DORSET’S girls’ team left the South West Water Polo Championships at Gloucester undefeated after two resounding wins and a draw – but without the trophy they craved.

After despatching host county Gloucestershire 16-6 and Somerset 13-4, the Dorset girls headed for a showdown against defending champions Devon intent on avenging the defeat they suffered 12 months earlier.

Despite Dorset’s healthy victory margins from their first two matches, Devon had an even better goal difference so needed only a draw to retain their title.

Dorset also had only a five-minute break after their match with Somerset while their opponents had enjoyed a longer rest.

The standard of play was high from both teams which made for a close and competitive match with never more than a one-goal difference between them.

Despite their tiredness, Dorset proved to be the more attacking team but were unable to break the deadlock and the 4-4 final scoreline meant that Devon took the title on goal difference.

Chloe Roxburgh scored two of Dorset’s goals and Zoe Robertson and Hattie Burnell one each.

Earlier Dorset showed good teamwork to trounce Gloucestershire with eight members of the team contributing to their tally of 16 goals.

Kathy Rogers netted five times with Megan Fletcher scoring a hat-trick and Holly Anderson and Beth Kingsley two apiece.

Roxburgh, Robertson, Caitlin Appleton-Scott and Ellie Webb also made the score-sheet.

Against Somerset, Dorset rotated their squad to give their more experienced players more rest ahead of the forthcoming Devon encounter.

Rogers again top-scored with six and there were two goals each from Burnell, Robertson and Ellie Stewart-Dodd and one from Kingsley.

Kingsley was also the main goalkeeper but Rogers and Fletcher also took turns between the posts to give her the chance of some outfield play. The girls were disappointed not to win the trophy but pleased that they had played so well,” said coaches Dave Bradley and Tony Kingsley.

The Dorset team was drawn from four clubs across the county.

Dorset team: Emily Jack, Harriett Bowerman, Hattie Burnell (Blandford), Zoe Robertson, Caitlin Appleton-Scott, Holly Anderson, Ellie Stewart-Dodd (Bridport), Megan Fletcher, Kathy Rogers, Chloe Roxburgh, Beth Kingsley (Christchurch Seagulls), Ellie Webb (West Dorset).