Saturday evening saw the Canoe Polo teams take on York in the swimming pool and the women began proceedings by taking the game to their York rivals. Lancaster went close before taking the lead with a good finish before extending their advantage by going 2-0 up in what began as a desperately scrappy affair.
York were defending resolutely as was the Lancaster goalkeeper who kept Lancaster’s healthy lead intact before the attackers broke through and fired in two goals to make the score 4-0 in Lancaster’s favour at half time.
The second half saw similar action with the York goalkeeper performing miracles to stop the Lancaster onslaught. However, Lancaster did score two more and the final score was 6-0 to the home side in what proved to be a n extremely one-sided affair.
Next up was the Open Canoe Polo which began by Lancaster playing the game at the York end of the pool. It was a physical affair with Lancaster capsizing York boats in an attempt to win the ball. In a battle of strength, it was a Lancaster player who came closest by hitting the post, much to the surprise of the lively crowd.
The game continued on the same tone with Lancaster dominating but failing to beat the inspired York goalkeeper. Lancaster became even more aggressive with the number 5 for Lancaster throwing in some strong challenges and upturning a number of York boats.
After the half way point, Lancaster took the lead before York replied with a great finish making the score 1-1. The York side were dealt a blow when a player had to leave the pool injured with a shoulder problem. Lancaster then came close, striking the post before the crowd was silenced as York scored making it 2-1 causing mass celebrations in the boats.
However, Lancaster equalised in bizarre fashion as a Lancaster boat was capsized before rolling back up and firing the ball into the net making the final score 2-2.
Overall, York were more pleased with the result as their player Luke Smalley said, ‘We haven’t won for two years so we did well to draw. We played great and the Lancaster number 5 was slightly dirty, but we got through it’. In contrast, Matt Carter stated on behalf of Lancaster, ‘It’s a disappointment that we drew after a successful season and wanting it too much’.
Despite the setback, it was still positive for Lancaster as they did not allow York to take maximum points in either event.
