NSWIS stars dominate in win over China

Starring displays by a number of NSWIS athletes has seen the Australian Women’s Water Polo Team claim bronze at the FINA World League Super Final after a decisive 10-3 win over host China on Sunday in Shanghai, China.

NSWIS’ Keesja Gofers scored a hat-trick of goals, whilst captain Bronwen Knox scored a double and Hannah Buckling also got on the score sheet. 

The Aussies led from the outset and controlled the game throughout to bounce back after a disappointing loss in yesterday’s semi-final against Spain.

A solid start saw Australia leading 8-3 at half time with strong defence in the second half keeping the Chinese scoreless.

It was the last major Tournament for the Aussie Stingers ahead of the Rio Olympic Games, with the Tournament bringing to a close a three-week international tour for the squad.

The World League Final delivered many positive signs for the Aussies ahead of Rio with two wins over China and wins over Russia and Italy – the three sides Australia has drawn in the preliminary rounds of Olympic Games.

Australian Team Head Coach Greg McFadden had one word to sum up tonight’s match – “excellent.”

“We defended really well in the first quarter and our attack was really fluid in the first half.

“We were up 8-3 at half time and I was really pleased with the team’s performance.

“The second half while we only scored two goals, we were in complete control and it was a great hit out,” he said.

Match Statistics: 

AUSTRALIA 10 CHINA 3

Goal Scorers: Webster (3), Gofers (3), Knox (2), Buckling (1); McGhie (1).

Quarters goals AUS V CHN: 3-2; 5-1; 1-0; 1-0

AUSTRALIA: Lea Yanitsas, Gemma Beadsworth, Hannah Buckling, Bronte Halligan, Keesja Gofers , Bronwen Knox (Captain), Rowie Webster, Glencora McGhie, Zoe Arancini, Ashleigh Southern, Isobel Biship, Nicola Zagame, Kelsey Wakefield.