POLO PLAYERS SHOW PROMISE IN BANGKOK
Britain's men's water polo team are guaranteed a top 12 finish
after impressive performances in the group stages of the World
University Games in Bangkok.
The 13-strong team, comprising many of the players from the
recent LEN European Nations Trophy in Manchester, racked up
two wins in their three-match pool to finish second in their
group behind defending champions Serbia.
Britain put in a gutsy performance in their opening match
against Serbia, equalising in two of the quarters, but in
the end lost out to the favourites 13-7.
The team came out on top of a hard-fought match in their
second encounter when they faced Japan. Both teams were level
at the end of the first half until Britain grabbed the lead
in the third period to go a goal up. Another level score in
the final quarter, and a missed penalty opportunity from Japan,
gave Britain the vital 9-8 victory.
The team completed the group stages with a 16-7 trouncing
over South Africa. After a tentative start, a 7-1 scoreline
in the third quarter sealed the victory for Britain and guaranteed
their position as second in the group.
Head Coach Norman Leighton is delighted with his team's progress
and is now targeting a top eight finish.
"I'm very pleased with the team's performances which
have improved as the tournament's gone on," he said.
"We had a shaky start against Japan but the boys managed
to hold it together for a well-earned win.
"The team has grown in confidence over the last few
days which showed in their performance against South Africa
when we took them to the cleaners.
Britain now face Australia in the next match of the competition
where qualification for a top eight finish is up for grabs.
"A top eight finish which would be a great achievement
for the boys," added Leighton. "Australia are a
very physical side and they won't go down without a fight.
"Our boys are confident they've got what it takes to
beat them but know it will be a very tough game. Our fitness
showed in yesterday's match against South Africa and will
be important again if we're to win tomorrow."
Great Britain Group Results:
Serbia v Great Britain, 13-7 (3:1, 2:2, 4:0, 4:4)
Great Britain v Japan, 9-8 (2:2, 2:2, 2:1, 3:3)
South Africa v Great Britain, 16-7 (2:2, 2:4, 1:7, 2:3)
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