Brits cruise to victory over France at Universiade
20 August 2011
The British Gas GBR Women’s Water Polo team eased past France in their penultimate match at the World University Games in Shenzhen.
After a tournament that has seen its fair share of highs and lows for the British women, they made no mistake in their opening seventh-ninth position match, sealing an 8-4 victory.
France were the only team in the competition to have lost all their matches and doubles from captain Angie Winstanley-Smith and Frankie Snell - who took her tournament tally to 10 with her brace - saw the British home.
The French started strongly, going ahead twice in the opening quarter before goals from Snell, Winstanley-Smith and Vicky Bowen meant the British finished the opening quarter a goal to the good.
Snell scored her second early in the second quarter before Chloe Wilcox added a fifth with a penalty. The Brits would have been in complete control was it not for the heroics of French goalkeeper Lou Counil who saved a one-on-one and penalty at the close of the half to keep the score 5-3.
The British defence stood strong in the final two quarters with replacement goalkeeper Robyn Nicholls showing form between the sticks to keep the French limited to just one more goal in the second half.
Meanwhile, the British team persisted and added three to their tally with a flick from Lisa Gisbon, a Winstanley-Smith lob and a bounce shot from Rachel Drabble to finish the game.
The British Gas GBR Women's Water Polo team will face Mexico on 22nd August to decide seventh and eight positions in the competition.
Great Britain 8 - 4 France
GB goalscorers: Frankie Snell (2), Angie Winstanley-Smith (2), Lisa Gibson, Chloe Wilcox, Vicky Bowen, Rachel Drabble.
