Juniors win Olympic Hopes tournament in Prague

The British girls have been in impressive form this summer, clinching silver behind reigning European Junior champions Russia in June’s 4 Nations competition in Angers.

Clearly beating the likes of Hungary will give the girls huge confidence.

And they continued their progress at the Championship warm-up tournament in Prague, notching up a 13-10 defeat of last year’s European Junior bronze-medallists Hungary en route to victory.

The Brits suffered one defeat, losing out in a penalty shoot-out to Germany in their opening match, but recovered to record wins over Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia.

And with City of Liverpool player Katie Hesketh named Player of the Tournament after scoring six goals in the defeat of Hungary, head coach Nick Hume insists the team were focused on carrying their form into the European showdown.

“This was a stepping stone towards our ultimate aim of the European Championships,” said Hume. “Clearly beating the likes of Hungary will give the girls huge confidence.

“It was pleasing to see that although we started slowly against Germany, we were able to keep improving through the weekend.

“In the end we finished worthy tournament winners.”

The European Junior Water Polo Championships take place in Madrid between 21 – 28 August.

The British women secured their highest ever finish at the tournament 12 months ago, finishing seventh overall.

The British Gas GBR Junior Women's Water Polo Team for the Olympic Hopes Tournament, Prague