Source: waterpoloaustralia
Catch all the latest goss from the Australian Born ’96 Youth Girls European Tour
The Australian Born ‘96 girls played two games of 6 x 15 min on Wednesday against the Greek team at the Zappeio pool. Australia won both games with the morning score 30-23. Georgia McConville top scored with seven goals and Chelsea Allen scored six. The evening score was similar, 33-21. Chelsea Allen and Sam Mitchell both scored seven goals, with Ash Roberts and Georgia McConville five each.
(Chelsea Allen scoring and Tess Hosking in goal for Australia)
Wednesday was special as we celebrated Emily McGowan’s 17th birthday. The team loved the chocolate cake from Gylfada and Emily scored four goals on her birthday.
(The girls celebrating Emily McGowan’s birthday and Emily in attack)
Thursday, 22 August
There was no morning session training so we could be tourists!! We started the day at the Parthenon. The girls were amazed that it was completed in 438BC!!
We had a city bus tour and got off at Monastriakis Square and enjoyed a typical Greek lunch of Gyros. The team had a few hours to enjoy the markets and shops before meeting to go to our evening game. The score in that game was 26-11. The girls played against a physical Greek team in a heavy game. Every field player scored with Georgia Hole top scoring with six goals and Tori Morrissey four.
Friday, 23 August
The girls won their final game against the Greeks 22-14. Ash Roberts, Maddy Steere and Georgia McConville scored four goals each.
(Tori Morrissey and Kristy Donkin in action for Australia)
After the game the team visited the Panathinaic Stadium. Next stop on our tour is Dunaujvaros in Hungary for a Four Nation Tournament.
Players’ Report
Georgia Hole and Ellodie Ruffin: Greece was a good change in environment and atmosphere, going from the cooler, cloudy climates to very hot and humid days of sunshine. The team enjoyed soaking up a bit of sun and enjoying the Greek culture. Our first encounter with the Greek side saw a change in tactical approach and game play. Through the various extended training games, the different styles of water polo and levels of physicality became more noticeable. This in turn led to a step up in the need for intensity to match the standard of the opposition. Although tensions between the two sides heightened, we remained in good character handling the situation with true sportsmanship. Across the six games, the experience against a more physically engaging team, although a shock to most, allowed us to adapt and enhance their skills in dealing with the European standard.
GREEK WORLD MEDIA 