Enfield survived an early onslaught to book their place in the Referees Cup Final on Monday night with a 23-13 semi-final victory over Beckenham.
The visitors, who ply their trade in London’s Premier Division, arrived with a 14-goal handicap deficit and knew a strong start was needed if they were to progress in the competition.
Beckenham soon showed their intent by winning the first swim-off and shooting from distance, but Enfield keeper Andy Boorman was alert to tip the effort behind for a corner.
The initial exchanges were dominated by Beckenham and they displayed their superiority by racing into a 2-0 lead with just over a minute played.
Against the run of play, Enfield responded well and it was the talented trio of Alex Waller, Richard Waller and Charlie Briers who upset the odds to put Enfield 3-2 up at the end of the first.
Beckenham were clearly wounded and at the start of the second R Waller made it worse for them by making it 4-2 with some sublime skill to round his marker and find the far corner.
With the hosts now 16 goals ahead with the handicap, the overall result was slipping away from Beckenham, but they were far from finished and went on to score three unanswered goals to lead 5-4 at the half.
Enfield Water Polo Club have reached the final of the London Referees Cup
The tide continued to be against Enfield in the third period, but they defended in numbers and Boorman was in fine form between the sticks.
Beckenham managed four more goals to make it 9-4 and that gave them brief hope of a remarkable comeback, but Rob Lucas then hit the net to put Enfield firmly in control with the score 9-5 going into the final quarter.
The southeast Londoners knew they needed at least 10 clear goals in the remaining eight minutes and some wild shots were unleashed from deep in a desperate attempt to make up the handicap deficit.
With the clock ticking down, Enfield stood strong and despite conceding two, they scored two of their own through Lucas and A Waller to seal an 11-7 (23-13) overall victory.
In the final, Enfield will play either Ealing 1sts or Watford 1sts.
Enfield team and scorers in full v Beckenham: Andy Boorman, Rob Threadgold, Alex Waller (2), Richard Waller (2), Charlie Briers (1), Andy Poore, Rob Lucas (2), Martin Ilievski & Chris Waller