Another momentous point in our history was reached on November 19th as our Senior Men clinched the Bristol and West Water Polo League Knockout Cup against Bradford-on-Avon. The magnificent achievement reflects more remarkable progress and burgeoning success that the club has made in recent years; another significant milestone in the development of the club.
The club made their debut in the Bristol and West Water Polo League Knockout Cup (BWWPL KO Cup) in May 2017. The draw for our ever first match in the competition couldn't have produced a more mouth-watering encounter - Newport v Cwm Draig, a local fierce derby that is not short of history or drama! Newport were promoted to Division One last season, therefore the Dragons, as a Division Two side, were given a 15-goal handicap at start the match. After a hotly contested game with an intense final showdown, the Dragons showed resilience and desire to triumph 26-24 and progress at the expense of Newport. The magnificent performance from the Dragons spoke volumes and sent a statement of intent to other teams! A pulsating match. The next round's draw entailed tougher opposition for the Cwm Draig Senior Men in the form of Division One side Frome in late September 2017. The Dragons were aided by a 20-goal handicap during this feisty encounter. A game filled with topsy-turvy proceedings as the momentum of the game swung in favour for both teams. Cwm Draig displayed tenacity and determination to hold onto the lead and proceed to the final of the BWWPL KO Cup with a 29-26 victory! A match that was capped off by a truly incredible goal-of-the-season contender; an incredible on-the-volley-overhead-kick! Remarkable stuff! The Cwm Draig Senior Men had reached the final and were up against fellow Division Two club Bradford-on-Avon. The Dragons had already beaten the finalists twice in the league, and therefore, they were required to overcome a 6-0 handicap for the match - the first time in the competition that our Senior Men were against an advantage for the opposition. However, Cwm Draig Senior Men dictated the match, attacked with aplomb and defended defiantly all throughout the match. The Dragons put on an insatiable spectacle and proved to be superior in every department from start to finish as they went on to ease to a 16-8 victory and to be crowned BWWPL KO Cup Winners in their debut season! An amazing end to a spectacular story! The Senior Men have only been formed for a short amount of time, but have already made a substantial amount of growth and claimed their first ever trophy in their first appearance in a domestic cup competition. The development of the team has been phenomenal and that shows no signs of stopping! This really has been a #YearOfTheDragons!
