WATER POLO: Crossley and Leighton help Rotherham Metro Forge way to victory

Playing just down the road at Sheffield's Ponds Forge, Metro clearly enjoyed “home” advantage as they saw off City of Bristol and Mid Sussex Marlins to secure third sport in Championship One after the second round of games.

Crossley scored three times in a hard-earned 10-5 win over Bristol.

After leading 4-2 in the first quarter and 6-4 at the end of the second, Metro were pegged back to 6-5 in the third period before final-quarter goals from Crossley (2), Leighton and Isobel Olcer closed out victory.

Lucy Hobman, Emily Jackson and Connie Swainson completed the scoring chart.

Returning to the pool the next day, Metro had another good start against the Marlins.

First-period strikes from Crossley (2), Leighton and Alexia West put them 4-2 in front. The lead was stretched to 7-3 in the second quarter and then 13-7 in a high-scoring third quarter before Metro ran out 16-9 winners.

Leighton and Crossley finished with five goals each and there were others for Hobman (2), Olcer and Holly Pritchard.

Metro are now looking forward to the next round of games on the weekend of March 12 and 13 against Liverpool Liver Birds and Exeter.