Brilliant bronze for Great Britain at The World Games
Great Britain competed in two matches on the final day of canoe polo at The World Games. After a loss to Germany, they advanced to the bronze medal match against Denmark, currently ranked second globally.
Their previous encounter in a bronze medal match at the World Championships saw Denmark win 2-1.
The first sprint of the match went to Denmark, marked by a collision involving Suryan McCutcheon and a Dutch player. Suryan then attempted a shot from a British corner, which was unfortunately deflected.
Satanam McCutcheon’s aggressive attack also resulted in a blocked shot. However, Fergal McConvey then scored the opening goal through patient play.
Caleb Bowden’s shot was deflected by a Danish defender, earning Great Britain another corner. When Denmark’s Niels Thorborg received a green card, McConvey capitalised on the resulting penalty shot, bringing the score to 2-0.
With Denmark then in possession, Shivan McCutcheon blocked a goal attempt, leading to a corner. Despite several blocks by the British defence, Denmark managed to score.
McConvey completed his hat-trick, scoring again, and Great Britain maintained the majority of possession.
In the final seconds of the first half, Suryan was hit in the face by a Danish kayak but fortunately was able to continue. As a result, Niels Thorborg received a yellow card, leaving Denmark a man down for the start of the second half.
Half time: Great Britain 3 – 1 Denmark
The game saw Santanam win the second sprint for Great Britain, establishing an early lead. Denmark, in possession, strategically slowed play to bring their fifth man back into the game, a tactic Great Britain mirrored, comfortable with their two-goal advantage.
Bowden’s shot hit the post, leading to a Danish goal that narrowed Britain’s lead to 3-2. McConvey attempted to extend the lead, but his shot was saved.
A green card was issued to Kartik McCutcheon, but Denmark’s penalty shot also struck the post. Shivan made a crucial save as Denmark continued to press for an equaliser.
With a man down, Great Britain once again slowed the pace, tactically eating away at the exclusion time.
In the final 45 seconds, Denmark, with possession, aimed to level the score and force overtime.
However, a penalty from Anders Joergensen returned the ball to British hands, denying Denmark any chance to equalise and sealing Great Britain’s bronze medal victory.
Full time: Great Britain 3 – 2 Denmark
Fergal McConvey said: “I’m just overwhelmed. We’ve been missing out on championships for the last three years in a row. To finally take it home, it’s unbelievable.
“This whole setup, the value, The World Games is unbelievable.”
Coach Alan Vessey also commented: “The first half went perfectly to plan but we stuttered a bit and gave the Danes a chance to get back in.
“The lads kept their heads and saw the game out.
“To win a bronze medal was fantastic after fourth places at the last three major championships, and the first World Games medal for the men in 20 years!”
Great Britain’s first match of the day was a semi-final rematch against Germany, who had narrowly defeated them in the preliminary round.
Germany won the first sprint and took possession, making their first shot attempt.
The British team, with Santanam McCutcheon with the ball, quickly moved to the opposite side of the pool, but the Germans managed to defend in time, preventing an attacking play.
Fergal McConvey’s shot went over the net, leaving both teams scoreless in the first three minutes.
Following this, a superb save by Shivan McCutcheon was immediately followed by a turnover, handing the ball to Germany just under the net, resulting in their opening goal.
A shot from Santanam was blocked, the ball deflecting and allowing Germany to make a fast break goal, putting the score to 2-0.
Caleb Bowden put a lot of power into his attempt at goal, the ball rebounding off of the bottom bar and a German defender for a British corner.
An infraction was later called on GB, putting Germany back in possession.
A poor pass from Germany gave Angus Boyle the opportunity to grab the ball out of the water, looking for a fast break goal.
With 25 seconds left on the clock, Shivan looked to repeat his long shot goal from yesterday’s game against France. However, this time the ball sailed over the top of the net.
Half time: Germany 2 – 0 Great Britain
The second sprint saw a great battle for the ball with Suryan narrowly missing out. Germany extended their lead with another successful conversion from possession.
Despite a German paddle blocking GB captain Suryan’s shot, the British team remained determined to score. Shivan’s subsequent save prevented Germany from securing their fourth goal.
A long toss from Shivan to Boyle, followed by a pass to Santanam gave him the opportunity to add a goal to the scoreboard from Great Britain.
Germany, regaining possession, scored their fourth and final goal of the game.
The British defence remained strong, preventing Germany from scoring further goals by battling them consistently and keeping them away from the net.
Full time: Germany 4 – 1 Great Britain
Coach Alan Vessey commented on the team’s semi-final game:
“The during the semis we didn’t start well and were punished for our mistakes, which left us a lot to do to try and come back.
“The lads were frustrated and determined to put things right in the 3rd/4th game.”
Golden goal secures semi-finals for Great Britain at The World Games
Great Britain has secured a spot in the semi-finals of The World Games in Chengdu, triumphing over France, a team currently ranked just above them.
The game started dramatically with a green card issued to France’s Baptiste Cotta in the first sprint, following a collision with British captain Suryan McCutcheon. Fortunately, Suryan sustained only a minor arm scrape, giving Great Britain a two-minute man advantage.
A close shot from Suryan was blocked, leading to France gaining possession. Santanam McCutcheon then took his first shot, a powerful toss that rebounded off the bottom bar.
France received another green card, this time for Leo Dehainault due to illegal use of his paddle. With only 3:41 left on the clock, this incident once again put GB in a strong position.
Another powerful attempt from Santanam went wide of the net. Caleb Bowden’s subsequent toss was slightly too low, bouncing off the bottom bar.
A late opening goal came from Frenchman Emeric Richard.
Half time: France 1 – 0 Great Britain
France secured the second sprint, with Suryan narrowly missing out.
A turnover created an opportunity for both teams to race towards the opposite side of the pool. Suryan capitalised, scoring Great Britain’s first goal of the match.
Richard of France then scored after an attacking play. Britain attempted a quick long shot to equalise, though it was off target.
A great block then came from Santanam, who crossed paddles with Alex Lowthorpe, delaying the French attack.
Suryan received a green card as France pressed for a fast-break goal, but Shivan McCutcheon saved the subsequent shot.
Santanam responded to France’s third goal with one of his own, narrowing the score to 3-2.
Guillaume Lemarchand of France was given a two-minute exclusion after receiving a green card, keeping the game within reach.
Fergal McConvey successfully converted his penalty shot, levelling the score.
A strong British defence, marked by intense battles for space under the net, held France at bay.
End of regulation time: France 3 – 3 Great Britain
Five minutes of overtime was added to the match to determine the winner.
With France winning the sprint, Great Britain started off on the defensive, with Shivan making a brilliant save.
A shove on a British player turned the ball over, both teams fighting hard for possession and chances at a goal.
An incredible long shot goal from Shivan, ending the game and giving Great Britain the win.
Overtime: France 3 – 4 Great Britain
Coach Alan Vessey commented on the team’s performance so far:
“A fantastic result today, the lads put in their best performance of the week, showing great character defending and working as a team to come back from 3-1, taking the game to extra time.
“It was a very tense start under pressure, before we went on the fast break and Shiv McCutcheon scored the golden goal with a brilliant 20m long shot.”
Great Britain complete canoe polo group stages at The World Games
Today in Chengdu, the Great Britain men’s canoe polo team returned to the water for The World Games, following their successful match against the People’s Republic of China yesterday.
Great Britain faced last year’s gold medallists, Germany, in today’s opening match. Germany were positioned directly below them in the group standings.
As the first sprint began, GB aimed to gain an early advantage, but a strong German defence successfully blocked a shot from captain Suryan McCutcheon.
With the 60 second shot clock running down, a foul from the Germans kept GB in possession of the ball.
The next attempt at goal rebounded off of the bottom bar, keeping the game at 0-0.
GB kept possession of the ball for the first four minutes of the game before they would have to defend.
Two missed attempts came from Germany before the ball was back in British hands.
The two teams were evenly matched throughout the first half, no goals meant that it was all to play for in the second half.
Half time: Germany 0 – 0 Great Britain
Winning the second sprint, GB began the second half back in possession, with an attempt on goal hitting the post.
Alex Lowthorpe gathered the rebound, sending the ball back to reset play for another attack.
A second throw from Caleb Bowden was blocked by the Germans, giving GB a corner.
A foul causing Kartik McCutcheon to lose his paddle saw Germany’s Tim Riecke awarded a green card.
Playing a man up for the next two minutes, GB remained in possession, several attempts on goal were just off target.
With the Germans now attacking, Lowthorpe scooped up a loose ball, tossing it down to the opposing end for Santanam McCutcheon to capitalise on the fast break.
GB defended well to keep Germany from getting under the goal for an easy shot, forcing them back.
An opportunity came for Lennart Unterfeld, bringing the score level to 1-1 with just under three minutes to go.
Lowthorpe was dealt a green card, putting them a man down with both teams looking for their next goal.
With Germany on the offensive, Leon Max Paul Konrad scored their second goal, putting them 2-1 up with 44 seconds left on the clock.
The last second shot from Lowthorpe was blocked by a paddle, giving Germany the victory.
Full time: Germany 2 – 1 Great Britain
Great Britain’s second match of the day saw them take on Italy in their last match of the preliminary rounds.
Santanam McCutcheon narrowly missed out on winning the first sprint, falling just short of Italian Fabrizio Massa.
The first goal came from Alessandro Schiano di Cola of Italy with the Great British team working hard to defend.
An attempt from Santanam McCutcheon gave another British corner to keep them in possession.
Midway through the first half, a fast break goal from Suryan McCutcheon put GB level with Italy.
The British team managed to run down the shot clock for the Italians who scored just out of the 60 seconds of time, not counting.
Both teams battled under the net for good positions, with another attempt from Santanam going just wide.
A last second fast break put Britain in good contention to pull ahead although the ball rebounded off of the bottom post.
Half time: Great Britain 1 – 1 Italy
Suryan won the second sprint in favour of Great Britain, with Italy missing out on an opportunity for a fast break.
With the British back in possession, a quick toss into Angus Boyle under the net gave him a prime opportunity to score the first goal of the second half.
Now leading, GB were back to defending, blocking the ball with a paddle.
Andrea Bertelloni of Italy scored, proving the competitiveness of the two sides, bringing it level again.
A shot from Fergal McConvey went wide, having a close call with a paddle nearly hitting his face.
Still fighting for another goal, the ball hit the side netting with another corner for GB.
A consecutive corner came as the British team maintained possession going into the third minute.
Bertelloni scored again for Italy with a fast break goal.
Lowthorpe took a quick throw to try to catch the Italian defence off guard but unfortunately was slightly off target.
A long shot attempt shortly followed, being saved by Giuseppe Ruggiero who was also dealt a green card.
Suryan’s penalty shot hit the bottom bar, with another chance given by the referees, his next attempt knocking off the end of the Italian defenders paddle as it was saved.
Great Britain, now a man up, maintained their possession and strong attack.
A number of close shots followed but the score remained 2-3 until Italy scored with just 19 seconds left.
A last ditch attempt from Bowden hit the bottom bar leaving the Italians with the win.
Full time: Great Britain 2 – 4 Italy
Coach Alan Vessey commented on the team’s performance so far:
“It was a good win against China yesterday and we put in a great performance against Germany with small margins being the difference.
“We came up short against Italy in the final group game where things just didn’t click.
“We said we need three consistent games and with France tomorrow everything is possible.”
Triumphant return to The World Games for GB men’s canoe polo
In a strong showing at The World Games in Chengdu, the Great Britain men’s canoe polo team marked their return to the competition. They secured a commanding 12-2 victory over People’s Republic of China in the group stages, putting themselves in an excellent position going forward.
The men’s team have not competed at competition since they won a bronze medal twenty years ago at the debut of canoe polo at The World Games Germany 2005.
With a world ranking of fourth, Great Britain went into their first game as favourites, taking on a youthful Chinese squad.
Great Britain secured the ball from the first sprint, narrowly cutting off the Chinese team.
The first attempt at scoring saw Great Britain come close to an opening goal, with the ball hitting both posts.
However, China ultimately gained the upper hand, scoring the first goal to make it 0-1.
Santanum McCutcheon, the World Championship’s leading goal scorer, then levelled the score for Great Britain with a well-aimed throw.
China quickly regained possession, but a swift turnover led to a breakaway goal for GB from Kartik McCutcheon.
Now leading 2-1, GB sought to control the game. Captain Suryan McCutcheon quickly tossed the ball to Angus Boyle, extending the lead.
China attempted a shot on goal, but it hit the crossbar, returning possession to the British team.
Santanum then scored a second goal on the fast break, further widening the gap against the Chinese team.
Great Britain’s defence was formidable, preventing their opponents from easily scoring and forcing China to work hard to narrow the scores.
Santanam McCutcheon, once again capitalised on open space to secure his hat-trick after another deflected shot on goal kept the ball in play, allowing GB to maintain their offensive pressure.
Suryan intercepted a throw from China with his paddle, leading to a goal from the captain, bringing the score to 6-1, a comfortable lead for GB.
The next goal would come from China, with Chen Rong scoring another point for his country.
Moving quickly with the ball, the final goal of the first half was scored by Caleb Bowden of GB, with only three seconds left on the clock.
Half time: Great Britain 7 – 2 People’s Republic of China
The British team once again dominated the sprint in the second half, though a shot narrowly missed, hitting the side netting. Fergal McConvey then scored his first goal of the competition.
A strong save from the Chinese team deflected a shot from Suryan off their paddle sending it to Shivan McCutcheon.
McConvey found himself in the midst of the Chinese defence, another goal to his name bringing the score to 9-2.
Britain’s defensive prowess continued, effectively keeping the Chinese offense at bay and running down the clock.
Kartik seized a long toss to score, extending the British lead into double digits.
Despite a powerful shot from China, Shivan made a crucial paddle block from the centre of the goal, sending the ball out of bounds and conceding a corner.
Following a fast break, Kartik joined his brother in achieving a hat-trick.
China struggled to penetrate the British defence and get the ball near the post, resulting in another turnover.
With Great Britain back in possession, Alex Lowthorpe capitalised, scoring the final goal of the game with 51 seconds remaining.
Full time: Great Britain 12 – 2 People’s Republic of China
The British team will be back in action tomorrow as they face their final two games of the group stages.
They will first face Germany, later competing against Italy.