Our Year 8s made history at the English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) National Championships, delivering a series of courageous, high-quality performances to win Habs’ first national water polo title since 2012!
Our brilliant U13 team was made up of Alexander (8M2), Avir (8C2), Henry (8J1), Jeremy (8R1), Joe (8R2), Johnny (8H2), Louis (8S1), Lucas (8C2), Nathaniel (8S1), Ronan (8S1), Stephen (8C2), Tom (8R1), Veer (8J2).
“Wednesday 7th May marked the climax of the U13 Water Polo season and the final National Championships of the year. The English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) runs National Championships across three age groups, and Habs’, alongside Whitgift School, were one of only two schools to qualify for the final six tournament at U18, U15 and U13 level—an extraordinary achievement.
Habs were drawn in the same group as Whitgift School and St Ambrose College, Cheshire, avoiding traditional powerhouses Trinity School, Croydon and Bolton School, Manchester. With only two group games, every goal would count—not just for a place in the semi-finals, but also for crucial seeding.
First up were Whitgift, boasting a strong and confident central midfielder. But after a sharp warm-up, the Habs boys flew out of the blocks, storming to a 3–0 half-time lead. A couple more goals followed, allowing Mr Brkovic to rotate the squad and give all players some valuable game time. A 6–1 victory set the tone for the day, and the squad—smiling and relaxed—looked in good shape.
Remarkably, St Ambrose also beat Whitgift 6–1, setting up a group decider. The winner would avoid Bolton, who had dominated Trinity and Dulwich in the other group and looked every bit the tournament favourites.
Once again, Habs started fast. Jeremy was his usual commanding presence in goal, marshalling his defence with composure. Habs scored twice during a dominant spell, but also missed two penalties thanks to some extraordinary keeping from the St Ambrose goalie—his wingspan made the goal feel half its size. Unfortunately, heads began to drop and St Ambrose took advantage, scoring two unanswered goals to level the match and take it to a penalty shoot-out. Their keeper went into “invincible mode” once again, and Habs lost 2–0, setting up a daunting semi-final clash with Bolton.
What followed was one of those matches you feel privileged to witness: the two best sides in the country going toe-to-toe. Bolton were stronger and faster, but Habs raised their game to a new level. Marking was relentless, pressing was effective, and Bolton found themselves on the back foot for the first time all day. Habs led 2–1 at half time and began to dream. But Bolton hit back with two quick goals, taking a 3–2 lead with 90 seconds left. Lesser teams might have crumbled—but not this one. Ronan, irrepressible all tournament, scored his third to level it. With the final throw of the game, Henry launched a spectacular long-range shot that cannoned off both crossbar and post—agonisingly close. It ended 3–3, and another penalty shoot-out followed.
This time, the staff couldn’t watch. Tom, Henry, and Ronan stepped up—between them securing a famous victory and a place in the final: a rematch against St Ambrose.
Momentum was with Habs now, and Ambrose looked rattled. Bolton took out their frustrations on Dulwich to secure bronze, and the final began. The boys played with belief, cohesion and confidence—their trust in each other was palpable. Johnny, Nathaniel and Stephen piled on pressure from the wings, while the Ambrose keeper once again pulled off some miraculous saves. But it was Louis who stepped up, scoring two excellent goals and claiming the final’s Man of the Match award. Habs won 4–2, securing their first National Championship title since 2012.
The boys will now enjoy some well-earned rest before heading to Belgium in mid-June for a post-season tour. Enormous credit goes to Coach Brkovic, ably assisted by Ms Jovanovic, who has guided this team superbly. The players have responded to everything asked of them—the latest in a proud tradition of great Habs Water Polo sides.”
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