WA Water Polo Girls Win Bronze in a Thriller

West Australian water polo athletes Gemma Beadsworth and Emma Knox have secured bronze medals as part of Australian Stingers team that defeated Hungary in a gripping 12-11 penalty shoot out win at the Yingdong Natatorium in Beijing last night.

The success was only Australia’s second ever medal in water polo following the women’s gold medal effort in Sydney 2000.

After scores were level at 7-7 following regulation time, two periods of extra time couldn’t separate the teams meaning the bronze medal would be decided by a penalty shoot out. Australia’s goal keeper Emma Knox proved the hero after saving Hungary’s final effort, sparking jubilant scenes that included Australian Coach Greg McFadden jumping fully clothed into the water to celebrate with his victorious squad.

After a slow start, Hungary threatened to run away with the match in the second quarter after scoring three unanswered goals, but a late reply to Bronwen Knox turned the tide and Australia rallied in the third period to go on a three goal blitz of their own.

Hungary again looked destined to break Australian hearts in the fourth term leading with less than a minute to go before Rebecca Rippon equalized with eight seconds remaining to send the game into extra time.

Australia led 9-8 in extra time after a goal from Mel Rippon and with only 17 seconds remaining it was Hungary’s turn to play its get out of jail card, with Dora Kisteleki finding the net and forcing a cut throat penalty shoot out.

Australia’s first two penalty attempts were saved with nerves reaching a point of no return with Hungary holding a 10-9 lead. Bronwen Knox levelled the scores before Emma Knox made a crucial save off Mercedes Stieber. Goals were again traded before Mia Santoromito took Australia to 12-11 and within touching distance of bronze. Rita Dravucz shot for Hungary, but saw her effort tipped over the bar by Emma Knox, capping off a fine performance in an incredible match.