Record Start to Lancaster City Water Polo National League Campaign.

Lancaster City got off to a record start in their attempt to regain the National League Crown which was surrendered to Bristol last year.

In the opening weekend they recorded 3 victories to set the early pace in this years campaign.

First game of the weekend was against Scottish Champions Portobello. Portobello have proved to be tough opponents over the years but not on this occasion as the game saw an avalanche of goals from start to finish in what turned out to be a total route. The goals were scored at regular intervals with Lancaster establishing a 17:2 advantage at half-time before completing a record breaking victory by 38:4. The game marked the first game of recent signing Alex Parsonage and the GB international helped himself to 9  goals – surely another record on debut. Other major contributions came from Tom Curwen who also bagged 9 plus last years top scorer Scot Carpenter who netted 10. The game also saw promising contributions from juniors Matt Little, Dan Barker and Anthony Trafford.

The second game of the weekend was against local rivals Manchester. Lancaster were out for revenge as the last game against Manchester resulted in a defeat in the semi-final of the British Championships.

The game was a close fought affair throughout with Manchester getting the better of the early stages to establish a 5:3 lead. Lancaster hit back and drew level just before half-time with efforts from Tom Curwen and veteran Rysz Detko. During the half-time break new coach Alberto Bertolotti rang the changes in the game plan. This proved to make the difference as the Lancaster defence well marshalled by goalkeeper Dave Bush, rebuffed attack after attack from Manchester whilst hitting hard on the counter attack. This saw goals from Colin Burgess, Alex Parsonage and Scot Carpenter as the local side ran out reasonably comfortable winners by 10:8.

Final game of the weekend was against Hammersmith Penguin. The London based side were depleted for this weekend and but Lancaster made a relatively slow start and were ahead by only 5:3 at half-time. However, the hard work had been done as the constant counter attacks started to pay dividends as Lancaster scored at regular intervals throughout the second half to run out eventual winners by 18:5. Main contributions again came from the strike force of Carpenter, Curwen and Parsonage who netted 5, 5 and 4 respectively. The game also contributions from the oldest and youngest members of the side as Rysz Detko netted 2 and junior Matt Little scored his first goal of this years campaign.

Next fixtures are on 20/21 September when the National League moves to Manchester. Over that weekend Lancaster face Welsh Wanderers, Poly and a first game this season against defending Champions Bristol Central.

Lancaster City Take Charge After Victory Over Defending Champions.

Lancaster City enjoyed a second weekend of matches at Manchester Aquatic Center as they welcomed back Ciaran James, Glen Robinson and James Wannop from International duty at the European Junior Championships in Turkey.

First game of the weekend was against Welsh Champions Welsh Wanderers from Cardiff. The game was a fairly lackluster affair with Lancaster regularly being denied merely by the woodwork. By half time Lancaster has established a lead of 6:2 with goals from Glen Robinson, Ciaran James and a brace a piece from Scot Carpenter and Tom Curwen.

The lead was extended to 9:3 during the third quarter prior to the local side finally exploding into life in the final quarter. This saw 8 goals in as many minutes with contributions from Andy Squires (2), Ryan Pinnington, Alex Parsonage and further efforts from Scot Carpenter and Tom Curwen giving a final score of 17:4

The next game of the weekend saw Lancaster first meeting of the season against defending Champions Bristol Central. As expected this was an extremely competitive and tight game with the result in doubt until the final seconds.

Lancaster again started slowly and after an early Penalty miss from Tom Curwen soon fell 3 goals behind to goals from England Captain Craig Figes and his international team mate Matt Thresher. The score line could have been worse but for a number of top class saves from goalkeeper Dave Bush.

Lancaster gradually fought their way back into the game and by half time had narrowed the deficit to a single goal after efforts from Tom Curwen and Scot Carpenter. Goals were exchanged in the third quarter as Bristol maintained a single goal lead going into the final quarter. James Wannop struck early in the final quarter to bring the scores level at 6:6. However another strike from Matt Thresher saw Lancaster again trailing as the final minute approached. Thresher was then excluded for 20 seconds and this gave Lancaster the opportunity to level the scores as Scot Carpenter converted the ‘man up’ advantage.

The game looked set for a draw but then with 25 seconds left Colin Burgess was fouled 6 meters from goal. The Ex GB forward rolled back the years to take a direct shot which beat keeper Crawford and sealed a hard fought victory.

The final game of the weekend was against former league Champions London Polytechnic. Lancaster started the game with a number of players stuck on the M6 after a long delay after an earlier accident. However the eight players available at the start of the game soon took control and had established a 9:2 advantage by the time the full compliment of players arrived. The game saw increased opportunities for Juniors Matt Little and Dan Barker and both made the most of it scoring their first goal of this years campaign. Dan Barker went on to claim 3 by the end of the game.

The game also saw major contributions from the strike force of Curwen, Parsonage and Carpenter who helped themselves 7, 6 and 4 respectively and Lancaster eventually ran out comfortable winners by 27 goals to 6.

At the end of the weekend games Lancaster head the league with 12 points and are the only side with a 100% record. However Lancaster face a tough series of games against Rotherham, Cheltenham and Kent Invicta at Cardiff in three weeks time.

Lancaster City Remain Unbeaten In National League Campaign.

Lancaster City enjoyed a third successful weekend in their campaign to regain the National League Water Polo Title.

Last weekend saw the first visit of the National League to the impressive new pool at Cardiff Sports Village.

The first game of the weekend was against the fast improving young side from Kent Invicta. Coach Alberto Bertolotti from Savonna was well aware that this could be a physically demanding game against the energetic young team and constantly took the opportunity to make regular substitutions to give all his senior squad regular breaks.

Lancaster started impressively and were soon 2:0 up after goals from Alex Parsonage and Tom Curwen. Invicta hit back with goals from Bailey to draw level. The remaining part of the first half was a fairly lacklustre display from Lancaster but they managed to establish a three goal advantage after goals from Matt Little and Scot Carpenter. The second half was more impressive as Coach Bertolotti’s plan to rotate the squad started to pay dividends with regular counter attacks piercing the Invicta defence. Further goals game from Curwen, Carpenter, Parsonage and a spectacular back shot from Robinson as Lancaster eventually ran out victors by 16 goals to 8.

Second game of the weekend was against reigning British Champions Rotherham Metro. This was always going to be a tight affair with the sides sharing 4 goals to go in at 2 all at the end of the first quarter. Coach Bertolotti took the opportunity at the end of the first quarter to reiterate the need to play a full team drop followed by a swift counter attack. This paid off ain the second quarter as with goals from Carpenter, Curwen and Parsonage Lancaster opened up a 6:3 advantage. The second half was a very tight affair with only two goals scored giving a final score of 7:4. Rotherham Coach Norman Leighton conceded afterwards that his side had been outplayed and predictable and had been unable to break down the game paln of Coach Bertolotti.

Final game of the weekend was against Cheltenham This was the first opportunity for Alex Parsonage to play against his former team mates following his transfer to Lancaster in the summer.

Parsonage started quickly as if with a point to prove and scored 3 quick goals as Lancaster soon established a 3:0 advantage. The second quarter saw Scot Carpenter take over as he scored 3 to extend Lancaster’s lead to 7:2 by half time. The second half was the Tom Curwen show as he contributed a personal tally of 7 as Lancaster ran out comfortable winners by 18:8.

The three victories see Lancaster finish top at the end of the first have of the season with an impressive record of 9 straight victories. The League now splits into two and Lancaster are joined in the second half of the season by Bristol, Manchester, Rotherham and London Penguin in what promises to be a close season as Lancaster’s victories over these sides in the first half of the season were by 1, 2 and 3 goals respectively.

Lancaster City Maintain Lead In National League Campaign.

Lancaster City traveled south to Cardiff and Bath last weekend short of a number of familiar faces. Talisman Colin Burgess was away on holiday while Great Britain Internationals Scott Carpenter and Glen Robinson were both out injured with back problems. In view of this Rysz Detko was added to the squad along with juniors Matt Little and Dan Barker.

This was the first fixtures after the mid season break when the league splits into two halves with each team playing each other a further twice. Lancaster are joined in the top half of the league by Bristol, Rotherham, Manchester and London Penguin.

The first game of the weekend was against reigning League Champions Bristol. Lancaster started slowly and by half-time found themselves 5:1 down.

Half time gave Coach Alberto Bertolotti from Savonna the opportunity to change tactics. This culminated in recent signing Alex Parsonage taking over in the centre forward role. This proved to be a master stroke as Lancaster started a gradual fight back with goals from Parsonage, Tom Curwen and James Wannop to get within one goal by the end of the third quarter.

A further goal from James Wannop early in the final quarter brought Lancaster level at 7:7. The sides then exchanged goals prior to a pivotal moment when Tom Curwen was deemed to have fouled his opponent in the act of shooting. Bristol then countered and regained the lead through Danny Williams. Lancaster pushed hard in the final minutes for an equaliser but were denied by a resolute Bristol defence and in the final minute conceded a further goal to give final score line of 10:8.

On Sunday Lancaster faced the potential difficult game against the experienced side from London Penguin.

Lancaster started brightly and soon established a commanding 4:0 lead through goals from Parsonage (2), Ciaran James and veteran Rysz Detko.

The third quarter was all about Tom Curwen as he completed a hat-trick in the space of 5 minutes to help extend the lead to 9:2 by the end of the third quarter. Impressive performances were turned in by Ciaran James and James Wannop and Lancaster maintained the performance throughout the final quarter to run out eventual winners by 12:3.

The shock defeat of Bristol to Rotherham later on Sunday means that Lancaster still hold a four point lead at the top of the table. Next fixture is at Bath on Saturday 8th November when Lancaster face form team Rotherham before hosting the Division 1 at Salt Ayre on 22nd and 23rd November. Fixtures at Salt Ayre will include the final clash of the season against current Champions Bristol.

Lancaster City Maintain Lead In National League Campaign.

Lancaster City travelled south to Bath last weekend for the next two games in their 2008 National Water Polo League Campaign.

For this trip Lancaster welcomed back Colin Burgess from on holiday and top scorer Scott Carpenter from injury. The first game was against inform Rotherham who had just returned from a European campaign in Barcelona and were lying in second place in the league just behind Lancaster.

Lancaster started brightly and early goals from Scott Carpenter and Colin Burgess helped establish a 3 : 1 lead at the end of the first quarter. Rotherham came out starongly at the start of the second quarter but the Lancaster defence stood firm with the defensive system plan introduced by Head Coach Alberto Bertolotti from Savonna proving successful. In addition when Rotherham did breakdown the defence they found goalkeeper Dave Bush in outstanding form. As the quarter developed the teams exchanged goals with efforts from Alex Parsonage, Ciaran James and a Tom Curwen securing a 7:4 advantage at half time.

Lancaster pushed on at the start of the third quarter and extended the lead through further goals from Carpenter and Burgess. Rotherham replied through internationals Schofield and Leighton but Lancaster increased their advantage to 10:6 at the end of the third quarter. The final quarter started with two quick goals from Parsonge and Curwen to extend the lead to 5. From this the local side never looked like losing and the main excitement in the final quarter was on outside the pool where the Lancaster Management Team of first Jeff Parker, quickly followed by Duncan Holmes were sent from the pool side for contesting a number of controversial refereeing decisions. The players managed top keep their focus throughout this and eventually ran out comfortable winners by 13:9.

The next game was against GB Juniors. This is a fixture which was introduced to help the development of the National Junior side but the result does not contribute to the overall league standings. In view of this a number of the Lancaster Senior players were rested which gave juniors Brown, Ellwood and Liver their first experience of National League Polo. The games against GB Juniors are always open affairs and this one developed into a high scoring affair. Lancaster stayed in contention to mid way through the third quarter when GB Juniors eventually forced their way ahead, finishing the third quarter with a lead of 12:9. This was extended during the final quarter to give a final score of 17:13. Main highlights for Lancaster included coals from junior Matt Little and a final quarter hat-trick from Scott Carpenter.

The next fixtures are at Lancaster’s home weekend at Salt Ayre on 22/23 November. On the Saturday Lancaster face local rivals Manchester who earned maximum points at the Bath weekend followed with a re-match against defending Champions Bristol on the Sunday.

Lancaster City Regain National League Title at Home

Lancaster City made in 10 National League titles in the last 13 years after two hard fought victories last weekend at the their home pool Salt Ayre.

The first game was against local rivals Manchester. Lancaster started brightly but found Manchester’s international goalkeeper Ed Scott was in supreme form as rebuffed a number of early shots including a penalty save from Scott Carpenter. However, Carpenter was determined not to be thwarted and opened the scoring with the first two goals. This was added to by Colin Burgess as Lancaster established a 3:0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

Manchester responded with two goals from Rob Rae but this was only a brief comeback before goals from Glen Robinson, Alex Parsonage and further effort from Scot Carpenter extended the lead to 6:2.

The second half was a low key affair as the home side controlled the game and restricted Manchester to a number long range efforts. Two further goals from Scott Carpenter extended Lancaster’s lead before late goals by Simpson and Bourne gave a final score of 8:5 to Lancaster.

This result meant that victory other reigning champions Bristol would guarantee Lancaster the title.

Coach Alberto Bertolotti from Savonna had the local side fired up for this vital game and the players responded racing into a four goal lead by the end of the first quarter. Scott Carpenter again lead the way but this goals were shared a with great counter attacking effort from Tom Curwen, a man up conversion from Alex Parsonage and a accomplished finish by International Junior Ciaran James.

Bristol did stage a mini fight back with goals from Thresher, Hutchins and Morris but Lancaster were in no mood to be denied as two goals in the final minute of the third quarter from Junior Internationals Glen Robinson and Matt Little re-established Lancaster’s four goal advantage.

This was extended at the start of the final quarter by Scott Carpenter as Lancaster ran out the clock to seal a tenth title with a convincing 8:5 victory.

Lancaster City Extend Lead to 8 Points

Lancaster City secured two further victories at Loughborough last weekend as they continued their dominance of this seasons National Water Polo League.

Saturday saw the challenge of London Penguin. Unfortunately for the London side a number of their players were stuck on the M1 when the game commenced. The players who did make the allotted start time had no answer to the wave after wave of attacks as Lancaster set about celebrating the regaining of their title in style.

The first two quarters developed into a demonstration of effecting defending followed by swift counter attacking. Penguin had no answer as first top scorer Scott Carpenter quickly followed by Alex Parsonage and Tom Curwen each helped themselves to three goals. The final goal of the half came from Junior Matt Little as Lancaster established a 10:0 half time lead.

The second half was merely a case of how many the local side wanted to add. Goals followed at regular intervals including three from Junior International Ciaran James plus further efforts from Parsonage and Carpenter as Lancaster eventually ran out winners by 20 : 2.

After the game Lancaster received the Division 1 Trophy from League Chairman Steve Monico.

Sunday saw a rematch with nearest contenders Rotherham. Lancaster started brightly an established a narrow 4:3 lead at the end of the first quarter. Goals from Burgess, Curwen and Carpenter (2).

In the second quarter Lancaster extended their lead as Rotherham had no answer to the ‘drop defence’ employed by Coach Alberto Bertolotti. Lancaster continued to counter attack effectively and further goals from Curwen, Parsonage and Carpenter saw the half time lead extended to 8:4.

The third quarter saw more of the same as Lancaster’s defence, excellently marshalled by keeper Dave Bush, continued to thwart Rotherham who had no answer to the swift attacking of International trio of Carpenter, Curwen and Parsonage. Further goals from three plus rare effort from Andy Squires saw the lead extended to 6 by the end of the third quarter.

Lancaster eased off in the final quarter confident of a job well done. However, following a number of interesting refereeing interpretations the lead was cut to two following goals from Schofield, Leighton and two from Swainson. However, Lancaster steadied the ship and goals from Carpenter and a final effort from Parsonage gave a final score line of 16:12.

Next weekend sees the final weekend of action at Milfield when Lancaster face GB Juniors and Manchester. These fixtures will give Coach Bertolotti the chance to experiment with a number of the fringe and junior players as he already starts to plan for the defence of the title in 2009.

Lancaster City Confirm Superiority With Bonus Finish to Campaign

Lancaster City rounded off the successfully regaining the National Water Polo League Title with an amazing game against local rivals City of Manchester.

Lancaster were without a number of first team regulars for this fixture including keeper Dave Bush and main goals scorers Scott Carpenter, Tom Curwen and Colin Burgess. However the game developed into a close contest which was only settled in the final minute.

The game started ominously for Lancaster as Manchester raced into a 4:0 lead through goals from Williams, Ryder, Kirk and Bourne.

Despite the early setback Lancaster stuck to their task and ended the first quarter 4:2 down after efforts by Glen Robinson and Veteran Rysz Detko. Coach Alberto Bertolotti stressed the need for the team to work as a unit, particular in attack, and things started to improve as with goals from Alex Parsonage and Ciaran James Lancaster drew level.

Seconds before the half time whistle a delegate finish from Alex Parsonage saw Lancaster take the lead for the first time.

The third quarter was a close affair as Manchester initially drew level put were thwarted from taking the lead by a number of fine saves from keeper Zak Sly.

The whole of the Lancaster team were now showing confident signs that against all the odds they could achieve an improbable victory. Lancaster regained the lead at the start of the final quarter and extended this with goals from Ciaran James and a rare contribution from Club Captain Chris Hartley.

Manchester drew level again but then a man up conversion by Glen Robinson plus further efforts from Alex Parsonage and veteran Rysz Detko who each completed their hat-trick enabled Lancaster run out winners by 11:9.

Manchester have undoubtedly been the most improved team this season and have finished the season in a credible and best ever finish of third position.

However this result only enhances the depth of the Lancaster squad as they achieved this improbable victory. Highlight of the performance was the all round team work but special mention has to go to veteran Rysz Detko who in what is likely to be his final game at the highest level signed off with a match winning hat-trick.

Next up for Lancaster is the British Championships in February when Lancaster will be all out to regain the title they held from 2002 to 2007.