Many teams in the Spanish League find it difficult playing Martíanez away in the Canary Islands; our game was no exception. We battled hard for our narrow 4-5 victory.

Martíanez were awarded the first exclusion of the game and converted it, taking a 1-0 lead. We were able to respond with two six-on-six goals in successive attacks; one off a drive and one from a perimeter shot, giving us the lead, 1-2. This was mid-way through the opening quarter.

Despite Martíanez' further opportunities, we were able to shut them out, keeping them scoreless until midway through the third quarter. Unfortunately, they did the same. For a good thirty minutes of water polo both teams were kept scoreless.

In the third, we went goal for goal with Martíanez. We scored two goals; one from a five-meter foul shot, one from a perimeter shot. Martíanez scored one from the post in extra man and one from a perimeter shot.

Our one-goal lead going into the final quarter was short lived. Martíanez scored the first goal of the period off a six-meter perimeter shot. For the majority of the quarter we were tied at 4-4.

It wasn't until the final minute of the game, that we were able to score in extra man. One of our imports, Andrej Janicek, scored a beautiful doughnut from the ‘one position' as the goalkeeper faded into the short corner.

Martíanez had the final attack of the game but were unable to get a shot away; with 14 seconds left to spare, we stole the ball from the perimeter and bled the clock dry.

There were a number of factors contributing to today's result. Martíanez goalkeeper and former Cuban, Yurismel Horta, made scoring an absolute chore for us, making a sublime 13 saves from 18 shots on goal – 72%. He also forced us to miss additional shots on goal from good positioning. We only scored one from five on extra man. The rest all came from set six-on-six play.

I was very happy with both my own, and my team's performance in defence. I saved 16 from 20 shots on goal - 80% and, in extra man, we were able to defend 7 from 9.

There was only one clear-cut counter attack opportunity for each team. Horta and I were both able to pull out the necessary saves to keep our opposing teams from scoring.

According to our coach, Manel Silvestre, the difference between winning and losing this game, was almost the difference between us staying in the Premier Division for next season (and with a possible chance for finals), or, being demoted to the second division. This is based on the draw remaining for both teams and the competition points we've accumulated.

Then there's the pressure on me personally. Because I'm an "import”, I'm therefore required to deliver results. Having missed several games this season due to injury, torn ligaments in my hand and elbow, today's game was not one I was afforded the luxury of performing at an "adequate level.” So, with this in mind, you can empathize with me when I say that today's game felt like a vice was being tightened on my skull. For anyone looking to come and play in Europe professionally, this is something you should be aware of when you make the move to come and play over here.

Basically, everyone takes to the streets (after midnight) dressed in a costume, no particular theme, and parties hard till dawn.

Given that it's on the brink of snowing here in Pamplona, it was so nice to get some sun in the Canaries, win a game we had to win, party afterwards dressed like idiots and then have two days off. Ahhhh....

You can check out extra stuff at our club's website: http://waterpolonavarra.blogspot.com/

Ciao!!