on route. Finally, our esteemed captain Michael Hampshire filled in whatever role he was needed in -- whether that was filling in for coaching the M2 or Women's team, leading our training and matches, scoring crucial goals, or giving some fiery speeches at halftime to help the lads keep their heads. He has left big shoes to fill, and his contributions to OUWPC will not be forgotten.
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Kervin Tsai. Our Singaporean Centre Back Kervin has been a vital player both defensively and in attack throughout the year. He has always performed on the big occasions and demonstrated both strong technical ability and an impressive understanding of the game.
Player's Player: Vincent Luscombe and Ben Griffin. President Vincent has shown unmatched dedication to the team and the club as a whole; he has been a positive influence on squad culture and is well liked throughout the club. He is looking forward to his retirement from Committee and will end his OUWPC career next season decorated with a Full Blue, a Varsity win, some European gameplay, and a BUCS South Title. At the other end of the spectrum, newcomer Ben is just getting going, having arrived this year for a PHD. Ben was immediately embraced by the team after donning an impressive Shrek costume to Freshers Curry and putting in a strong performance at Bridge. The veteran player has been an experienced voice throughout the season and will doubtless be a big name on the team sheet for years to come.
Most Improved: Finlay Harris. Finlay returned to OUWPC this year with a vengeance. Not only has he proved himself as a lethal attacker, but he has also become a vocal and necessary voice during tough spots. He steps up in the big moments and has helped people around him to the same. He, along with Jack Sun, will be two keys to success for the team next year.
Top Goal Scorers: Michael Hampshire -- 63, Vincent Luscombe -- 35, Finlay Harris -- 17
Major King: Kervin Tsai -- 13, Michael Hampshire -- 13, Rushil Shah -- 12
Written by Michael Hampshire and Jack Sun (Captain and Vice-Captain)
Awards
Most Valuable Player: Kervin Tsai. Our Singaporean Centre Back Kervin has been a vital player both defensively and in attack throughout the year. He has always performed on the big occasions and demonstrated both strong technical ability and an impressive understanding of the game.
Player's Player: Vincent Luscombe and Ben Griffin. President Vincent has shown unmatched dedication to the team and the club as a whole; he has been a positive influence on squad culture and is well liked throughout the club. He is looking forward to his retirement from Committee and will end his OUWPC career next season decorated with a Full Blue, a Varsity win, some European gameplay, and a BUCS South Title. At the other end of the spectrum, newcomer Ben is just getting going, having arrived this year for a PHD. Ben was immediately embraced by the team after donning an impressive Shrek costume to Freshers Curry and putting in a strong performance at Bridge. The veteran player has been an experienced voice throughout the season and will doubtless be a big name on the team sheet for years to come.
Most Improved: Finlay Harris. Finlay returned to OUWPC this year with a vengeance. Not only has he proved himself as a lethal attacker, but he has also become a vocal and necessary voice during tough spots. He steps up in the big moments and has helped people around him to the same. He, along with Jack Sun, will be two keys to success for the team next year.
Top Goal Scorers: Michael Hampshire -- 63, Vincent Luscombe -- 35, Finlay Harris -- 17
Major King: Kervin Tsai -- 13, Michael Hampshire -- 13, Rushil Shah -- 12
Written by Michael Hampshire and Jack Sun (Captain and Vice-Captain)
