Bolton School Boys’ Division U18 water polo team successfully defended their English Schools Swimming Association (ESSA) title on Saturday 2 March. The team travelled to Nottingham University and convincingly progressed through the group stage, defeating Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School 10-0 and Alleyn’s School 10-2. As group winners they played Trinity School, who were runners-up in the other group, in the semi-final and overcame them 6-0. The Final saw Bolton School defeat Dulwich College 4-1 and retain the title for the sixth consecutive year. Coach Andy McGinty said: “This is an outstanding achievement. This age group is to be congratulated on winning their ESSA title at U14, U16 and now U18 levels."
Later in the week, the School’s U15 team travelled to Northampton Boys’ School to defend the title the school has held since 2014. They defeated Whitgift School 7-3 and Northampton School for Boys 4-1 in the group stage. As group winners they played Manchester Grammar School, runners-up in the other group, in the semi-final and defeated them 5-3. The final saw the School narrowly lose to Trinity School 2-3 in an exciting and closely contested final.
The U13s' water polo team renew their campaign for national success on 7 May when they take part in semi-finals being held at Northampton.