Aussie Stingers fight back to defeat China

The Aussie Stingers have come from behind to defeat China in the second game of a three test match water polo series in Sydney.

Game two of three, the test match series is an entree to the Paris Olympic Games, with the Australians set to face China in their first game at the Paris Aquatics Centre on July 27.

After winning the opening game 14-8 on Sunday, the Stingers were eager for another strong performance in front of their home crowd.

The teams were inseparable in the first quarter, each scoring three goals to level the scores at quarter time.
In the second quarter, the Chinese came out firing, adding a massive five goals to their tally, while the Aussies converted three.

The Stingers were determined to fight until the finish, scoring four goals in the third quarter, the score standing at 10-12 at three-quarter time.

But it was the last quarter where the Australians rose to the occasion in front of a passionate home crowd, to score two last minute goals and claim a one goal win, 16-15.
Tokyo Olympian Abby Andrews said she could not have been happier with the grit and determination showed by her team.

“That was a grind for all four quarters – going into the last quarter two down is obviously not where you want to be, especially after our strong performance on Sunday,” Andrews said.

“But we battled, came back and got the job done through controlled attack and defence in the last quarter.

“I’m honestly so proud and our coach Bec said to us ‘this is the test we want before we go to the Olympics. This is what we need to be prepared for, and if we’re not then we’ll never know what we’re capable of.

“I’m elated – the crowd here was insane. It was an amazing game to be a part of and to win . . . oh my goodness it makes it so much better.”

The Stingers will play their third and final test match against China in front of a sold out crowd at Pymble Ladies College on Friday 17 May at 7:30pm AEST.

Eight New South Wales Institute of Sport (nswis) scholarship holders including captain Zoe Arancini (pictured), Keesja Gofers,  Bronte Halligan, Tilly Kearns, Sienna Hearn, Sienna Green, Genevieve Longman, Danijela Jackovich are in the Australian Olympic team that’s coached by former NSWIS Head coach, Bec Rippon.

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