Aussie Sharks go down to Greece

In the last preliminary game of the FINA World League Super Final, Australia’s Men’s Water Polo team have gone down to Greece 5-10 in Huizhou, China, despite doubles from NSWIS stars Richard Campbell and John Cotterill.

Whilst Campbell and Cotterill led from the front, NSWIS’ Aidan Roach also got on the scoresheet. In total, NSWIS had eight representatives in the 13-man team.

The score line didn’t accurately reflect just how close the match was with the Aussie Sharks right in it until the very end.

Although disappointed with the defeat, Campbell said the game was a solid one from the Aussies.

“It was a better start from the Aussie Sharks,” Campbell said. “We had a bit of a lapse around half-time and again in the third which cost a few goals the other way.

“Up next we have the USA in the Quarter Finals. It’s a team we’re really familiar with and I’m looking forward to a good game.” 

Australian Head Coach Elvis Fatovic said despite the scoreline he believed the Aussies performed better than their previous two games; a 14-7 loss to Italy in the opening match and a 13-7 victory over Japan in their second game.

“Our first quarter was really good, especially in the defence and extra man defence were excellent against Greece,” Fatovic said.

“But we struggled with our organisation of extra man goals that we only scored one time which was not enough for the team.

“Generally I thought we played a lot better than our first two games and hopefully tomorrow we will do better again.”

Despite the loss, Australia will progress through to the Quarter Finals where they will meet the USA at 6:20PM (AEST), Friday 24 June, with live event updates on twitter @WaterpoloAus.

Match Statistics: 

Final score: AUS 5 GRE 10

Quarters: (AUS-GRE): 1-1, 1-3, 2-2, 1-4

Extra Man: GRE 3/8, AUS 1/10

AUSTRALIA: Joel Dennerley, Richard Campbell (2), George Ford, John Cotterill (2), Nathan Power, Mitchell Emery, Aidan Roach (1), Aaron Younger, Joel Swift, Joe Kayes, Rhys Howden (Captain), Tyler Martin, James Stanton.