HUCKNALL DOWN - POLY TO PLAY-OFFS

Hucknall's one-year adventure in the top flight came to an end when defeats by Tyldesley and relegation rivals Polytechnic during the final Division One weekend at Millfield School condemned them to relegation.

Poly took ninth place. It means their proud record of unbroken membership of the top division stretching back to the foundation of the National League in 1962 will be under threat when they take on Second Division runners-up Welsh Wanderers in the play-offs. 

Lancaster's 100 per cent record disappeared at Millfield when they went down 8-7 to Rotherham. But Lancaster's seventh title in nine years was already assured. The weekend ended with League chairman Steve Monico presenting the trophy to the champions.

National League chairman Steve Monico presents the Dr John Howell Memorial Trophy to Lancaster.
Left to right : Jamie McIlquham, Zac Sly, Dave Bush, Dougie Campbell, Andrew Squires, Chris Hartley (capt), Tom Curwen, Ritchie Davis, Jo Lawlor, Scott Carpenter, Ryan Pinnington and Rysz Detko.

Birkenhead steered clear of the relegation trap with wins over Manchester and Polytechnic. Runners-up spot went to Bristol while Tyldesley deservedly clinched the sixth British Championship qualifying place by heading the lower section of the Division One table.

"This is the first time we have reached the British Championship as of right - a milestone for our club," said delighted coach Alan Cowburn. "We put a new management structure in place this season and it has really paid dividends. As a fairly small club, we feel it is a great achievement."

Lancaster coach Rysz Detko said: “We are delighted to have retained the National League title in the face of some fierce competition from our usual rivals. The title win is seen as a just reward for the pre-season preparation of the side this year, led by Neil Bowers, who also has had an outstanding season for the team.

“The Lancaster squad has continued to develop thanks to the ongoing progress made by the younger members of the team, Tom Curwen, Andy Squires and Ryan Pinington. With usual regulars Burgess, Hartley, McIlquham and Campbell all producing their regular competent performances, the strength of the team has benefited from the addition of Australian Ritchie Davis, promising youngster Scott Carpenter – and some brief appearances from Detko!

“In several games we were able to dominate matches sufficiently to allow junior Zak Sly the opportunity to experience Division One National League water polo. Of course, the squad would not be complete without goalkeeper Dave Bush, who has again proven how outstanding he is in this specialised position.”