A YOUNGSTER from Okehampton was part of the regional team that clinched a bronze medal at the under 14 ASA Inter-Regional Water Polo Championships.

Will Cunningham represented the South West in the competition held at Walsall on December 6 and 7. The team was selected during a trial at Exeter, with Will being selected from among 40 applicants.

The team performed strongly throughout the competition, particularly considering that the 13 member squad had never played together as a team before the tournament.

They finished the first day of the competition unbeaten in their pool of four teams from as far afield as Scotland, the North West and North East.

The Sunday morning saw the South West team narrowly lose their semi final 4-3, after staging a third quarter comeback from 2-0 down to lead 3-2. After their semi final disappointment, they went on to convincingly win the bronze medal playoff, helped by a great bouncer shot from Will into the top corner of the goal.

Oke Water Polo Club meets at Parklands Leisure Centre on Sunday evenings between 6pm and 7.30pm and the emphasis is very much on fun and game time rather than heavy training sessions. Anyone from 12 to over 50s, ladies and men, can play.

Competent swimmers who would enjoy vigorous swimming with some ball handling and teamwork are always welcome to come along and try a few free taster sessions.

Normal sessions will restart after Christmas on the second Sunday in the New Year.