AUSSIES DELIVER ON HOME STAGE IN OPENING WATER POLO TEST AGAINST JAPAN

Australia’s Men’s and Women’s water polo teams delivered big wins for their local fans claiming victories in the opening test matches against Japan in Brisbane.
 
The feature matches capped off an exciting day of action at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre with the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships playing host to thousands of players from across the country.
 
On the back of their recent silver medal at FINA World Cup, the Aussie Sharks (men’s) side were able to hold off a fast and physical Japanese team to take a 13-9 win.
 
The Aussies led throughout, with the first half delivering a close match and a 6-3 score line at half time.
 
It was the second half that the Sharks broke away, with Captain Joel Dennerly admitting the crowd really helped the boys deliver.
 
“It’s always fun playing in front of a home crowd, we’re not often fortunate enough to have games here,” said Dennerley.

“They were very vocal, very supportive, which created a great atmosphere to help get the result against a tough Japan team.

“Physically they (Japan) are very fast, very fit and they play an aggressive style of water polo.

“We need to be respectful of the ball, treasure the possession, and make the most of our opportunities, as they will punish you on the other end of the pool if you don’t.

“We’ve had a couple days of training with them, we’ve been fortunate enough to train against them a few times over the last couple of years.

“So, we’ve tried to adapt our defensive style to offset their attack,” he said.

It was a true team effort for the Aussie Sharks in their attack with eight goal scorers including Richie Campbell, Angus Lambie, Lachlan Edwards, Aidan Roach, Lachlan Hollis, Andrew Ford, Rhys Howden and Blake Edwards.
 
In the women’s match up, the Aussie Stingers dominated against Japan, taking out the first test with a 18-6 win.
 
The Stingers welcomed some fresh faces to the squad as well as the return of more familiar faces including dual Olympian Ash Southern.
 
Southern, who was back in the Aussie Stingers line up for the first time since the Rio Olympic Games, slotted back into the squad with ease scoring four goals.
 
It was the first international outing for the Aussie Stingers with new Head Coach Predrag Mihailovic.
 
“We are so excited to be here, we had a few debutants tonight so to get a win in front of home crowd with some really young blood coming through you really can’t ask for more.
 
“I think it’s a really good indication of how good junior programs are developing under us and for those girls to slip in seamlessly and do their job and work towards the final score, we can’t ask for more really,” said Webster.
 
Commenting on the great format of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships, Wesbter said it was great to see the junior water polo players getting into the test match series.
 
“There is no better way to learn the game then to see it live and for these kids to have that opportunity on home soil is phenomenal. 
 
“There are a 170 teams here at this event… I’m sure they’ll remember this forever.
 
“I’m sure there are kids here who would be seeing some of their heroes play tonight and I think for them to see what it takes to be a Stinger or a Shark is just perfect,” said.
 
The Aussie Sharks and Stingers will square off against Japan again on Friday 18 January at the Valley Pool, Brisbane, with the match sold out.
 
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