In what was one of the most entertaining and well-supported contests of the weekend, the York men’s water polo put on an outstanding display.
It was an end to end game and Lancaster began the match on the front foot: their tank of a striker, Kostalampros, scoring early on. Despite Patterson levelling for York almost immediately, the Lancaster main man added two more – the latter a stunning lob over the goalkeeper.
The Lancaster keeper was proving to be a rock between the sticks with some top quality saves, but Patterson scored twice more, adding to Perhin’s lone strike, to give York the advantage going into the break. But it was a different story in the second quarter as goals from Kostalampros and Fitzpatich made it 5-4 to those in red. However, York equalised again after a dominant spell, giving Patterson his fourth of the match. Kostalampros and Patterson, both key performers in the match, went on to score twice more to bring the score to 7-7 at the half way stage.
The third quarter proved to be vital for York, as they scored in quick succession, opening up a four goal gap.
But with just the final quarter to go, Lancaster improved. Goals from Pollet and Craven in quick succession brought the home side back within touching distance at 10-12.
Patterson, however, with thirty seconds left, got his twelfth of the night to secure victory, sparking a pool invasion from those in black and gold. The top scorer was delighted with his team for giving him numerous opportunities throughout the game; “I wouldn’t have scored all the goals I did without them,” he said.