NOT even a single goal defeat at the hands of Rotherham on Sunday could prevent league champions Lancaster from cruising into the semi-finals of the British Water Polo Championships to be held in Manchester next weekend.

Lancaster will face Scottish champions Portobello in the semi finals on Saturday while Rotherham play Bristol with the winners going head-to-head for the title on Sunday morning.

Lancaster, with the advantage of playing on home ground at Salt Ayre, did all the work required to reach the semis with easy victories over Cheltenham (12-3) and Dunfermline (13-1).