Brits go down fighting in VISA International opener

The British Gas GBR Women's Water Polo team showed their fighting spirit
in their first match at the Olympic Water Polo Arena in the VISA
International.

Competing against one of the best teams in women's water polo in the
shape of Australia, the Brits rose to the occasion in front of a 3,000
strong crowd, holding their opponents to 2-1 losses in each of the first
three quarters.

The Australians' strength showed in the final quarter as they pulled
away but a 10-4 defeat to this season's Pan Pacific champions was no
disgrace in their first match of the four-nation competition.

It could have been a different story for the Brits, who earned 15
man-ups during the game but a fired-up Alicia McCormack kept them at bay
in the Australian goal, conceding just once in each quarter.

And British Head Coach Szilveszter Fekete admitted he was satisfied with
how his players had matched up against one of the Olympic favourites.

"We had opportunities that we didn't take but I think generally it was a
good performance," said Fekete.

"We had good intensity, good movement and a very organised defence.

"Australia is always a hard game. This season they have won every
tournament they have participated in and I think at this moment they are
one of the best teams in the world.

"So I think it was a good performance up until the last four or five
minutes."

Spurred on by a noisy crowd, the Brits started strongly with Chloe
Wilcox converting from an early man-up to give them a 1-0 lead.

Australia struck immediately back on their own man-up and after an even
first quarter edged in front from another power play situation.

Rosie Morris starred for the Brits with a couple of saves early in the
second quarter and after Australia added a third on the counter, GB
captain Fran Leighton pounced to rebound Angie Winstanley-Smith's shot
after it was parried on to the crossbar.

Another goal in the final minute of the quarter gave the Australians a
4-2 lead at the half-time break but after conceding early in the third,
Fiona McCann added the Brits' third goal from inside the 5m line.

Australia pulled clear as the Brits faded in the final quarter but after
Winstanley-Smith earned a penalty in the final minute, Rachel Drabble
converted with aplomb to ensure the Brits left the pool on a positive
note.

And McCann admitted their first competitive experience at the Olympic
Arena was a memorable one.

"We started with a bit of nerves but once we got into the game it went
alright," said McCann.

"The Australians are a great opposition - they're really strong. It was
a fantastic game to play because now we know what's going to hit us when
we come to the Olympics and we can learn from this to prepare for the
Games.

"When we first walked through the door, we were all a bit taken aback
but once we'd got through the line-up, everyone was buzzing.

"The atmosphere was great and it wasn't even full tonight so when the
Olympics come it's going to be fantastic."

World Cup champions USA defeated Hungary 11-6 in the other game in
London and the Americans will take on Great Britain in their second game
on Friday.

The British Gas GBR Water Polo team were:

Robyn Nicholls (GK) - (City of Manchester)

Rosie Morris (GK) - (City of Liverpool)

Chloe Wilcox - 1 goal (City of Manchester)

Fiona McCann - 1 goal (City of Chester)

Francesca Painter-Snell (London Penguin)

Hazel Musgrove - (Warrington)

Fran Leighton-1 goal (City of Sheffield)

Lisa Gibson - (City of Manchester)

Aine Hoy - (City of Manchester)

Vicki Hawkins - (Warley Wasps)

Angie Winstanley-Smith - (City of Manchester)