Durham City water polo club played two games away to Catterick Cobras at the Garrison Pool, the under-17s winning 11-7 and the under-14s losing 14-13 to goals in the last seconds.

Both clubs agreed to select from players who do not regularly play in first team competition.

In the under-17 match, it was clear from the start that Durham would be far the stronger, so Catterick were allowed to include two senior players. Catterick also borrowed Anna Richardson, Durham's leading player, for the last two quarters. Despite this, City never looked like losing.

Fortunes fluctuated in the under-14 match until the very end. For five of the eight Durham players, it was their first ever competitive game.

This was a most successful evening, with both clubs benefiting from the opportunity to play less experienced players. This format will be repeated at Durham in the New Year.

l A water polo development meeting is being held at the Leeming Bar Lodge on Monday, December 2 (7pm). This is an open forum to gather ideas and information for the future development of the sport in the region. North East Counties ASA water polo development co-ordinator Judi Clayton can be contacted on 01765 688 091.

Meanwhile, three young Durham City ASC water polo players have been selected to represent the North East Counties in the first ever national competition at 13 and under level.

Alison Mell, Stefan O'Neill and Peter Ward will play for NEC against teams from other regions in the inaugural ASA Inter-District under-14 championships at the Manchester Aquatics Centre on November 28-29.

The Durham trio gained their places against stiff competition from other clubs in Northumberland, Durham and Yorkshire. Older clubmates Anna Richardson and Oliver Metcalf have already gained district honours.

"This is a tremendous achievement for a relatively small club that restarted its water polo activities barely three years ago. It reflects the hard work of the players, coaches and teachers," said Durham water polo secretary Peter Rawlings.