Colchester began their water polo SummerLeague campaign with a rousing 13-4 away victory against Chelmsford.

They welcomed back Stuart White and Ross Knevett, which meant they had a full-strength defence.

Knevett went on to play a key part in the game, especially in a tight first quarter which ended 3-3.

Colchester looked good throughout the match but, from the second quarter, they turned up the pressure.

For the second time in a week, Simon Lecomber scored six goals in a match, as he tormented the Chelmsford defence with some great attacking swims.

During this period, Colchester began to open up the relatively inexperienced Chelmsford team with swims from the back by Craig Snowdon and brothers David and Simon Nicholson.

Colchester's passing was crisp and it was only their finishing that let them down as they produced chance after chance. Martin Vinter and the Nicholson brothers scored two each and Eddie Corcos netted a goal after tireless work at the attacking end of the pitch.

Colchester will be pleased with such a positive start to their season, with pleasing performances from every player.

Knevett will be particularly pleased with his contribution.

He only conceded one goal in the last three quarters and made a string of impressive saves.

Having him back meant stand in keeper Ryan Van Ginkel played his first game out on pitch and, despite tiring late on, produced a gritty display in midfield.

At the end of the game, Knevett was rightfully awarded the man-of-the-match, sponsored by Ross Knevett's Sports Injury Therapy Clinic.