The draw for the 2023 President’s Cup Knockout Handicap Competition was made at the AGM in January. Eight teams have entered, Frome, Weston-super-Mare, City of Bristol Harlequins, Taunton Deane, Swansea, Swindon and Newton Abbot. The first round matches need to be completed by June 30th 2023.
Frome v University of Bath – 1st March 2023 – 14-25 Final Score
Wednesday 1st March. A six-goal lead has been awarded to the University of Bath for their away fixture at Frome Leisure Centre, starting at 8.45 pm. Referees are Mike Coles and Chris Selby.
Frome failed to contain Tom Hunt, who has recently been selected to represent Great Britain, in their home tie of the BWWPL President’s Cup Knockout Competition. The Students had been awarded a six goal start over the Somerset team, who finished in the runners-up spot of Division 1 last year.
Tom scored six goals and assisted in many more, but top scorer for the University Students was Ceri Griffiths, who netted seven goals, and Frome were defeated 14-25.
Frome were without their regular and stalwart goalkeeper, Andy Perry, who has recently undergone a hip operation, and we all wish him well in his recovery.
Taunton v Swansea – 23rd April 2023 – Final Score 15 – 20 (8). Swansea progress to Semi-final.
A St George’s Day encounter for the Somerset-based team at Taunton against Welsh side Swansea. The fixture will be played at Taunton Swimming Pool, at 8pm. Swansea have been awarded an eight goal lead over the home side.
Swindon Dolphins v Newton Abbot – 14th May 2023 – Final Scorer: 24 (12) – 8. Swindon progress to Semi-final.
Swindon Dolphins are hosts to Division 1 side, Newton Abbot, at Marlborough College, 12:15 Swim Off.
The handicap committee have given Swindon a 12 goal start for this game.
Weston-super-Mare v City of Bristol Harlequins – 21st May 2023 – Final Score: 10 – 8 (3). Weston-super-Mare progress to Semi-final
The draw produced a repeat of last year’s semi-final which was played in the Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare. This year’s fixture is earlier in the year, so it was thought better to play at Hutton Moor Leisure Centre on Sunday 21st May, at 6.30 pm. Based on last year’s result, the Harlequin’s side, that went on to be the 2022 victors in the competition, have been awarded a three goal start.
University of Bath v Weston-super-Mare. Semi-Final.
The match for the first semi-final drew Weston-super-Mare away to University of Bath. The Handicap Committee awarded University of Bath a five goal advantage, and the match was scheduled to be played on 22nd July. However, University of Bath were unable to field a side and conceded, therefore Weston-super-Mare proceeded to the Final.
Swindon Dolphins v Swansea. Semi-Final
This game was scheduled for 10th September at Swindon’s HQ, Marlborough College Pool. Swansea were awarded a three goal start over Swindon. However, Swansea were unable to field a side and conceded. Therefore Swindon Dolphins progress to the final with Weston-super-Mare, on a date to decided.