Lancaster dominated the first period with top-scorer Tom Curwen finding the back of the net four times during the first eight minutes.

Lancaster took advantage of a man-up situation with Chris Hartley and Bristol tried to make an attack after five minutes but the Lancaster defence proved too strong and possession was turned around.

GB International team captain Craig Figes got Bristol onto the scoreboard with a shot on goal, but Lancaster countered with a goal of their own

After time ran out for Bristol to take aim at goal Lancaster shot back with a goal of their own from Curwen to end the first period 6-1.

The start of the second period saw Bristol sneak a goal in by Dan Williams but Lancaster soon broke away to regain their five goal lead with a goal from Ciaran James.

A great save by Dave Bush saw Lancaster regain possession but the team were unable to make it count as Bristol’s Matt Thresher found the back of the net.

Fighting back, Curwen found his way in front of the Bristol defence, received a long pass and shot for his fifth goal making it two goals apiece for the second period with the half-time whistle blowing at 8-3 in Lancaster’s favour.

A fourth goal for Bristol within the first minute of the third got the team off to a good start but Lancaster’s James held off the defence and shot an excellent goal under pressure from Bristol.

A goal came from Bristol’s Figes before Lancaster re-established their five goal lead as Curwen got his fifth goal of the match and the team ended the third period 11-5 after a goal from Cowburn.

Bristol’s John Sissons worked well to get between the Lancaster defence and get the team’s sixth goal shortly followed by another for the side to take the total to seven.

Lancaster extended their lead to 12-7 with two minutes left on the clock and Andy Squires soon followed it up to send Lancaster a further goal ahead. With the final score ending 13-7 Lancaster retained their British Gas Championship title.

Speaking after the match Lancaster team captain Chris Hartley said: “It’s brilliant, absolutely fantastic. I think a lot of it’s down to our training and help from Alberto [Bertolotti – Lancaster coach].

The Men’s 3rd/4th Place Play-off saw a repeat of the Preliminary Round match between City of Manchester and Rotherham Metro, with Rotherham this time coming out the victors ith a close 9-8 win to take the third spot.

Looking forward, the Men’s and Women’s GB international teams now have the LEN European A Qualifiers to contest in April and Women’s captain Ros Griffiths believes that the British Gas Water Polo Championships has provided the players with excellent preparation.

“Now we’ve finished the club season we can focus on our international competitions. These Championships have been great for all of the players and we’ve been able to get back into match-preparation, experiencing the pressure that comes with big tournaments and playing with a crowd, so hopefully that will stand us in good stead when we fight for a place in the European As.”