Enfield suffered a disappointing 15-14 (7-3, 4-5, 2-2, 1-5) home loss to Reading in the London League Division 2 on Wednesday.

The result was a huge blow as the hosts were in front for the first three quarters, but a strong and controlled final period sealed the points for the Berkshire-based side.

As the game began, Charlie Briers fired in a quick hat-trick from 2m as Enfield took an early command of the match.

Further goals from Alex and Richard Waller, Rob Lucas and Andy Rollé gave the hosts a deserved 7-3 lead at the end of the first.

In the second, Reading came out fighting, dominated possession and soon narrowed the deficit.

Alex Waller and Rob Lucas (2) replied to keep Enfield in front, and just before half-time, Craig Snowdon scored from distance to make it 11-8 at the break.

Richard Waller leads an Enfield attack

In the third, Enfield started to lose their composure as they failed to make the most of a series of man-ups.

Reading found a way past Enfield’s Andy Boorman twice, but goals from Briers and Rollé ensured the hosts went into the final quarter 13-10 up.

With numerous chances going astray, Enfield’s frustrations were showing and some undisciplined defending allowed the visitors to tie the game.

Lucas briefly put Enfield back in front, but the momentum was with Reading, who levelled again from another well-worked man-up.

With 1:28 remaining and after a double Enfield exclusion, Reading went ahead for the first time on the night.

A dramatic finale saw Enfield hit the woodwork twice, but it was far from enough as Reading ran down the clock to win the game 15-14.

Enfield Water Polo Club

Enfield’s London water polo league campaign continues this Sunday with a trip to Watford, 9pm start at Woodside Leisure Centre.

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