A strong Swindon Dolphin water polo squad travelled to Weston-super-Mare for their first Bristol & West League fixture of the season.

The side, which will also feature in the National League for the first time this year, performed admirably and came away with a comfortable 13-7 victory in a thrilling contest.

Dolphin were in control from the outset of this game against their young hosts and were 5-2 ahead by half-time.

With their lead increasing further as the match progressed, the strength and depth of the Milton Road outfit became more apparent and debuts were offered to some exciting new talent.

However, the bulk of the scores came from Dolphin's more experienced players - Michal Trzeciak scored five goals, Andy Hicks secured three and Matt James bagged two with Chris McConnell, Mark Lawlor and Chris Mason also getting in on the act with a strike apiece.

Dolphin's major foul rate was somewhat of a worry but good defending and a couple of excellent saves from goalkeeper Andy Watts kept the opposition's strikes to a minimum.

Delighted coach David Quinlivan said afterwards: "We fielded a strong team and were pleased we played so well in our first game of the season.

"We hope we can maintain this level of commitment and cause a few surprises during the campaign.

"However a few silly major fouls could have cost us dearly and we need to eliminate these errors in future matches."

Team: Andy Watts, David Quinlivan (1 major), Chris Selby (1 major), Andy Hicks (3 goals, 2 majors), Andy Prowse (1 major), Graham Coton (1 major), Chris McConnell (1 goal), Ian Brewer (1 major), Matt James (2 goals, 1 major), Pete Everett (1 major), Mark Lawlor (1 goal, 1 major), Michal Trzeciak (5 goals, 2 majors), Chris Mason (1 goal).