Watford Water Polo Club Under-14s’ Anna Leeson helped the Eastern Region win the ASA Inter-Regional Championships for the first time ever in Liverpool on Sunday.

The 12-year-old from St Albans (pictured right) was selected by the Eastern Region for the first time for what is a new tournament and the East defied all expectations to win the competition, beating North West Lightening 7-5 in the final.

Leeson’s father, Mark, said of the historic win: “It was an amazing weekend.

“They had very low expectations; they have been beaten heavily in the past by these teams so as the weekend went on it was more and more surreal.

“Once they got through the group stages no-one expected them to do so well in the semi-finals. Most of the parents were bawling their eyes out by the end.”

After topping Group A with two wins and a draw, the East Angels overcame the North East Steelers 19-3 in the semis before triumphing over North West Lightening in the final.

Leeson, who attends Sandringham school in St Albans, has played for Watford for the last four years since deciding to focus on team sport rather than swimming galas.

The youngster’s ultimate aim is to represent Team GB – having previously featured for Hertfordshire at a number of competitions – and with Team GB talent scouts at the competition, that ambition could yet be realised.

Meanwhile, Watford suffered disappointment in Gloucester in their first round phase two and Championship three phase BWPL matches.

It was an underwhelming start for Watford, who were beaten 17-13 in their opening fixture against York City.

Southampton were up next for Watford, but it was a similar tale of woe as the two sides traded goals freely, with the south coast outfit 18-13 winners.

On Sunday, Watford draw 15-15 with South Derbyshire having been ahead 14-13 before being pegged back to draw late on.

Watford men’s team have reached the Herts Cup final for the second consecutive season after miscommunication saw their semi-final opponents concede fixture.

Northampton had been due to face Watford to contest a final place, but the tie was awarded in Watford’s favour following a mix-up.

Neigbours Hatfield now stand between Watford and retaining the cup on December 26.