The members of York University Canoe Polo Club are incredibly passionate about their dynamic and energetic game; but are often met with confused looks and jokes about horses in boats when trying to introduce the sport! So here’s a basic explanation: two teams of 5 play in kayaks on flat water (a swimming pool or lake), competing to score in goals suspended above either end of the pitch.
Halves are short, only 6-10 minutes long; this makes matches very fast and intense. Contact is allowed, players can “bin” or push their opponents to capsize them and gain possession of the ball. There is no other sport quite like canoe polo; players must balance the skills of paddling, ball control and tactics with the high levels of stamina needed!
The road to Roses for every team is one of high anticipation and concentrated preparation, and the canoe polo club were very excited at the prospect of winning 4 points for York. There were nerves as well; just 2 weeks before the Lancaster women’s team placed 8 places higher than York at BUCS, and although the open team had beaten their red rose equivalents at BUCS a different team line up for Roses meant their victory would not be easy to repeat.
Lancaster women were immediately disadvantaged as only 4 of their women were able to make the journey to York, although their success at BUCS meant York women still needed to focus. The York ladies really brought their A-game; tight teamwork and great communication meant they had control of the pace, and the ball, for most of the game.
Within 1 minute the first goal was scored by Heather Lindsay, and another in the first half was scored by captain Milly Harvey. This early lead was not taken for granted and another 2 goals were scored in the second half, again by Heather and Milly.
The tiring effects of intense play started to show towards the end of the second half for York, and Lancaster’s Danielle Beever scored 2 minutes before the final whistle.
Highlight of the game was first year Heather Lindsay’s playing; her first competitive matches were 2 weeks ago at BUCS, and on top of her 2 goals she also managed to retain possession of the ball twice when she had been pushed in, rolling back up to make safe passes to her team mates.
The ladies were so proud to have won 2 points for York and couldn’t have been happier with their performance, especially as being refused usage of the university pool has made training together very difficult this year.
The open team lined up for their match missing two of the players who had made up their successful BUCS team, but still ready to give their all. The first goal went to Lancaster, and was followed a minute later with a goal by York’s sprinter Mark Stoner.
Another goal from Lancaster in the first half put York behind but they continued to put pressure on their opponents defence. Three minutes into the second half Open Captain Joe Newbold scored an incredible goal from the half way line, but a further 2 goals from Lancaster made them the winners of the final points.
The difficulties of team training for York really showed in this match; but the team are already looking forwards to next year’s Roses and are determined to repeat their victory of 2012!
As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations we also had an Old Boys/ Girls match; the Yorkies did us proud, winning 3-2 against a mixed team of current and old Lancaster students. Proving that being part of the Canoe Polo Club doesn’t end with graduation and showing the younger ones how it’s done.
Written By Faith Wilkinson