Poor start spoils Team GB's excellent performance in close game with U.S. (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Poor start spoils Team GB's excellent performance in close game with U.S.

8:39pm Thursday 2nd August 2012 in Sport By Scott Kirk, Reporter

GLEN Robinson from Kendal was once again playing at the Water Polo Arena in the Olympic Park as Team GB lost 13-7 to America.

In the first quarter Britain found themselves 5-0 down as Team USA came out all guns blazing, and the lead was extended to 7-0 in the second quarter.

But in true Olympic spirit Team GB came fighting back, Rob Parker getting Britain’s first goal of the evening midway through the second period to make it 7-1, and Britain reduced the gap to five at half-time, making the score 8-3.

Robinson was charged with responsibility of the swim-off to start the third quarter, which he lost, but Britain started making the match a contest as the home side started coming back into the game.

Britain won the third quarter 3-1, which included a goal right on the cusp of the hooter, to further reduce the deficit further as America led going into the final quarter 10-6.

In the first minute of the final session Robinson was involved in the build-up which saw a shot appear to cross the line, but controversially the decision was not given, and America went up the other end and scored with a penalty to put Team USA 11-6 up.

The U.S. added another two goals but Rob Parker completed his hat-trick for Britain with 27 seconds left to make the final score 13-7 to America.