The first of the two national division 3 north canoe polo tournaments was held at Collingwood dock in Liverpool on April 27 and April 2.
Ten teams converged from Hull, Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and Penrith to play each other over the weekend. Penrith’s team consisted of young, enthusiastic players and two older players with a bit more tournament experience.
Penrith won four, lost four and drew one, leaving them mid-table.
Penrith lost the first game on saturday against home team FOA W 4-7 with goals from Lucas Baile (2), Fin Coleman and Tim Mather.
The first half was close, drawing 3-3 at half time, but FOA were faster and well drilled, pulling ahead in the second half.
Penrith fared better in the second game against Manchester Wildcats B, winning 6-0 with goals from Lucas (2), Fin (3) and Tim. It could have been more, but Fin missed an open goal when on a clean break!
The third game was against a younger FOA Y team and Penrith won 8-0 with goals from Lucas (4), Fin (3) and Will Holdsworth getting on the score sheet. The last game against Hull Mariners, the clear league leaders, saw Penrith lose 8-1, with the only Penrith goal from a penalty taken by Lucas.
On Sunday, there was a slight change in team, with Hilary Clarke replaced by Mike Fletcher. It started really well against White Rose, who Penrith had thought would give them a really hard game, but they battled hard and despite having to manage a power play against them, when Mike received a green card, the game ended in a 2-2 draw.
The second game was similarly close against Viking B, but unfortunately Viking won 4-3, with Penrith goals from Lucas and Fin (2).
Penrith almost equalised at the end with a break from Fin, but he was overpowered by two chasing defenders. The third game against Viking C was scratched, as they couldn’t field a full team and borrowed a player from a higher division.
Penrith were awarded a 3-0 win, but actually won the game anyway 4-3 with goals from Mike, Lucas, Fin and Will. In the last game, Penrith players were clearly tiring.
It should have been one of the easier games, but Penrith’s structure seemed to fall apart and they lost 5-2, with goals from the old boys, Mike and Tim. Mike was carded and gave away a penalty, which Tim saved, but it then meant Penrith had to manage another powerplay against them.
Overall a good weekend of canoe polo and excellent national league tournament experience for the younger players. The next tournament is in June.
If anyone is interested in developing their kayak skills and getting involved in the sport of canoe polo, Penrith Canoe Club meets in Penrith Leisure Centre pool on Mondays 6.30pm to 9.30pm with four sessions including beginners, women’s session, polo development and team training.
