Northumbria University M1 Waterpolo were left frustrated after conceding a last gasp equaliser to Manchester Metropolitan University, tying the game at 9-9.
The home side had been ahead since early in the second period when they took a three goal lead through some counterattacking play and looked to be dominating the game.
A narrow lead was then held until the fourth period when Manchester produced a spirited comeback - levelling the scores with only 30 seconds to go.
“The lads are disappointed,” said Northumbria University’s Water Polo head coach Neil Bowers. “It’s always tough to play Manchester, they are a top two team in this league and are generally outstanding.
“We had an opportunity today but unfortunately couldn’t hold on. It’s difficult to take, (but) a draw’s not a bad result.”
The match ebbed and flowed with some great goal keeping and unlucky shooting restricting either side from running away with it. Tensions built steadily throughout the game, culminating in the third period when confusion between the referees left both players and coaches perplexed for a few minutes.
Northumbria made a habit of conceding late goals in the match, with it happening in three of the four periods, including the equaliser. “As a coach, the last minute is the same as the first,” said Bowers.
“It can affect players differently but it is not something specific that we will look to work on. Instead we will be focusing on improving as a team overall.”
This season has seen slight changes to the squad with ‘three or four new players’ in the first team.
“We look a little bit stronger this year, so expectations are raised,” added Bowers, “Durham and Manchester still look like the two dominant sides in this league but we are hoping to lead the chasing pack and establish ourselves as the third best team in this league.”
Northumbria’s next game is at home to Loughborough on October 18, where they will be hoping to build on a solid opening day performance.
Jack Surtees
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