Great Britain nearly pull off shock win over European champions

Posted: Friday 20th January 2012 | 20:16

BRITISH captain Fran Leighton refused to be downbeat after her team almost pulled off a shock victory over defending champions Russia at the water polo European Championships.

Great Britain are competing at the event for the first time in 15 years and more than matched last year's World Championship bronze medallists before going down narrowly 15-10 in Eindhoven.

It was a much improved display from their defeat to Hungary, leaving head coach Szilveszter Fekete brimming with self-belief that his youthful team of quick learners will not be out of the depth at London 2012.

“I’m pleased with the team’s performance. We played very well and it gives us some confidence for the upcoming six months until the Olympics," said Leighton.

“Rosie Morris, our goalkeeper, was very good, and we were a bit unlucky with shots on post and bar.”

Russia beat hosts and Olympic champions the Netherlands in their first game and seemed a little stunned by the resilience displayed by Great Britain, for whom Frankie Snell, Ciara Gibson-Byrne and Leighton all scored doubles.

"We have shown that we can play water polo,” said Fekete.

“My team performed well although they did not have much international practise during the preparation.

“That may have been the reason why my players were too nervous in the opening match.”