Congratulations – Australian Stingers win Waterpolo Bronze in Overtime thriller against Hungary
In a rematch of the Beijing 2008 final, the Australian Stingers met Hungary in London playing for Waterpolo Bronze. In Beijing the Aussies were too strong, this year the Hungarians hung on to a last second miracle goal sending the game into overtime, the third in a row for the Stingers.
The Stingers were determined to farewell the veterans Alicia McCormack, Kate Gynther, and Mel Rippon with a medal. Thrilling from start to finish the Stingers gained a buffer only to have the Hungarians respond. Heading into extra time after goals by Gabriella Szucs and Dora Antal of Hungary tested the Australian’s endurance.
The Aussies came out strong with Gemma Breadsworth scoring in the first overtime period to put the Stingers in the lead. Early shots from Hungary in the second overtime period had the Aussies worried. With just seven seconds left Gemma scored her fourth of the game with an assist from Kate Gynther sealing the match 13-11 and finishing the games with a well-earned medal for the team. Greg McFadden is proud to be Head Coach with the team sharing the Olympic dream after putting four years of blood, sweat and tears and coming away with a medal.
‘Any medal is a good medal, it doesn’t matter what colour it is – today it [feels like] a gold medal.’
Australian Women’s Waterpolo Head Coach, Greg McFadden
The future looks bright for Deakin student Rowie Webster with great defensive pressure and twelve goals in London. Give them your congratulations on winning Bronze at deakin.edu.au/deakin-spirit/.
Source: deakin.edu.au
The Stingers face their strongest Olympic opponent in a decider for top qualification. Rowie Webster with an impressive tally of five goals against Great Britain will play Centre Back in this crucial match. Catch the action Saturday 4th at 12:30 AM on Foxtel London 6 and look for them on Channel 9. Get behind the Stingers and show them our support.
