Campbell scores hat-trick in win over Japan

The Australian Men’s Water Polo Team have bounced back to claim a 13-7 win over Japan in Game 2 of the FINA World League Super Final, with NSWIS athletes contributing to over half of the scoresheet.

Richard Campbell was the best of the NSWIS bunch scoring a hat-trick, whilst John Cotterill, Mitchell Emery, Jarrod Gilchrist, Nathan Power and Aidan Roach all scored goals in the six-point-win.

After a disappointing loss to Italy in the opening game, the Aussies were determined to come away with the win and despite the slow start came home strong to out play Japan.

The first five minutes of the game Japan enjoyed a 3-0 lead with the Aussies rallying to tie up the scores 3-3 before the end of the first quarter. 

Both teams fought closely in the second period with a goal from Joel Swift giving the Aussies a narrow one point lead at half time  6-5 .  

Australia met no challenges from the second half by adding 7 goals while Japan seemed rusty in shooting pace with only 2 goals.

Goal keeper James Stanton-French said it was good to bounce back after a disappointing game one. 

"We went to the video after game one, analysed what was going wrong and it was great to come out against Japan and make the changes we talked about.

"We had a really good second half, our counter attack started rolling on which was really pleasing to see especially against a team like Japan who are known for their counter attack. 

"Then also getting the defensive stops back the other way which is something we spoke about pre-game and hopefully it is something we can carry on for the rest of the Tournament," said Stanton-French. 

Australian Men’s Coach Elvis Fatovic admitted he was disappointed with the slow start in attack in the first half, but was pleased with the strong performance in the second.

“We controlled our defence and then we created some opportunities of counter-attack. 

"We played side defence much better, but we must play like this from the beginning," said Fatovic. 

Australia take on Greece in game three at 6:20pm (AEST) on Thursday 23 June – live updates on twitter: @WaterpoloAus. 

Match Stats:

Full time score: AUS 13 JPN 7 

Quarters: 3-3, 3-2, 5-1, 2-1

Extra Man: AUS 2/6, JPN 1/8

Pens: AUS 1/1

AUSTRALIA: Joel Dennerley, Richard Campbell (3), George Ford, Johnno Cotterill (1), Nathan Power (1), Jarrod Gilchrist (1), Aidan Roach (1), Aaron Younger (3), Joel Swift (2), Lachlan Edwards, Rhys Howden, (Captain), Mitchell Emery (1), James Stanton.