GB Side News

Poland Blog Day 1

World Canoe Polo Championships 2012, Poland

Pozdrowienia z Polski

 

Day 1 Summary:

Played 6, won 5! 

GB team Opponents Score (GB first)
Men France 0-5
Men Russia 7-3
U21 Women Poland 5-4
U21 Men Japan 7-4
Women Russia 5-1
U21 Men Netherlands 5-3

An excellent day at the windy end of the rowing lake (Lake Malta) here in Poznan. Once again, the old Bloggers are intending to send the results and a daily summary to you all to keep you in touch.

The venue:

Poznan Malta lake is a purpose built rowing lake, over 2km long, and has held several major championships (European, etc), but this week it is hosting the Canoe Polo World Championships 2012.

The polo tournament is being held at the “finishing” end of the lake, with huge grandstands for us spectators. Apart from the Poles, it seems as if the GB supporters club is the largest here (perhaps we should have a badge).

This year we will be introducing a new member of the “Bloggers” team, Pozer the duck. He will have his own column, and will be interviewing other celebrities at this event.

This is the 10th World Championships, and (we are reliably informed), the best attended.

The opening ceremony was held this evening, and (thank goodness), the speeches were short, the entertainment was stunning, and the fireworks spectacular.

So, to the matches. 

GB Men started well, beating Russia 7-3, and despite arriving late yesterday, and having a nasty ear infection, Bowers managed a hat-trick (or more) in this match. A really good team display, following the recent spate of injuries and necessary team changes.

This afternoon, the men played one of the favourites, France, and were holding them in the first half until the final minute, when the French scored. 1-0 at half time, the lads finally lost 5-0, but the future looks bright.

GB Ladies only had one game today, saving themselves for the efforts to come. They quietly demolished the Russian ladies 15-1. Can’t report the scorers, we’ll leave that to your imagination.

GB U21 Men started off shakily against Japan. 3-0 up, the lead was eliminated by half time by the Japanese, and it was 3-3 at half time. Better in the second half, with Lewis McVey scoring his first competitive goal on a big stage for GB. The final score was 7-4.

Just a note: number 1 for the Japanese team must have been watching Jack Robson videos, shimmying, feints and scoring goals! 

They then played the Netherlands, taking a 3-1 lead at half time, with goals from from Lewis, Jack and Pete. GB then proceeded to allow the Dutch into the game, but Ross (Nipper) and Jamie scored to secure the win 5-3.

GB U21 Women only had one game today against the hosts, Poland. A very slow start by GB with lots of missed opportunities (accurate if they were aiming for the goal frames). Deep into the second half the score was 3-1 to the Poles, but a spirited rush of blood brought scores level with a couple of minutes to go. The 4-3 to GB, 4-4, and finally a winner from Nicole secured a 5-4 win. We have no idea where that came from!

More tomorrow. 

The Bloggers

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Pozer’s Blog

Had a very profitable morning spent networking with fellow mascots. I was particularly impressed by Spike, the Aussie Koala – a 23 year old veteran supporter who is actually fully accredited and sporting his own Aussie kit!

Also met Kev the inflatable Kiwi, who I don’t think will make it to the end of the tournament. 

Spent the afternoon sharing a few paddling tips with some of the squad members. 

We are greatly missing Glen Summerbell at these Champs, and thought I might help out with the photos, and then finished my hectic day sharing waffles with teammates and hitching a ride home with Brian and Jane. Looking forward to interviewing the Pol(o)land organisers tomorrow and meeting some local talent. 

GO team GB!!

Pozer

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