Sharks defy a Hungary surge

The Aussie Sharks continue their blistering form in the Men's Water Polo competition in Paris.

The Australian Men’s Water Polo Team have taken honours in a hard-fought win over Hungary, claiming a 9-8 victory in a thrilling match.

Hungary was the first on the scoreboard, before Luke Pavillard responded with the first goal for the Sharks. The quarter-time break saw the scores level at two all, before a flurry of goals to Hungary had them pulling ahead to lead 5-3 at half-time.

But the Aussie Sharks were not to be deterred, coming out firing in the third quarter as Blake Edwards opened the scoring. Hungary was quick to respond, with a second goal to Milos Maksimovic seeing Australia head into the final break trailing 7-6.

In the final quarter, the pace of play increased significantly, with both teams on the hunt for the win and the all-important points to secure their place in the quarter-finals.

A penalty shot to Krisztian Manhercz saw Hungary pull ahead by two points before the Aussie Sharks gave them a taste of the tenacity they’ve demonstrated so far throughout the tournament.

An extra player shot to Nathan Power breathed new life into the Sharks assault, with a goal from Marcus Berehulak at just over the halfway mark of the quarter, equalising the scores at eight all.

With less than a minute remaining on the clock, it was anyone’s game, and it was a chance the Aussie Sharks took full advantage of, with a second goal to Nathan securing the team the win.

For captain Blake Edwards, it was a significant win and one that demonstrates the grit of the Aussie Sharks.

“I’m extremely proud,” Blake said. “This team doesn’t stop believing in itself and never gives up, and as captain, I’m overwhelmed with how courageous they are.”

“In terms of significance, you have to put this win right up there but it’s not going to be the last one. This team still has more to show and we’re not going to give up right until the end.”

Head Coach Tim Hamill praised the squad for their ability to meet Hungary head-on, noting the work ethic of the Sharks attack throughout the game.

“Our real focus today was on our defence but pleasingly we made some really smart choices in attack,” Tim said.

“We maintained some fair degree of composure and clarity of mind to attack well, which limited their attacking opportunities at the other end.”

The focus for the Aussie Sharks now turns to their final preliminary round match, which will see them take on Japan, who currently sit at the bottom of their group.

“We play the Japanese and they’re a very difficult team to play,” Nathan said.

“They play a brand of Water Polo unique to their team that we call the ‘Japanese press’ and they swim like you wouldn’t believe. It’ll be a tough game, but we look forward to it.”

The Aussie Sharks will take on Japan in their final Preliminary Round Match on Monday at 9:35pm AEST.