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.”
Team:
1 – Kartik McCutcheon
2 – Suryan McCutcheon
3 – Caleb Bowden
4 – Alex Lowthorpe
5 – Angus Boyle
6 – Shivan McCutcheon
8 – Fergal McConvey
9 – Santanam McCutcheon