Liverpool complete perfect season in women's 2016 Super 5s

Liverpool Lizards completed their second consecutive perfect season to clinch the British Water Polo League women’s 2016 Super 5s title in Sheffield.

Having stormed through the first phase of the League with seven wins, the Lizards maintained their 100 per cent record in the women’s 2016 Super 5s, securing their seventh and eighth victories in Ponds Forge.

London Otter, who played against some of Europe’s top domestic teams in the LEN Euro League last weekend, were the only team who could stop Liverpool from defending their crown.

But the North West outfit came through the crunch tie with Otter in impressive style on Saturday with goalkeeper and former GB captain Rosie Morris claiming a second-quarter shut out in a 10-5 (1-1, 3-0, 3-1, 3-3) win.

With the title already secure, Liverpool completed a splendid season with a 12-2 (3-0, 5-2, 1-0, 3-0) defeat of local rivals City of Manchester with Kathryn Fowler bagging a hat-trick for the Lizards.

“It has been an amazing season for Liverpool Lizards,” said Rachel Drabble. “We’ve worked hard to retain the title, and are delighted to have completed a second consecutive season undefeated.

“We are thrilled with the results we’ve had, which have all been really strong team performances throughout the year.”

Captain Fiona Pimblett added: “After a short post-victory break courtesy of the lovely Gordon Dacre, we’ll start our preparation for the British Champs in May where we’ll be hoping to extend our winning streak, while developing our younger talent for next season.”

Otter finished second overall in the women’s 2016 Super 5s with nine points from their eight games although City of Coventry enjoyed a strong finish to their campaign, defeating Otter 9-5 on the final day to secure third place on eight points.

Image credit: Trevor Hyde / British Water Polo League