All the event pictures are available here
Game 1, SUI 4 – ENG 15
England opened their EU Nations Cup campaign with a commanding 15-4 (3-1, 4-1, 2-0, 6-2) victory over Switzerland.
A strong first half saw England take control of the match and a disciplined defensive performance in the third quarter ensured there was no way back for Switzerland.
England team details and scorers v Switzerland: Megan Clarke, Isobel Howe (1), Katie Hesketh (3), Laura Hesketh (2), Rosie Huck (2), Brooke Tafazolli (1), Lucy Aspinall, Courtney Dean, Emma Bartlett (1), Kathryn Fowler (2), Carly Jackson, Victoria Hawkins & Kathy Rogers (3).
View here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKGFM6tU6Lw&feature=youtu.be
Game 2, ENG 11 – CZE 10
The England team to face the hosts Czech Republic in our second match here at the EU Nations Cup:
2. Lauren Tasker
3. Megan Clarke
4. Isobel Howe
5. Katie Hesketh – Captain
6. Laura Hesketh
7. Rosie Huck
8. Brooke Tafazolli
9. Lucy Aspinall
10. Courtney Dean
12. Kathryn Fowler
13. Carly Jackson
14. Victoria Hawkins
15. Kathy Rogers
Huge victory! England made it two wins from two at the EU Nations Cup after edging a physical encounter with the hosts Czech Republic 11-10 (4-3, 1-4, 1-1, 5-2).
The players fought back superbly from 8-5 down in the third to stun the home crowd.
In a dramatic final quarter, Kathy Rogers levelled the scores at 10-10 with 2.54 remaining before captain Katie Hesketh fired in the winner with just over a minute left to play.
Fabulous performance and great team spirit. Every player deserves massive credit for battling back the way they did in what was an extremely partisan and intimidating atmosphere.
England team and scorers v Czech Republic: Lauren Tasker, Megan Clarke, Isobel Howe (2), Katie Hesketh (2), Laura Hesketh (1), Rosie Huck, Brooke Tafazolli, Lucy Aspinall, Courtney Dean, Kathryn Fowler (1), Carly Jackson, Victoria Hawkins (2) & Kathy Rogers (3)
Watch again here > https://youtu.be/kfICBeWv1eg
Game 3, Eng 17 – SCT 4
England continued their excellent form at the EU Nations Cup with a 17:4 (5-0, 4-2, 5-0, 3-2) victory over Scotland in Pilsen.
With three wins from three, England remained top of their group and a win against Portugal in their last game (4.45pm UK time today) would guarantee a place in tomorrow’s gold medal final.
England team and scorers v Scotland: Kate Read, Lauren Tasker (2), Megan Clarke, Isobel Howe (2), Katie Hesketh (1), Laura Hesketh, Rosie Huck (2), Brooke Tafazolli (5), Lucy Aspinall, Courtney Dean, Emma Bartlett, Kathryn Fowler (4) & Kathy Rogers (1)
Watch again here > https://youtu.be/PY7CFpgFIGA
Game 4, ENG 18 – PRT 6
The England team to face Portugal in our last group match:
1. Kate Read
2. Lauren Tasker
3. Megan Clarke
4. Isobel Howe
5. Katie Hesketh – Captain
6. Laura Hesketh
7. Rosie Huck
8. Brooke Tafazolli
9. Lucy Aspinall
11. Emma Bartlett
12. Kathryn Fowler
14. Victoria Hawkins
15. Kathy Rogers
England’s senior women would compete for the gold medal at the EU Nations Cup after topping Group B with a sensational 18:6 (3-1, 7-2, 5-2, 3-1) victory over Portugal.
After four successive wins, England secured a spot in the final against Group A winners South Africa, who were also undefeated.
England team and scorers v Portugal: Kate Read, Lauren Tasker (2), Megan Clarke, Isobel Howe (4), Katie Hesketh (4), Laura Hesketh, Rosie Huck, Brooke Tafazolli (1), Lucy Aspinall, Emma Bartlett (1), Kathryn Fowler (3), Victoria Hawkins & Kathy Rogers (3)
FINAL, RSA 6 – ENG 12
The England team to face South Africa in the final of the EU Nations Cup:
1. Kate Read
2. Lauren Tasker
3. Megan Clarke
4. Isobel Howe
5. Katie Hesketh – Captain
7. Rosie Huck
8. Brooke Tafazolli
9. Lucy Aspinall
10. Courtney Dean
11. Emma Bartlett
12. Kathryn Fowler
14. Victoria Hawkins
15. Kathy Rogers
GOLD! England’s senior women’s team won the EU Nations Cup after a spectacular 12-6 (2-1, 1-3, 3-2, 6-0) victory over South Africa here in Pilsen.
There were jubilant scenes at the final whistle as England’s coaches dived into the pool to celebrate with our gold-medal winning players!
A thrilling final saw the lead exchange hands frequently, but it was England who started and finished the match strongly.
Despite missing two penalties and South Africa taking a 4-3 lead at the end of the first half, England grew in confidence and took control to win the final two quarters 3-2 and 6-0.
England team and scorers v South Africa: Kate Read, Lauren Tasker (1), Megan Clarke, Isobel Howe (1), Katie Hesketh (3), Rosie Huck (1), Brooke Tafazolli (2), Lucy Aspinall, Courtney Dean (1), Emma Bartlett, Kathryn Fowler (2), Victoria Hawkins (1) & Kathy Rogers
There were more celebrations during the medal ceremony as England’s Kate Read was named the Tournament’s Best Goalkeeper.
England’s women are now the current holders of the EU Nations Senior and Junior titles, after beating South Africa in both finals.
Huge congratulations to the team and coaching staff – Theo Nousios, Chloe Wilcox, Felicity Leighton and Norman Leighton. Also a massive thanks to all the officials, organisers and (as always) magnificent travelling support.
Enjoy the celebrations and the medal presentation here > https://youtu.be/vTGXB6H8jSc!
To watch the match again, click here > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fSMLCVpVXMs
University water polo competitions in the UK are provided by 2 organisations...
Good luck to London Otter who fly to Istanbul tomorrow to compete in the quarter finals of European Aquatics Challenger Cup, Dec 6-8th 2024. As the first British club to progress to this stage in 13 years, Otter will be facing tough competition but it’s great to see a GB club in Europe again! Follow play-by-play here > https://len.microplustimingservices.com/lenchallengercupwomen/indexCL_web.php?cal=1