Great Britain U19s reach European finals

Great Britain’s U19s became the first British men’s side to reach a European Water Polo Championships in 10 years after a thrilling qualification weekend in Manchester.

The British team won one, drew one and lost one of their three qualifying matches in front of a sellout crowd at the East Manchester Leisure Centre.

Their positive goal difference ensured they booked a place at this summer’s European Championships finals, which take place in Minsk, Belarus, from 26 August.

Great Britain opened up their campaign with a comprehensive 22-7 victory over Lithuania, having seen Greece win 17-4 in their first match against Ukraine.

Defeat but delight

Britain’s second match was a much tighter affair as they drew 7-7 with Ukraine, with Greece thrashing Lithuania 23-4.

Ukraine won their third and final game, defeating Lithuania 13-1, meaning Britain could lose their final match against Greece and still qualify on goal difference, depending on the result.

And although they did suffer a 14-2 defeat, their +3 goal difference ensured second spot in the group and a place at the European Championships.

Ukraine finished third, level on points with the British team but on a goal difference of minus one. Lithuania were bottom of the group after losing all three of their matches.

Image credit: England Water Polo Twitter