WATER POLO: The Australian women’s water polo team have snatched an 8-7 final minute victory against Greece, in a scrappy opening game of the 16th FINA World Championships in Kazan, Russia.
As the tight score suggests, both teams fronted up with tough defence and battled to convert goals in crucial moments. Inevitably the Aussie Stingers’ Nicola Zagame proved the difference, using her speed to make the most of a counter attacking opportunity to score the match winner.
The Stingers had begun the game on the front foot to be leading early on, however Greece were soon back in the fray as the game hit the half way point, assuming a one goal lead at the main break.
While the Stingers recovered from a two-goal deficit early in the second half to win the game, coach Greg McFadden said that despite the grit showed by the team to claim victory, they still had areas of their game that need improving.
“We won ugly today,” McFadden said.
“I expected nerves in the first quarter and I thought we were going well, then we just lost our way in the second term and allowed Greece to get two penalties. They ended up with five for the game. It just shows where we need to improve our defence.
“We also need to back ourselves in attack. We had moments when our players were on for shots, but didn’t take them. Our offense was a bit stale, which put our shooting under pressure.
“The team were tough at the end. They withstood penalties, extra man attacks and came home with the win.”
The Stingers had a strong opening to be leading Greece 2-1 at the first break, Gemma Beadsworth and Hannah Buckling scoring. However the lead didn’t last long as Greece hit back in the second term to take a 3-4 lead at half time, Zagame the only Aussie scorer.
Greece continued their good form early in the third quarter to break away to a two goal lead, before the Stingers soon found their way to equalise 5-5 at the final change. With the scores equal Australia produced a three goal fourth period, polished off with acute defence to hold out for victory.
Australian captain Bronwen Knox echoed McFadden’s sentiments on where the team needed to improve defence, while conceding that nerves played a part in game one of the world championships.
“The game was a bit scrappy, we got ahead early but then they had a better second quarter. Then we kept pushing and pushing and came away with the win at the end,” Knox said.
“Overall it was a good game, it was quite tough and they got five penalties, so our defence is lacking in some areas, we need to refocus on that.
“You’re always a bit nervous coming up against a good team in the first game, you just want to get that first win under your belt.”
The Aussie Stingers next game will be against the world number 24 ranked team South Africa, with the match scheduled for 5.50pm AEST on Tuesday July 28 in Kazan, Russia.
Aussie Stingers: Lea Yanitsas (NSW), Gemma Beadsworth (WA), Hannah Buckling (NSW), Holly Lincoln-smith (NSW), Keesja Gofers (NSW), Bronwen Knox (QLD), Rowie Webster (VIC), Glencora McGhie (WA), Zoe Arancini (WA), Ash Southern (QLD), Bronte Halligan (NSW), Nicola Zagame (NSW), Kelsey Wakefield (QLD)
Result: Australia 8 bt Greece 7
AUS Scorers: N Zagame 2, A Southern, Z Arancini, G McGhie, R Webster, H Buckling, G Beadsworth
WATER POLO AUSTRALIA
