Great Britain, sponsored by British Gas, squared up to the Czech Republic in the final of the LEN Women’s European Nations Trophy, winning the title 9-7.

Britain’s Hannah Wild got the team on the score sheet within the first minute with a well-taken penalty, and again later in the match with a lovely goal tipped over the keeper’s head.

But, pulling ahead, the Czech Republic brought the score to 3-2 in their favour with Veronika Bartunkova sneaking two goals past.

Wild brought the British Gas team level, and after an excellent save by Rosie Morris, the British team edged the team into a 4-3 lead. Angela Winstanley-Smith brought this to 5-3, but Bartunkova shot back, bringing them back to within one goal at half time.

Then, an overwhelmed British Gas team watched on as Bartunkova scored for the fifth and sixth time to level at six-all going into the final period.

In the last five minutes, Francesca Clayton took Great Britain to 7-6 with a penalty, swiftly followed by Wild’s fourth shot.

With three minutes left on the clock the British Gas team built up a good attack that gave them a three goal lead. Swiftly followed by Aneta Hendrychova’s goal for the Czech Republic, the British Gas team finished strongly to win the title 9-7.

British Gas team coach Szilveszter Kekete said:
“They worked really hard in the match, they were a little nervous going in, but they performed well.”

British Swimming Chief Executive David Sparkes was pleased with the way the team performed:
“They played with such discipline and skill, and their fitness levels are very impressive. This result shows they are on their way towards London and the Olympic Games in 2012.”

Great Britain, will now go on to a qualification tournament in January 2010 to determine who will compete in the A Championships in 2011.

Annie Locker, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

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