The men's British Club Championship final featured arch rivals Lancaster and Bristol. Lancaster, going for their fourth title in a row, had a tough task ahead of them taking on a Bristol side with a lot to prove from their slow starting performance in the semi final.
An eventful first half went to Bristol 3-4, despite losing two players to major fouls. Lancaster showed why they are the defending champions, and led 6-5 going into the final quarter. This was extended to 7-5 by a fabulous back post breakaway goal, fired home by Tom Curwin. Bristol felt hard done by with the early dismissals, which proved the difference in the later stages as Lancaster’s fresh legs off the bench paid dividends, securing their fourth title in a row with a 10-6 win.
Lancaster Captain, Chris Hartley said “It was one of the most physically challenging games I’ve ever played in, with little between the two sides”.
“This nucleus of players have been together for a long time and with the likes of young Tom Curwin coming in and playing so well we always have a strong desire and determination to win”.
The men’s bronze medal game between Rotherham and Cheltenham proved to be a very even encounter. Going into the last two minutes Rotherham, down 6-7, drew level with a six-metre rocket from Richard Leighton. A time out from both sides could not find a winner and when Phil Stocker hit the bar with four seconds remaining the Yorkshire side must have been thinking it wasn’t going to be their day. It turns out it was their day, as in overtime they managed to seal the victory 9-8.
The women’s final saw defending champions, Sheffield, face a strong side from Liverpool.
The game started with both defences holding strong until the first goal came at the beginning of the second quarter. An inspired Fran Leighton drive broke the deadlock on a player up situation. Unfortunately Leighton had to retire shortly after due to an eye injury. A big blow for Sheffield so early in the game but the rest of the team pushed on to a 4-1 half time lead.
In the second half Liverpool came back to 5-4 before two quick fire goals from Sheffield’s number 3, Ness Cowton, reinstated their 3 goal lead. The game finished 7-4 to Sheffield who were crowned champions for the second year running.
In the bronze medal playoff an up and coming Manchester dominated throughout over a tired looking Hammersmith Penguin. They took the third place overall and the, all-important, last remaining European place on offer with a 13-6 win.
RESULTS
Men
Gold: Lancaster
Silver: Bristol
Bronze: Rotherham
Bristol 6 v 10 Lancaster
Rotherham 9 v 8 Cheltenham
Women
Gold: Sheffield
Silver: Liverpool
Bronze: Manchester
Sheffield 7 v 4 Liverpool
Manchester 13 v 6 Hammersmith Penguin
-ends-
For further information, please contact Stephanie West, ASA Media Assistant on 01509 632 236 or e-mail stephanie.west@swimming.org
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