Newly-promoted Enfield 1sts began their London League Division 2 season in style on Wednesday with a 23-11 (6-1, 7-4, 4-2, 6-4) win over Avondale at Southgate.

The step up in class proved no obstacle for the hosts as they comfortably won all four quarters, with talented youngsters Charlie Briers and Richard Waller combining superbly to score 11 of their goals.

As the game started, it was the Putney-based side that found the net first, but that was the only time they led on the night.

Enfield dominated from then on and responded with six unanswered goals through Rob Lucas (2), Richard Waller, Charlie Briers and Andy Rollé (2) to make it 6-1 at the end of the first.

The second quarter saw the hosts continue to drive forward as Avondale, who only arrived with seven players, began to tire.

Goals from Lucas, Tom Mendham (2), Alex Waller, Richard Waller and Briers (2) made the points certain for Enfield and the half-time score 13-5.

With an unassailable lead, Enfield appeared to ease up in the third and lost their rhythm as passes and shots went astray.

However, Lucas, Rob Threadgold, Richard Waller and Briers were still able to find the net as Enfield extended their advantage to 17-7 going into the final quarter.

Briers, who was excellent throughout, added two more to his tally, while Richard Waller also bagged another two as he capped off his own fine individual performance.

Rollé then completed his hat-trick, before Alex Waller stormed through to finish the scoring and make the final score 23-11.

Enfield’s poolside banner

Enfield 1sts next London Water Polo League Division 2 fixture is a tough home game against Reading on Wednesday, 22 April, 9pm start at Southgate.

Full fixtures can be found by clicking here.

Enfield’s team in full: Andy Boorman, Craig Snowdon, Alex Waller (2), Richard Waller (5), Charlie Briers (6), Rob Lucas (4), Andy Rollé (3), Christian Pulido, Tom Mendham (2), Rob Threadgold (1).