Great Britain's men's water polo team extended their unbeaten streak to seven games with a closely-fought win over Israel in their European Championship qualifier in Sunderland.
After an impressive recent tournament win in Malta and a opening qualifying victory over Moldova, Tom Curwen's hat-trick helped them edge all four quarters to secure a 12-7 win.
“It was tougher than we expected and a few things didn’t go our way towards the start of the game but it was crucial we got that second victory here,” said London 2012 Olympian Sean King.
“It’s the biggest winning streak we’ve had while I’ve been playing internationally."
But King acknowledges a decisive much against higher-ranked Russia on Saturday will be a different task.
“We’re full of confidence at the moment and that’s good," he added.
“It’ll be a faster game. The Russians’ counter attack is a lot stronger so it will be completely different to these last two matches but the boys are all confident and we’re feeling ready.”
© Sportsbeat 2013