Rotherham and Manchester take Polo honours
24th February 2008City of Manchester and Rotherham took the honours at the British Water Polo Championships after a day of highly competitive action at Manchester Aquatics Centre.
City of Manchester took the women's title after some fantastic play against Penguins A Ladies.
Penguins looked like taking an early lead after a minute of play when a dipping shot rattled off the Manchester crossbar.
Both teams could have broken the deadline early in the first quarter but the defensive play of both keep their opponents aT bay.
Manchester broke the deadline when the superb Chloe Wilcox hit the back of the net after four minutes.
Penguins made a quick attack after the restart and hit the crossbar for a second time in the quarter.
Manchester's defence were strong and prevented Penguins from converting many of their attacks into goals.
Some fantastic passing straight from the Manchester defence going from the left to right wing led to their second goal of the quarter and sent them through to the next period leading 2-0 through another goal by Wilcox.
Penguins came out fighting in the second quarter of brought the game to 2-2 with two early goals, however Manchester soon re-established their advantage and extended it once again when Wilcox netted and Victoria Hawkins scored to make it 4-2.
This quick start to the next quarter by both teams had seen four goals in as many minutes hit the back of the net as Penguins and Manchester battled it out for the championship trophy.
Penguins broke the Manchester defence to bring the score to 4-3 but Manchester continued to dominate the attacking play and scored two goals in the final 90 seconds.
Manchester dominated the third quarter, taking it 4-1 after Penguins took an early goal 20 seconds into play with Aine Hoy, Sarah Pimblett, Ros Griffiths and Alex Rutlidge all finding the back of the net for Manchester.
As the teams headed into the final period, Manchester went in leading 10-4
Manchester took the first goal of the final period with Aine Hoy adding another to her tally, but Penguins pulled one back moments later through Kate Allum.
Penguins found the net once again shortly after to make it 11-6 when Kelly Miller found a way through Manchester's defence.
However, Manchester were to take the final goal of the game when Victoria Hawkins made it 12-6 to the now champions.
Manchester's top scorer and captain for the championships, Chloe Wilcox was thrilled with the teams title.
"Obviously we are so pleased to have won. The whole team has worked so hard and as it was Julie's (Allsopp - coach) last game with us it was also great to win it for her," said Wilcox.
In the men's final Rotherham took on City of Manchester and took a fantastic win to take the title with a final score of 12-8.
The first quarter of play was a goals feast, with 10 being scored in the opening eight minutes.
Manchester went 2-0 up with Charles Booth and Jonny Kirk finding the net but Rotherham were not about to let them pull out of reach and made it 2-1 when Chris Kirby scored.
Manchester responded quickly with another goal from Kirk however Rotherham took the game to 3-3 courtesy of Mark Wade and another for Chris Kirby.
Charles Booth netted to make it 4-3 but 19 seconds later, Rotherham were level after Neilson Rutherford scored.
Another goal for Jonny Kirk and Sean Ryder sent the young team into the in second quarter leading 6-4.
Rotherham came out fighting in the second quarter, holding off any attack from Manchester and scored the only goal in the eight-minute period when Mark Wade got his second of the game.
Their third period performance saw them restrict their opponents to one goal from Jonny Kirk. Goals from Richard Leighton (2) and Jake Vincent sent the teams into the final quarter with Rotherham leading 8-7.
Rotherham had full control of the final quarter and their movement and passing secured the title for them.
Manchester were only able to penetrate the Rotherham defence once more through Mick Bourne but their opposition went onto net four more goals thanks to Neil Swainson, Jake Vincent (2) and Mark Wade.
Rotherham captain Mark Wade was keen to praise the team for a phenomenal performance.
"We have come here so many times and finished fourth and haven't done ourselves justice with our performances," said Wade.
"Because we have players all over the country it is difficult for us all to meet together as a team to train.
"We've brought in four new players who have added some really strength and depth the team and to be honest, the feeling of winning has still not really sunk in yet," he continued.
"We are all great friends as well as team mates and everyone played fantastically over the weekend."
Rotherham's coach, Norman Leighton echoed his captains' thoughts.
"I am absolutely delighted to win. For so long we have been told we're capable of this but you never believe it until it actually happens," said Leighton.
"The players performed so well and I also want to mention the players who did not in the final thirteen. Everyone who played in the prelims contributed to this success and it is great for the club."
In the women's play-off for third and fourth place, City of Liverpool took the win against City of Sheffield.
Liverpool had a four goal lead over the rivals at the end of the first quarter, heading into the next phase of play 4-0 up.
After a closely fought final three quarters, Liverpool came out as 7-5 winners over the reigning champions.
In the men's play-off, Lancaster were victorious over Penguins after a closely fought contest which ended 8-7.
Two goals each from Burgess and Kerekes ensured that Lancaster came third.