AS spectators go, the special guest at water polo match takes some beating.

Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, also proved to be a sport during a exhibition match by Bolton School’s water polo team.

The team met the prince, who is the Patron of English Schools’ Swimming, during his royal visit to Merseyside over the weekend.

The Duke of Cambridge visited Guinea Gap Leisure in Wallsey and was introduced to former Bolton School Water Polo coach Hayden Howard, who is now President of English Schools’ Swimming Association (ESSA) and Andy McGinty, current Head of Water Polo at Bolton School with the local team being chosen to represent the sport.

Three Bolton School pupils also chatted to the Prince on the side of the pool — captain Harrison Barker-Smith and top training attendees, Andy Mattison and Tom Yates.

The prince then dropped the ball into the water and watched Bolton School squad players, comprising Year nine to Year13 boys, play an exhibition match.

Mr McGinty said: “When we were introduced, we chatted for five minutes about the Prince’s time playing Water Polo at Eton and St Andrews. He asked the ages of the players and how we were doing in competitions. I explained that we are national champions in all three age groups and have been for three years. He then asked about the reasons for our success compared to other schools and I explained about our links with City of Manchester Water Polo and between School and the club we offer a great programme.

“He then also chatted during the gameplay for several more minutes and we discussed the boys themselves and the Prince said he missed the sport and was tempted to get in! “However, he declined my offer to lend him a pair of trunks so he could.”

Last academic year, the School won the unprecedented triple triple – national success in all three age groups for the last three years.