Brits kick off with a draw in China
12 August 2011
The British Gas GBR Women’s Water Polo team kicked off their World University Games campaign with an 8-8 draw against a strong Canadian team.
Playing against a physical Canadian side at the Shenzhen Bao'an Natatorium, the British women slipped behind early before Ciara Gibson-Byrne drew level to tie the score at 1-1 after the first quarter.
The Brits began to settle in the second quarter, establishing a 4-3 lead at the half way point. Frankie Snell impressed with a good goal while Rosie Morris made some superb stops to keep the Brits' noses ahead.
Canada raced out of the blocks in the third quarter, scoring three in a row to take an early lead before the British pulled the score back to 6-6 with a quarter to play.
Snell put Great Britain ahead at the start of the final quarter before the Canadians once again moved a goal clear at 8-7.
Angie Winstanley-Smith, team captain for the tournament, battled hard all match and pulled the Brits level for a final time with 22 seconds left on the clock, finishing a controlled set-up on a man-up.
The British women face hosts China in their second group match on Sunday 13th August.
Canada 8 - 8 Great Britain
GB goalscorers: Ciara Gibson-Byrne (2), Angie Winstanley-Smith (2), Chloe Wilcox, Frankie Snell, Lisa Gibson, Fran Clayton
