Winstanley-Smith targeting winning start at VISA International

The Brits are preparing for a hectic schedule in May which will see them take on Australia, USA and Hungary in the VISA Water Polo International from 3rd – 6th May.

They will then travel straight out to Volos in Greece for their FINA World League preliminaries against world champions Greece, Olympic champions the Netherlands and Russia.

We can’t let the atmosphere get too much for us because we need to play well.

With the temporary arena in the Olympic Park only completed in April, the British team are yet to see inside the iconic 5,000 seater venue.

But while Winstanley-Smith admits the squad are desperate to taste a sample of the Olympic experience, she is adamant they’re not in London to make up the numbers.

“At the end of the day, for us as a team it’s great to go down there but we need to keep focused on the game,” said the British forward.

“We can’t let the atmosphere get too much for us because we need to play well.

“So we’ll keep focused on that really. Obviously we are all excited though. It will be brilliant to go down and see how much the village has come along.

“None of us have seen the pool yet either so it’s very exciting to have that chance.”  

While not all of them will return for the Olympic Games in July, head coach Szilveszter Fekete is taking the full squad to London and Greece as he gives each player a chance to impress.

And Winstanley-Smith admits she’s pleased each member of the squad will be able to enjoy the Olympic Park experience at least once.

“We all know selections are going to have to be made and there will be big rotations over the next two tournaments so everyone gets a game,” said Winstanley-Smith.

“It’s a lovely opportunity to go down as a whole. We’re a squad and a family so to experience the Olympic Park all together this week and play there are test it out will be nice.

“Whether you make the Olympic team or not, everyone will get the chance to go down and soak up that atmosphere.”

Provisional Team Lists for the VISA Water Polo International and the FINA World League Preliminary (subject to change)

VISA Water Polo International (3rd - 6th May)

• Rosie Morris
• Robyn Nicholls
• Vicki Hawkins
• Hazel Musgrove
• Angie Winstanley-Smith
• Fran Leighton
• Lisa Gibson
• Ciara Gibson-Byrne
• Aine Hoy
• Fiona McCann
• Frankie Snell
• Chloe Wilcox
• Rachel Drabble

FINA World League Preliminary (10th - 13th May)

• Rosie Morris
• Robyn Nicholls
• Alex Rutlidge
• Hazel Musgrove
• Angie Winstanley-Smith
• Fran Leighton
• Lisa Gibson
• Ciara Gibson-Byrne
• Becky Kershaw
• Fiona McCann
• Frankie Snell
• Chloe Wilcox
• Rachel Drabble
• Claire Nixon
• Fran Clayton
• Vicky Bowen