AUSSIE SHARKS EDGE OUT JAPAN IN ORD MINNETT TEST SERIES OPENER

The Ord Minnett Aussies Sharks have delivered a thrilling 17-16 win over Japan in front of a packed house at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

The game was forced into a penalty shoot-out with the match ending 14-14 after regular time. 

Crucial saves in goals from Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks’ Nick Porter combined with stunning goals from Chaz Poot, Milos Maksimovic and Matthew Burns got the home side across the line. 

Co-captain Nathan Power led his side from in front, with an impressive six goals, thanking the crowd for spurring the team on. 

“It was awesome, it was very intense… definitely got my heart rate up for quite a bit of it. We could feel the atmosphere, obviously the boys put a lot into winning that as far as pressure and the mental load.

“To get to do that in front of a crowd, to have a close game and still be making good decisions, and then the boys standing up in the penalty shoot out is a really encouraging thing to see.

“I was fortunate with a few of them, where I was just tapping it in at the end of a good pass and some good play from our guys. I think I was the fortunate one tonight with that, but happy it worked out.

“The challenge of distance that we face means that we don’t get a lot of games, and we really don’t get a lot of games in Australia. 

“To get the opportunity to play in front of quite a raucous crowd that was on our side, it really does mean a lot. And to see how much getting to see this does to the kids here is a really important thing,” he said.

In the women’s match, the Ord Minnett Aussie Stingers played a ‘green versus gold’ match, as the squad of 25 were pushing for selection in the World Championship team. 

With today marking 200 days to go until the Paris Olympic Games, the Aussie Stingers were looking to impress selectors. 

Australia Green took the first win, 11-8, with Tokyo Olympian Bronte Halligan relishing the opportunity to play once again on home soil. 

“I love playing in front of a home crowd. It's so special to see all the young ones watching us. I remember watching the Aussie Stingers when I was young and looking up to those girls. So to be an inspiration to the girls and boys here in Brisbane is really fun and showcase what international water polo looks like and what they can do in a few years time. 

“I haven’t been on home ground for a while or played against the girls for ages as I haven’t been playing in the National League [AWL] as I’ve been playing overseas. 

“It was really fun to have a good hit out and see what they’ve been working on at home. I’m really proud of all the strides and efforts everyone is taking,” she said. 

The Ord Minnett Aussie Sharks and Aussie Stingers will return to Brisbane Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 10 January for the second tests, which will be a show piece of the Australian Youth Water Polo Championships.

The Ord Minnett Test Match Series will be shown live on Fox Sports and Kayo from 7pm AEST.