Cheltenham’s under-15 girls’ water polo team are celebrating after winning bronze at the Swim England National Age Group Championships in Coventry.

And they did it in thrilling style too, defeating West London Penguin in a penalty shootout – it ended 5-4 – after the two teams had finished level at 8-8 in normal time.

“It was a really good performance, a real team effort,” said Cheltenham Swimming and Water Polo Club chairman James Ross.

“We finished fifth last year so to come third this time is brilliant.

“As a club we’ve been at or near the top of men's water polo in this country for decades but the women and girls are really pushing too.

“The investment we’ve put in over the past eight years or so is starting to pay dividends.”

Alice Ross gave Cheltenham a flying start against Penguin with a first-quarter hat-trick but last season's champions hauled themselves back into the match and grabbed an equaliser with just 37 seconds remaining.

That was tough for Cheltenham to take but it at least allowed Edith Clarke to take centre stage by scoring the decisive penalty.

City of Liverpool won the gold medal, beating Otter 6-3 in the final, after they had beaten Cheltenham, who are coached by Simon Clarke and Katy Ross, 6-5 in the semi-final.

Alice Ross won the competition’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award for her leadership and impact at both ends of the pool.