Liverpool Lizards became the first women's Champions Cup winners when they edged out City of Manchester 11-10 in a dramatic final at Coventry this afternoon. Manchester made no mistake in the men's final, beating Cheltenham 13-6.
The women's match was evenly fought for the first two periods, which ended at 7-7. A smart save by Liverpool goalkeeper Hayley Price, leading to a fine breakaway goal by captain Katie Hesketh, edged Liverpool into an 8-7 lead. And the advantage stretched to 11-7 as Hesketh converted two penalties.
This heralded a nail-biting finale, in which goals by Izzi Howe and Rosie Huck narrowed Liverpool's advantage to 11-10 with 1.17 to go. Manchester countered - hoping at the very least to force a penalty shoot-out - but they couldn't break down the Liverpool defence again.
Katie Hesketh received the new Mike Glover memorial trophy from Mike's widow, Julie Allsopp.
Said Katie: "We have developed as a team throughout this season and I think this win against a very strong, well organised Manchester side was a reward for the hard work. We are particularly proud to be the first winners of a trophy in honour of Mike Glover, who did so much to develop women's water polo in this country."
In the men's final, Joe O'Regan set Manchester on the path to victory with four goals in the first period. He finished with six and there were also three goals for Jordan Elliot.
Match referees were Mike Jukes and Olympic referee Frank Ohme, of Germany.
Photos (Trevor Hyde) - Above: Katie Hesketh and her team celebrate their title win. Below: Men's champions City of Manchester.
The women's match was evenly fought for the first two periods, which ended at 7-7. A smart save by Liverpool goalkeeper Hayley Price, leading to a fine breakaway goal by captain Katie Hesketh, edged Liverpool into an 8-7 lead. And the advantage stretched to 11-7 as Hesketh converted two penalties.
This heralded a nail-biting finale, in which goals by Izzi Howe and Rosie Huck narrowed Liverpool's advantage to 11-10 with 1.17 to go. Manchester countered - hoping at the very least to force a penalty shoot-out - but they couldn't break down the Liverpool defence again.
Katie Hesketh received the new Mike Glover memorial trophy from Mike's widow, Julie Allsopp.
Said Katie: "We have developed as a team throughout this season and I think this win against a very strong, well organised Manchester side was a reward for the hard work. We are particularly proud to be the first winners of a trophy in honour of Mike Glover, who did so much to develop women's water polo in this country."
In the men's final, Joe O'Regan set Manchester on the path to victory with four goals in the first period. He finished with six and there were also three goals for Jordan Elliot.
Match referees were Mike Jukes and Olympic referee Frank Ohme, of Germany.
Photos (Trevor Hyde) - Above: Katie Hesketh and her team celebrate their title win. Below: Men's champions City of Manchester.
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