Although Guernsey Water Polo LBG was only established in September 2015, the sport has a strong history in the island. The Guernsey Water Polo Association, as it was, used to hold a 'Water Gymkhana' in the harbour. As well as water polo there were fancy floating, diving displays and many other fun activities for the crowds of spectators to enjoy. Further details can be found in this article in the Priaulx Library website
La Vallette bathing pools was an ideal location to hold water polo matches. Brian Chapman, one of the founders of Guernsey Water Polo LBG recalls:
"I joined the Guernsey Swimming Club in 1953 and remained a member until 1967. During that time I was involved in many swimming galas and water shows at La Valette. Water polo would feature in every floodlit gala, which would draw crowds in their thousands. Guernsey Water Polo Association would invite visiting teams over from London University, the Metropolitan Police and the RAF, to name but a few. Although the focus was water polo, the teams would also compete in swimming against the Guernsey Swimming Club."
Brian also recalls those special moments when Guernsey beat Jersey. In 1962 the Guernsey Press used the headline "Impossible Happens, Guernsey Wins Polo". It was unfortunate that there were no pictures to mark the occasion, as no one had expected Guernsey to win the Guernsey Press photographer had left before the match ended. The photo below captures the moment when Guernsey beat Jersey, two years later, in 1964.
Back row (L-R): Brian Chapman (GWP founder), Steve Pace, Bill Ceilman, Ewan Menzies, Bill Lohmiere and Bernie Savage.
Front row: Stuart Gray, Brian Blondel and Mick Vaudin.
Water Polo match in St. Peter Port Harbour, Guernsey, between the team of HMS Nelson and the Guernsey Sea Dogs in 1938 (Source)