Snell scores four as Great Britain beat Germany

Posted: Tuesday 24th January 2012 | 22:43

FRANKIE Snell scored four as Great Britain's women secured an overtime victory over old rivals Germany at water polo's European Championship.

ON TARGET: Frankie Snell scored four as Great Britain beat Germany 13-11 at the European Championships (British Swimming/British Gas)

The victory meant their first appearance at this level in 15 years ended on a high, a 13-11 win securing them seventh place overall after close-fought group stage defeats to Olympic gold medallists the Netherlands and defending champions Russia.

"Our team showed that we are now in the picture of European water polo," said British head coach Szilveszter Fekete.

"As I predicted after our first match, we didn’t finish last.

"We had good competitive games against such strong teams here. The first game was tough, but all the tournament we played good polo and everyone has commented on the progress we have made.

"We lost against Russia and Holland but we can improve and be even better and that's a good sign for the Olympics."

Snell scored twice in overtime to cap off an impressive individual performance while Ciara Gibson-Bryne netted three and Chloe Wilcox scored two.

Expectations for London 2012 are just to compete and hopefully give the sport a springboard for future success.

So far only Pan Am Games winners the United States and Australia have booked their place with the hosts in the eight-team tournament, while another team will join them after the ongoing Asian Championships and the final four teams will be added after an Olympic qualifier in Trieste in April.

“Our team is very pleased about its progress during this tournament. It proves that our hard work is paying off," said centre forward Angie Winstanley-Smith.

"We're really happy with the result but it's just the start of things to come. The team spirit has been incredible and we're looking forward to training hard and getting better.

"Regarding the Olympics, it’s great for us to be there, particularly as women’s water polo is still a small sport in our country. We are all excited about that opportunity."