WATER POLO: In scenes reminiscent of their epic quarter final at the 2012 London Olympic Games, the Australian women’s water polo team has come from behind to defeat China 15-13 in a penalty shootout in the opening game of the FINA World League Asia / Oceania qualifying tournament in Auckland.

The clash in London, labelled the best of the Olympic tournament, saw the Australians level the scores in the dying stages of normal time, before going on to win a thrilling penalty shootout on their way to bronze later in the week.

This time the young Australian team, with just four-members of the London squad in the pool, trailed the Chinese 7-5 at halftime and 10-8 with a quarter to play before goals in the final term to Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox and Zoe Arancini ensured the scores were locked at 11-all at full-time.

With no extra time in World League competition the teams lined up for the penalty shootout and Knox, Arancini, co-captain Rowie Webster and four-goal star Ash Southern all converted to put the heat on the Chinese.

In the Australian goal Kelsey Wakefield repeated her heroics from last week’s National Water Polo League finals by restricting the Chinese to just two goals and ensured Australia maintained their winning streak over the world number five.

Webster, who takes on a leadership role in the team in 2013 after an impressive Olympic campaign, said the win was pleasing as an individual result but also as a pointer towards the future and this year’s number one goal, the FINA World Championships in Barcelona in July.

“It was a good win tonight for the first of the World League rounds,” Webster said.

“They pushed us to our limit, we went right to the line and had some good penalties.

“We also had some really good young players stepping up so it’s good for the future. It’s good for the girls confidence building and we’re building a strong team culture moving forward.”

Australia’s next game is on Friday against Japan.

Water Polo Australia