We wanted to improve on our 2009 league position of 4th with a good performance in the British Championships in February earlier this year. Having not qualified for the finals in the last 3 years we knew it would be tough however, two hard fought victories against our local rivals Cheltenham (16-15) and Scottish outfit Portobello (13-11) on day 1 ensured our passage through to the finals weekend. With qualification already achieved Central played Lancaster on day 2 of the preliminary weekend and suffered a 17-10 defeat which meant we were drawn against Manchester in the semi-finals. A strong team performance would be needed for us to overcome a team that had finished ahead of us in the league and had the advantage of being cheered on by the home crowd. A strong start by Central went some way to silence the Manchester supporters and a dominant display saw us achieve a comprehensive victory 9-5. Our opponents in the final were Lancaster and we were keen to avenge our preliminary round defeat a fortnight earlier. Unfortunately we were unable to replicate our high standard of play of the previous day and ran out defeated finalists 17 - 10 and so finished with a silver medal in the British Championships, the biggest competition of our year.

The first matches of the national league started in September of this year. Our aims at the start of the season were to ensure a top 5 finish and qualification to next year’s British Championships. With some impressive team displays, which saw us win 7 out of 9 games, we achieved this feat with a 3rd place position at the half way stage. It is fair to say that in the second half of the season we have risen to the challenge of playing top quality sides week in week out, and with 6 games remaining of the 2010 season we are currently top of the league by 2 points. Our final 2 matches of the season will be played at Bath University on the weekend 11/12 December and your support would be greatly appreciated to cheer us on.

The 2nd team had several good performances in the Bristol and West league especially at home where they made the University pool a fortress with just 1 defeat all season. Unfortunately they were not quite able to replicate this form on their travels but finished a highly respectable 3rd position.
 
Although water polo is a team sport it is also important to recognise the achievements of individuals within our club. We are proud to announce that Craig Figes is still flying the Bristol flag at the highest level as the current GB mens captain. After deciding to turn down the opportunity of playing professional polo abroad, Craig is continuing to train in Manchester with hopes of leading a team out at the Olympics in 2012. We wish him all the best in the upcoming European qualifying match which pits GB against Greece. Stuart Fennel has been a consistent member of the GB training camps held throughout the year but due to a cut in funding unfortunately there have been no opportunities for his age group to enter international tournaments. His improvement over the years has been vast and with strong performances this season for Central he will no doubt be a great player for the club over the coming years. As well as individual success in the water, it is worth mentioning the achievements of Gregory Harper who successfully gained a place on the national coaching mentor scheme. This is a 3 year scheme which will provide Greg with the training, experience and guidance to become one of the top level coaches in the country.

It is fair to say that the mens water polo section concentrates its efforts on the senior team and has been very successful in its achievements. So far our junior development has focused on specific individuals highlighted as having raw talent which we have identified and nurtured. However, we realise it is imperative that to progress as a club we must increase our number of under 18's so that we can enter a team into junior competitions. Initially this will involve the combination of junior players from neighbouring clubs in the south west entering the ASA cup in 2011. From next year it is hoped that there will be pool time available for a weekly session devoted to the development junior players which will be run by members of the senior team.

2010 started with a fantastic silver medal performance in the British Championships and with every chance of going one better in the league, it looks like being another successful year for Bristol Central water polo.