HANNAH Wild and Fiona McCann rubbed shoulders with water polo fanatic Prince William – and then inspired their country to victory in the Women’s European Nations Trophy.
The future king watched on impressed as Great Britain hammered Slovakia 17-6 to seal their place in the semi-finals of the Manchester Aquatics Centre event.
But better was to come for Wild, from Chester, and McCann, from Great Boughton.
The duo, who started their water polo career at the Chester City Baths and were originally coached by Tony Rogers of City of Chester Swimming Club, shared three goals as Slovakia were swept aside for the second time.
That 19-7 success set up a showpiece showdown with the Czech Republic who, like GB, had won all their matches on their way to the final.
The Czechs had no answer to the Chester aces, however.
Wild fired four goals and McCann two, including the nerve-settling ninth, as GB edged a closely-fought contest 9-7.
British Swimming chief executive David Sparkes said: “What a fantastic result! They played with such discipline and skill and their fitness levels are very impressive. This result shows they are on their way towards London and the Olympic Games in 2012.”
Wild and McCann now play for Liverpool Water Polo, who they helped win a national title earlier this year.
