LANCASTER EXCEL IN CROATIA

Former GB regular Colin Burgess, winner of the National League’s top goal scorer trophy a record five times, will have decidedly mixed memories of his club Lancaster’s LEN Trophy trip to Rijeka, Croatia.

On the plus side, the 2004 National League champions marked their fifth European venture with two good wins to finish fifth in their group – one position short of qualification for the second round.

For Burgess, however, Lancaster’s second game against Bayer Uerdingen, from Germany, was a decidedly painful experience. With the game evenly matched, he suffered a dislocated jaw from an alleged punch – missed by all the officials – and was promptly sent to hospital.

His absence clearly undermined the Lancaster team effort – they eventually lost 13-7 – as well as their prospects in the rest of the tournament, although Burgess did make an unexpected return for a splendid 8-6 win over Dutch side SpreyHout Alphen.

It was a game earmarked by the players and coach Mark Taylor as a potential victory opportunity. Driven forward by former England captain Neil Bowers, Lancaster started well and took control with goals from Bowers, Burgess and Tom Curwen (2). Lancaster then had goalkeeper Dave Bush to thank as he brought off a string of top class saves, including a penalty. Further goals were added by Dougie Campbell, Curwen, Bowers and Andy Squires.

The second 13-9 victory came in the final game against CH Hornets Kosice, from Slovakia. Highlight of a quality team performance was an eight-goal haul by Curwen, who finished the tournament with a personal tally of 23.

Lancaster went down 12-8 to host club Primorje Ersta Banka, lost 21-6 to group winners Dinamo Moscow and 14-6 to Italian side Bissolata Crimona. However, the trip was a great success for the club, who received vocal and committed support from a travelling group of supporters.