The British Gas GBR Women’s Water Polo team lost 5-11 to a strong Netherlands side in their second group match of the LEN European Water Polo Championships in Budapest.
The Netherlands, who shocked hosts Hungary with a 12-11 win on Wednesday, took the lead early on but stayed within reach for the first quarter thanks to a goal from 5m for Claire Nixon.
The British team continued to impress in defence with Goalkeeper and Captain Rosie Morris making a number of key saves during the second quarter, which they drew 2-2.
A penalty for GBR in the third quarter, scored by Ciara Gibson-Byrne in the bottom left corner, drew the teams level again at 4-4. Unfortunately this wasn’t enough as the Netherlands opened up a gap of three goals which the British team couldn’t answer.
Despite having the majority of play in a frustrating fourth quarter GBR couldn’t find the back of the net as they were kept at the halfway mark by the Dutch team.
A flurry of goals for the Netherlands put the game out of reach and the final score was 5-11 (1-2, 2-2, 1-3, 1-4) to the Netherlands.
"Even though the scores may not reflect how well we are playing, we’re showing everyone we can compete with the best"
- Pippa Temple
“It is a shame that a few key decisions went against us, but if we continue to play as we did today then no team is unbeatable.”
Pippa Temple, who is making her debut for GBR in Budapest, said: “It is great to be part of the team and even though the scores may not reflect how well we are playing, we’re showing everyone we can compete with the best.”
The team play host nation Hungary at 16:30 BST on Sunday 20 July in the final group match of the tournament.
GBR goalscorers: Ciara Gibson-Byrne (2); Aine Hoy; Hazel Musgrove; Claire Nixon