WATER POLO returned to the sea last week, keeping alive a century-old tradition as Bridport Barracudas took on the Lyme Bay Lifeboatmen.

The annual friendly was played in the sea off the Cobb prior to a more serious encounter with old rivals Wessex from Weymouth.

Bridport included the usual mix of veterans and juniors to present a formidable challenge to the mixed lifeboat crew.

Water Polo is a sport which requires both swimming ability and ball skills which are not easy to hone for the novice - a factor which referee Pete Follet, back from New Zealand to assume this duty, took account of from his vantage point on the Cobb wall as the Lifeboatmen gamely came to grips with the handling and contact rules.

In the meantime Barracudas' swimming ability gave them advantage in winning the ball and the team soon began to move the ball smoothly around the floating pitch.

Goals began to flow too with Michael Harbrun, Mike Stewart-Dodd and Nick Dunford on the scoresheet. A steady performance and some lackadaisical shooting saw Bridport's tally reach double figures but there was consolation for the Lifeboatmen with a single goal in the fourth quarter.

Against Wessex, busy preparing for their South West League play-offs and with a trimmed down Martin Rutland in goal, Barracudas were facing a daunting task and perhaps regretting their earlier exertions.

The two teams know one another well however and despite Wessex's apparently superior strength a close game followed.

Steve Restorick was active and accurate up front for Wessex but Weymouth held their own well and notched up two goals to Wessex's three by full time.

How different things might have been had Fred Fowler, released from goalkeeping duty for a quarter, not been guilty of the most stupefying short range miss - something to work on during training.

* Sessions currently take place in the sea at West Bay on Mondays at 7.30pm before returning to Bridport Leisure Centre on Mondays at 8.30pm from September 8.

The club is open to all swimmers, male and female, over 12 years old with moderate swimming ability. They have high hopes of a return in 2004 to the harbour at West Bay once work on the new harbour which should, accommodate the floating pitch, is completed.

For further information contact bridportwaterpolo@yahoogroups.com