BRONZE for Aussie Stingers at FINA World Cup

Published Mon 10 Sep 2018

The Aussie Stingers have capped off their FINA World Cup campaign in style with a thrilling 9-8 win over Spain to clinch the bronze medal.

After drawing to the Spaniards during the preliminary rounds of the tournament, the match looked to be in for another close encounter and went down to the dying seconds.

A big save in goals from a young Gabi Palm in the final five seconds of the game was enough to see the Australians finish on the podium.

Captain Rowie Webster led her side from in front with an impressive five goal haul, two crucial goals coming in the final quarter which got the Aussies across the line and saw her take home the ‘Most Valuable Player’ for the match.

The goal shooting efforts were further supported by Olympians Bron Knox, Keesja Gofers and Hannah Buckling who demonstrated how experience counts during the big moments of the game.

Australia opened the scoring early in the match to set up a nice 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. But Spain came out to dominate the second quarter and put four goals on the scoreboard to lock the score 4-4 at half time.

The second half the Aussies came out strong, their defensive efforts shutting down much of Spain's counter attack. At the end of the third they had a one goal lead 7-6.

The final quarter was reminiscent of the preliminary match between the two sides and it looked like the game was headed for a penalty shoot out.

Scores were deadlocked twice throughout the final quarter, but two goals from captain Rowie Webster along with strong defence from the Aussies was enough to secure the win and bronze medal.

Veteran Aussie Stingers player Bronte Halligan said to the team were excited to once more be back on the podium.

"A bronze medal game is always a tricky one, coming off a loss the day before, but we are super excited to come away with the win.

"We have had a long tour and then a week long tournament, so it nice to be able to see the team step up in a big game and get that win," she said.

Winning the bronze over Spain was the redemption the Aussie Stingers were looking for having gone down to them by one goal earlier this year at the FINA World League Final.

Amy Rydge said the team knew what Spain were capable of delivering and they were eager to step up to deliver the result.

"We played Spain a lot this year, earlier in the World League Finals, then again in Spain when we were there for a training camp and earlier in this tournmanet when we drew with them, so it was good to finally get a win when it counts.

"This result has been a long time coming, we have seen the team progress so much since Sakis (Head Coach) came in at the beginning of this (Olympic) cycle.

"It's a very exciting time for the team," she said.

The FINA World Cup wraps up the 2018 international season for the Aussie Stingers, with players now set to return to their Clubs to prepare for the 2019 OVO Australian Waterpolo League. Several players have secured international club contracts and will now move into those respective competitions as well.

To watch the replay of the game - visit www.finatv.live

For full results – click here.

BRONZE MEDAL: AUS V ESP RESULTS

AUS 9 vs ESP 8

Qtr time scores: 0-2, 4-2, 2-3,2-2

Extra Man: ESP 3/6, AUS 6/8

MVP of the bronze match: Rowie Webster (AUS)

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers (1), Hannah Buckling (1), Bronte Halligan, Isobel Bishop, Bronnen Knox (2), Rowie Webster (5), Amy Ridge, Zoe Arancini, Morgan Baxter, Gabriella Palm.

SEMI FINAL| Aussie Stingers into bronze medal playoff at FINA World Cup at World Cup after narrow loss to Russia.

Australia will go through to the bronze medal play off at the FINA World Cup after narrowly going down to hosts Russia 3-5 in the quarter final overnight.

They will once again meet European heavy weights Spain in tonight’s third place playoff, after drawing 8-8 against them during the preliminary rounds of the tournament.

Last night’s semi final with Russia was one of the lowest scoring matches of the FINA World Cup, with both teams evenly matched and looking like they could take the game out at any stage.

Once again it was a loud home crowd that spurred the Russians on to victory that will see them progress into the gold medal match against reining Olympic and World champions, USA.

Despite the loss, the Aussie Stingers showed what they’d learnt from their first encounter against Russia, executing a solid game plan and proving very strong in their defence. A few missed opportunities made the difference in the final result.

An early goal from Rio Olympian Hannah Buckling got the Aussies on the scoreboard early, but Russia were quick to respond. Another nice controlled goal from captain Rowie Webster gave her side a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.

It was the second quarter that Russia dominated and changed the dynamic of the game, not only securing two goals but keeping the pressure on the Aussie Stingers who were unable to get on the scoreboard to trailed 2-3 at half time.

The low scoring match wouldn’t see Australia get another goal until the final quarter, but by that stage Russia had managed another two goals and secured the 5-3 win in front of an elated home crowd.

Australian Head Coach Sakis Kechagias, said the change in his side tactics from the preliminary games delivered a more consistent game from the Aussies.

“Congratulations to the Russian team… they deserved the win. Both teams could have won today, but like in the group stage the hosts proved to be stronger.

“We were more competitive provided a number of changes were introduced in our game.

“There were a few moments in the game, where we could not follow our game’s plan, and this what lost us the game,” he said.

The Aussie Stingers will now play in the bronze medal playoff against Spain Sunday 9 August at 11:00pm AEST. Watch all the action live on www.finatv.live or follow @WaterpoloAus on twitter.

SEMI FINAL: AUS V RUS RESULTS

AUS vs RUS 5-3

Quarter time scores: 2-1, 0-2, 0-1, 1-1

Extra Man: AUS 0/3 RUS 2/8

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers, Hannah Buckling (1), Bronte Halligan, Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox, Rowie Webster (2), Amy Ridge, Zoe Arancini, Morgan Baxter, Gabriella Palm.

GAME 4 | Aussie Stingers Semi Finals bound at World Cup after hard fought win over Canada

The Australian Women’s team have clinched a 9-6 victory over Canada to move into the FINA World Cup Semi Finals stage.

Rio Olympian Hannah Buckling got her team off to a great start with two quick goals, followed soon after by a Keesja Gofers goal in extra man.

Australian Gabi Palm found confidence early through a couple of strong saves in the cage and ensuring the Aussie took a 3-1 lead into the first quarter break.

Goals weren’t as free flowing in the second quarter, with an arm-wrestle developing between the teams looking to gain the lead in the match.

Australia were accurate in front of goals but were met head on by a determined Canadian goalkeeper.

The Aussie women showed great desire and effort in defence and one goal apiece in the second quarter meant the side remained in front by two goals at half time, 4-2.

Young Aussie keeper Palm remained composed beyond her age in the second half to repel whatever Canada threw at her.

Two late goals in the third quarter to Amy Ridge and Buckling steadied the match in Australia’s favour 6-4 heading into the last break.

Canada narrowed Australia’s lead to one goal with 90 seconds remaining on the clock, but a goal on the right post from Isobel Bishop and a Rowie Webster goal in the dying seconds secured Australia’s win, 9-6.

After her four-goal haul, Hannah Buckling was awarded most valuable player of the match.

"It is so exciting to win the quarter -final. We are looking forward for the semi-final game tomorrow, where we will play Russia," said Buckling.

"As a team, throughout the tournament we have managed to improve. We have stuck to our team plan, and I think that helped us to win.

"I do not think there was any crucial moment in this game. It was all about realisation of our game plan – it was more about us to make sure we stuck to playing defensively.

"The win has definitely encouraged us and is the result of our hard work and teamwork," she said.

For Australian Head Coach Sakis Kechagis, he was pleased his side were able to achieve what they set out to do in that match.

"I would like to congratulate my players, they have executed the plan for the game we had in our mind.

"It was a good game for us, we only conceded just six goals, which is not very much.

"We tried to stay focused in defense, which was our goal," he said.

Australia will now look to recover and regroup as quickly as possible ahead of their next match, a FINA World Cup Semi Final where they will once again play hosts Russia.

In the preliminary rounds Russia proved too strong for the Australians taking a 8-14 win. The Aussie Stingers will need to use their knowledge of the side as they seek redemption in the semi final.

Australia will play Russia at 12:30am the morning of 9 September 2018. Catch all the action live on www.finatv.live

For live and full results – click here.
To view a replay of the match – click here.

GAME 4: AUS V CAN RESULTS

Australia 9 Canada 6

Qtrs: 3-1, 1-1, 2-2, 3-2

Extra Man: AUS 2/4, CAN 2/6

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers (2), Hannah Buckling (4), Bronte Halligan, Isobel Bishop (1), Bronwen Knox, Rowie Webster (1), Amy Ridge (1), Zoe Arancini, Morgan Baxter, Gabriella Palm (5/11).

Game 3 I Aussie Stingers draw against Spain at World Cup

The Aussie Stingers have drawn against Spain 8-8 at the FINA World Cup in the final match of the round robin stages.

There was nothing between the two sides with both teams coming into the game with one win and one loss.

The draw has seen the Australians finish third place in Pool A on a count-back, with the likely opponent in the cross over games to be Canada.

Australia once again delivered a strong defensive game but the evenly matched sides saw a fiercely fought contest for the full four quarters.

The Aussie Stingers held a narrow one point lead at the end of the first quarter and managed to extend that to two points by half time with scores 6-4.

But Spain, the bronze medallist from the 2014 World Cup, weren’t about to lay down easily and managed to claw their way back to lock scores 7-7 at the end of the third quarter.

Nothing could separate the teams in the final period with each team only managing one goal a piece. Both sides were afforded opportunities during extra man in the dying minutes of the game, but the failure to convert saw the scores finish up 8-8.

Rio Olympian Isobel Bishop said the new look Aussie Stingers continue to develop as a team and they’ll now regroup for the next match.

“It was a good tough game against Spain today… they always bring out some really solid plays and they have some really good key players in their team.

“We continue to work on our systems and keep pushing forward and we’re really making some strong connections in the pool which is really nice to see,” she said.

Goalie Gabi Palm said there was nothing that could separate the teams throughout.

"It was a difficult game against Spain. We know our opponent pretty well.

"There was a little too much swimming at the close, which took us much energy. We can expect, that the next game will also be a very difficult one as we are set to face Canada," she said.

Australia will now take on Canada tonight 9:30pm AEST.

Watch the replay of the match at www.finatv.live

GAME 3: AUS v ESP RESULTS

Australia 8 Spain 8

Qtrs: 2-1, 4-3, 1-3, 1-1

Extra Man: AUS 4/9, ESP 5/8

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers, Hannah Buckling (2), Bronte Halligan, Isobel Bishop (2), Bronnen Knox, Rowie Webster (2), Amy Ridge (1), Zoe Arancini (1), Morgan Baxter, Gabriella Palm.

Game 2 I Australia has gone down to Russia 8-14 in game two of the FINA World Cup in a fiercely fought contest

In front of a packed and vocal Russian crowd, the Aussies started strong to take a nice 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

But spurred on by their fans Russia came out strong in the second quarter to amass seven goals and set up a 5-7 lead at half time. They carried that momentum into the third quarter where they really dominated to keep Australia scoreless and extend their lead 5-12.

Australia came home strong in the final quarter in both their defence and attack but unfortunately weren't able to claw back Russia's lead and went down 8-14.

Rio Olympian Zoe Arancini said while it wasn't the result they wanted they will regroup to finish out the preliminary rounds well.

"Disappointing result, we started off the game really well. Credit to the Russians, their counter attack and end zone defence... we just played in to it instead of sticking to our game plan.

"We have another big game against Spain so we need to refocus, get ready for the next game and it's an important game," she said.

Australian Head Coach, Sakis Kechagias, said despite a good start his side weren't able to execute the game plan they had set out to play.

"Russia was better today, and they have deservingly won the race. For us, we had a plan in our mind, we tried to put in control on the offense.

"We did not want to concede easy goals at counter-attacks. But one can’t predict everything. We shall go through it and think of the next encounter against Spain," he said.

It ws the second win for the host nation with Australia now with one win and one loss heading into the final preliminary game against Spain. Australia plays Spain on Thursday, 6 September 9:30pm AEST.

GAME 2: AUS v RUS RESULTS

Australia 8 China 14

For live and full results: click here

Quarter scores:

AUSTRALIA	2	3	0	3
RUSSIA	0	7	5	2

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers (1), Hannah Buckling (1), Bronte Halligan (2), Isobel Bishop, Bronwen Knox, Rowie Webster (2), Amy Ridge, Zoe Arancini (2), Alice Williams, Morgan Baxter, Pascalle Casey, Gabriella Palm.

Game 1 I Australians open World Cup campaign with win over China

The Australian Women’s Water Polo team, Aussie Stingers, have kicked off their FINA World Cup campaign in style with a solid 11-8 win over China.

The six-day tournament kicked off in Surgut, Russia tonight with the Aussies set to face China, Spain and Russia in the preliminary rounds.

It was the ideal start for the Australians, their defence making all the difference to hold off a physical Chinese side.

Captain Rowie Webster lead the way for their side with three goals a piece and was named MVP of the match.

The Aussies were up by two at the half way mark leading 5-3, but the third quarter was where the Chinese made their move winning the quarter with four goals and tying up the scores 7-7 at the end of period.

But the never say die attitude from the Aussies in their attack and defence saw them power home to only keep Chinese to just one goal, but securing four of their own to finish out the game 11-8.

Rio Olympian Isobel Bishop said while the team were pleased to walk away with the win, there are always things they can improve on.

"It is good to start the World Cup with the win. It was uneasy to play China, we know each other very well indeed.

"Always new rules make it even interesting, especially without stoppage in play.

"We are just learning them, we are adapting, as soon as we have experience, we will get on better. I think, we were not perfect today and there is always something which can be improved in the game.

"We are going to improve and improve every game," she said.

Next up the Australians face the home side Russia, who delivered a powerful signal they want to keep the World Cup in their country after a 13-9 win over Spain.

Australia take on Russia early Thursday morning at 12:30am AEST - tune in via FINAtv.

GAME 1: AUS v CHN RESULTS

Australia 11 China 8

Qtr time scores: 2-0, 3-3, 2-4, 4-1

Extra Man: AUS 3/6 CHN 2/8

AUSTRALIA: Lilian Hedges, Keesja Gofers (1), Hannah Buckling (1), Bronte Halligan, Isobel Bishop (2), Bronwen Knox (2), Rowie Webster (4), Amy Ridge (1), Zoe Arancini, Alice Williams, Morgan Baxter, Pascalle Casey, Gabriella Palm.