What it means to the travelling GB support to beat Canada!
Relive the glory! All the pics and videos are available to view here
Game 1 v FRA
Tough round of opening matches for our GB teams here at the World University Games in Chinese Taipei.
The men’s team lost out to a dominant France 17-5 (5-2, 3-1, 3-1, 6-1), with Lewis Daly (2), Morgan Hirsch, Jordan Elliot and Aaron Winstanley on the scoresheet for GB.
Game 2 v KOR
Great Britain’s men outclassed Korea 11-7 (5-3, 3-1, 3-2, 0-1) on Sunday to earn their first group stage victory here at the World University Games in Chinese Taipei.
GB dominated the early exchanges and, despite some defensive lapses, took a deserved 5-3 lead through Dan Paddon (2), Ben Tinkler-Davies, Jordan Elliot and Aaron Winstanley.
A better performance in the second quarter saw GB extend their lead to 8-4 thanks to a fine penalty save by Peter Pickford and goals from Elliot (2) and Graham Harrington.
Addison Brown, Morgan Hirsch and Winstanley added to GB’s tally in the third to make it 11-6 and although Korea won the final quarter 1-0, GB ran out comfortable 11-7 winners.
Next up for our GB men is a clash with the hosts Taipei on Monday, while our women face Japan on Tuesday.
Game 3 v TPE
Great Britain’s senior men finished the group phase of the World University Games in style on Monday with a commanding 18-2 (3-0, 4-2, 7-0, 4-0) victory over Taipei.
It was another powerful performance from GB, who dominated from the start and raced into a 3-0 lead through Joel Leighton, Graham Harrington and captain Aaron Winstanley.
More clinical finishing in the second from Ben Tinkler-Davies, Dan Paddon and Winstanley put GB further ahead as the hosts struggled to cope with our pace and strength across the pool.
A relentless 7-0 third quarter sealed the win with Harrington, Tinkler-Davies (2), Paddon (2), and Morgan Hirsch (2) all on target.
Jordan Elliot, Leighton, Paddon and Addison Brown added four more in the final period as GB finished up comfortable 18-2 winners.
The result means GB placed second in Group A and now face a tough match against Canada in the crossover on Wednesday, 3.20am start (UK time).
Game 4 v CAN
VICTORY! Great Britain’s senior men edged a thrilling last-16 match with Canada 7-6 (2-3, 1-1, 3-2, 1-0) on Wednesday to reach the quarter-finals of the World University Games.
There were huge celebrations in the pool and stands as GB secured the incredible result against a team featuring players fresh from competing at the recent FINA World Championships in Hungary.
GB were simply outstanding in defence, particularly on man-down, as they executed Tim Dunsbee’s defensive game plan superbly, while still being clinical in attack when it mattered.
Canada’s dangermen were marked out of the match and despite taking a 3-2 first quarter lead, they struggled to find a way past goalkeeper Peter Pickford and were left stunned as GB fought back to win the game.
Graham Harrington was on fire at both ends of the pool, strong in defence and top scoring with three, while Jordan Elliot hit two and Ben Tinkler-Davies also found the net.
GB’s final goal was scored with 6.31 remaining by captain Aaron Winstanley, who kept his cool on man-up to convert what proved to be the winner.
After achieving their pre-tournament target of a top-eight finish, GB will now face France in Friday’s quarter-final, 8am start (UK time).
A massive congratulations to the whole squad and coaches from everyone involved with England and Great Britain water polo!
GB squad in full: Peter Pickford, Jack Simcox, Dan Paddon, Aaron Winstanley, Elliot Kelly, Graham Harrington, Jordan Elliot, Lewis Daly, Joel Leighton, Ben Tinkler-Davies, Thomas Grieve, Morgan Hirsch & Addison Brown. Head coach: Tim Dunsbee
Game 5 v FRA
Great Britain’s senior men suffered a 13-4 (4-1, 2-1, 6-1, 1-1) defeat to France in the quarter-finals of the World University Games on Friday.
France again got the better of GB, after winning the group clash 17-5, but there were signs of improvement and our men now turn their attention to Sunday’s 5th-8th place semi-finals where giants Hungary await.
Morgan Hirsch (2), captain Aaron Winstanley and Dan Paddon were our scorers in today’s quarter-final.
Game 6 v HUN
Great Britain’s senior men were beaten 19-2 (7-0, 5-1, 3-1, 4-0) by Hungary in their 5th-8th semi-final at the World University Games on Sunday.
Dan Paddon and Addison Brown were our scorers and despite the result, it was great to see GB working hard as a unit and back competing against such a powerful and established side on the world stage.
Check out the players’ perspective in our post-match video interviews starring Jack & Joel!
Great Britain will now face the Netherlands (who lost to JPN 9-8) in the 7th/8th final on Wednesday, 2am start (UK time).
Game 7 v NED
After a series of outstanding performances, Great Britain’s senior men have finished eighth at the World University Games in Chinese Taipei.
To place above the likes of USA and Australia in their first major international water polo tournament is a huge achievement and beating a strong and talented Canada 7-6 to reach the quarter-finals and guarantee a top-eight finish was the highlight.
2017 World University Games
Men’s Water Polo
Final Standings:
1. Serbia
2. Russia
3. Italy
4. France
5. Hungary
6. Japan
7. Netherlands
8. Great Britain
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9. USA
10. Canada
11. Australia
12. Korea
13. Romania
14. South Africa
15. Argentina
16. Chinese Taipei
GB were beaten 18-5 (4-2, 4-0, 6-3, 4-0) by the Netherlands in today’s 7th/8th place final, but it was another battling display with Jordan Elliot (2), Ben Tinkler-Davies, Joel Leighton and Thomas Grieve all on target.
Goalkeeper Peter Pickford was also on fine form again, pulling off several stunning saves, particularly in the first quarter.
This competition has been a great learning curve and experience for all the players and it was fantastic to see the team develop and improve throughout.
The remarkable eighth-place finish also ensures Great Britain have qualified for the next Games.
Massive congratulations to the whole squad and coaching staff for such a successful tournament from everyone involved with Great Britain water polo!
Also a big thank you to Ian Elliot and Phil Winstanley for their updates and photos from the poolside, and to the fantastic support here and back home.
University water polo competitions in the UK are provided by 2 organisations...
Congratulations to London Otter women who have booked their ticket to the next round of European Aquatics 2024 Challenger Cup. The last match on Sunday 10th November in Group C saw Czech Republic hosts, Asten Johnson Strakonice, take on Otter Swimming and Water Polo Club. The Czechs opened up a 5-3 lead at the turnaround, but Otter turned up in the third quarter and two goals from Rebecca Mulcahy and Sarah Snyder, plus one from Izzy Dean,