After a break of a number of years, a Scottish water polo team returned to the annual Willie Mellor’s Invitational Tournament – and the players celebrated the comeback by winning the trophy in Aldershot.

The highly competitive event featured teams from Scotland, South Derbyshire, British Police and a Combined Services team from the Army, Navy and Air Force. 

Scotland has previously sent a junior men’s team and this time was no different with eight of the 12 players aged under 25.  The following clubs were represented - Dunfermline, Menzieshill Whitehall, Portobello and Warrender Baths.

Scotland started well winning the first game 13-5 against South Derbyshire and followed up with a 10-5 triumph over the Combined Services.

The finale was a physical test against an experienced British Police team.  With the score tied 3-3 at half time, the fitness of the Scottish players began to show during the 3rd and 4th periods and they eventually came away 8-6 winners. 

Coach Ian MacCallum said “I was delighted with the players overall performance, in particular their determination against physically stronger and more experienced opposition.  To maintain their focus and play three tough games in the same day was a real test.”

Although there is much still to do, it is hoped that this success will provide a good start towards the Scottish Water Polo goal of developing a team capable of competing in a tournament against other Commonwealth countries in Glasgow in 2014.