Australian women’s water polo captain Bronwen Knox has led from the front to score a treble in the Aussie Stingers’ 14-8 victory against China at the Aquatic Super Series at HBF Stadium in Perth on the weekend.
While Knox led the way, teenager Bronte Halligan made her mark on the game from the left wing to score twice, while goalkeeper Lea Yanitsas also proved to be strong between the posts, underpinning the Aussies defensive effort.
Despite the eventual five goal deficit, China had arrived to turn up the heat against the Aussies, their opening two goals bookending a strike from Halligan on the left wing.
A coordinated attack from Aussies late in the first term saw Nicola Zagame steal the ball to make a pinpoint pass to Knox who sent the ball to Western Australian Institute of Sport athlete Glencora McGhie who slammed home the equaliser for a 2-2 score-line at the first break.
It was again Zagame who was in the thick of the action during the second quarter, scoring from the swim off, while Webster made her mark at centre forward. China replied however, Halligan again proved dangerous on the left hand side, delivering a screamer to put the Stingers in front at 6-5, 22 seconds shy of half time.
The third stanza was the game breaker for the Aussies, with Knox scoring early. Uncharacteristically, both teams used up their time out opportunities early in the quarter, with neither side able to turn their advantage into a goal.
The Aussies limited China’s scoring efforts to a premium as they protected a 9-6 led into the final exchange.
With confidence on side, the Stingers opened up in attack during the final term to see Webster score in extra man as Knox eased one in from two metres out. China used their time out to effect, also scoring in an extra man situation.
Unable to provide the firepower to keep up with the Aussies, China could do little to prevent Hannah Buckling and Knox from scoring, while McGhie nailed her second goal of the match to ensure the win for Australia.
Aussie Stingers coach Greg McFadden said that he was happy with the opportunities his side created throughout the game, although had hoped to see better execution.
“We created a lot of opportunities in our extra man attack which was a positive, however we only converted two out of 10 in the first three quarters which was a little disappointing,” McFadden said.
Attention for the Stingers now turns to the FINA World League Rounds from April 28 to May 3 in Auckland, New Zealand.
McGhie was joined in action for the Stingers by fellow WAIS scholarship holders; Gemma Beadsworth, Zoe Arancini and Eliesha Browne.
-WaterPoloAus
