Durham City ASC

Durham continue to go from strength-to-strength with their latest success being a 13-10 victory by their mixed boys and girls Under-17 team at home to a strong Doncaster side.

The first quarter ended 2-2, but in the following three quarters Durham pulled ahead to finish with a three-goal advantage in the best game seen at Durham for some time.

Anna Richardson dominated the centre of the pool and Philip Rogers defended well against a very aggressive Doncaster centre forward. Joel Woods caused problems for Doncaster with his fast breaks, and Adam Waise played well in goal in an excellent team performance.

Durham: Adam Waise, Philip Rogers, Alison Mell, Stefan O'Neill, Anna Richardson, Simon Haley, Joel Woods, Chris Trotter, Chris Franklin, Karl Zammit, Steven Howson, Zoe Bowler, Alex Ward. Scorers: Anna Richardson (4), Chris Trotter (3), Simon Haley 2, Stefan O'Neill. Philip Rogers. Referees: Carl Watson (Newcastle), David Mell (Durham).

In earlier games, the Durham Youth (Under-17s) water polo team gave a good account of themselves at the Warrender Baths Club Invitation Tournament in Edinburgh despite losing all three games in their qualifying group.

This was not entirely unexpected when the strength of the other teams was considered. This was a mixed performance by the Durham side there was no criticism of their efforts. They were overcome by superior team work and aggressive play by their opponents.

City faced stiff opposition from Nottingham Paragon, Dunfermline and Rotherham in their group. The eventual winners were host club Warrender, with Dunfermline second and Manchester third.

Durham: Adam Waise, Philip Rogers, Stefan O'Neill, Anna Richardson, Simon Haley, James Dixon, Joel Woods, Chris Franklin, Steven Howson, Zoe Bowler, Alex Ward.

The Durham club did have some success in that when Richard Burns was invited, along with Dave Rippon from Rotherham, to referee the final between Warrender and Dunfermline.

The City Under-17 team previously defeated Durham School 13-9. City were always in control, but the School provided good opposition which resulted in an enjoyable game. Four members of the School team also play for City.

Durham City Under-15 water polo team won 9-7 away to Catterick Cobras. The lead changed frequently in a very close game in which the City team played well and deserved their victory.