Manchester to host world class water polo weekenders

The British Gas GBR Women's Water Polo team have been making waves in the international circuit this season, beating world champions Greece as they narrowly missed out on an unprecedented World League Super Final spot.

And as they close in on qualification to their first European Championships since 1997, there's never been a better time to watch the British women in action.

INTERNATIONAL WATER POLO INVITATIONAL

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Between 16th - 18th September, the British Gas GBR Women's Team will host three of the top teams in world water polo in a four-nation invitational tournament.

Fresh from their silver medal at last month's World Championships in Shanghai, China will arrive in Manchester high in confidence as they look to continue their form.

Having finished runners-up in both the FINA World League and World Championships two years ago, Canada will be no pushover while Germany have been consistent performers on the European stage for a number of years.

The tournament will comprise a round-robin stage with six matches over three sessions on Friday 16th and Saturday 17th before the bronze-medal playoff and final on Sunday 18th:

Friday 16th September: Session One (18:00 - 20:00)
Saturday 17th September: Session Two (10:00 - 12:30)
Saturday 17th September: Session Three (18:00 - 20:30)
Sunday 18th September: Finals Session (11:30 - 14:00)

GREAT BRITAIN v UKRAINE, EURO 2012 QUALIFIER

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While group winners Spain have already booked their spot at January's finals, the race for the second qualification place from Group B is hotting up with just two match-days remaining.

Ukraine and Great Britain are tied for second on six points, but having beaten the Ukrainians 11-7 in their away leg, the Brits know another victory in Manchester would book their place at the finals tournament for the first time since 1997.

Saturday 24th September: British Gas GBR Women's Water Polo v Ukraine, Euro 2012 Qualifier (18:00 - 19:30)

CLICK HERE to show your support on Facebook or head to our Women's Water Polo area to learn more about the team.