Great Britain push Germany all the way in Baku

Great Britain’s second game at the Baku 2015 European Games ended in a narrow 10-8 (3-4, 1-3, 2-2, 2-1) defeat on Saturday as they were beaten by a well-organised Germany.

After their opening day 20-2 loss to Greece, GB were determined to respond strongly and for large periods of the game, they were the team on top.

Liverpool’s Verity McCoy and London Otter’s Izzy Dean proved constant threats in attack as they joint top scored for the Brits with two goals each, while goalkeepers Sophie Jackson and Hayley Price were in inspired form between the sticks.

Germany, who finished seventh at the 2013 European Junior Championship, began the game brightly, but they struggled to find a way past GB’s resilient and spirited defence.

“If there had been another two minutes of play, we’re sure the result would have been different,” – Izzy Dean

Both teams hit the post early on before McCoy fired in a stunning bounce shot to open the scoring with 5.06 remaining in the first quarter.

McCoy struck again along with Liverpool team-mate Grace Rowland and Crawley’s Lara Partridge, but it was Germany who took a 7-4 half-time lead.

In the third quarter, GB captain Dean hammered home twice and Chelmsford’s Dani Brazier took her tournament tally to three with an excellent goal in the final period.

Liverpool’s Lucy Shaw found space late in the fourth to set-up a tense final minute, but Germany were able to close the game out as 10-8 winners.

“We put in another great team effort today and we started and finished the game strongly,” said Great Britain’s Izzy Dean.

“The momentum was with us in the final quarter and if there had been another two minutes of play, we’re sure the result would have been different.

“We’re still confident of a top 10 finish and the team is in good spirits. We will definitely build on this performance and be ready for our next match.”

Team GB face another difficult game tomorrow against Netherlands (12.45pm start UK time) in day three of the water polo tournament in Baku.

• Click here to view the match stats on the official Baku 2015 website.

Team GB water polo:

• Dani Brazier (Chelmsford)
• Izzy Dean (captain) (London Otter)
• Hannah Edwards (Menzieshill Whitehall)
• Sophie Jackson (Leeds)
• Fleur Kennedy (City of Coventry)
• Verity McCoy (vice captain) (Liverpool)
• Mhairi Nurthen (London Otter)
• Lara Partridge (Crawley)
• Hayley Price (Tyldesley)
• Kathy Rogers (London Otter)
• Grace Rowland (Liverpool)
• Lucy Shaw (Liverpool)
• Beth Ward (Devonport Royal)