AUSSIE SHARKS FINA WORLD LEAGUE SUPER FINAL CAMPAIGN

GAME 5 - 7-8 CLASSIFICATION - AUSTRALIA 13 d CANADA 9

The Aussie Sharks have finished 7th at the FINA World League Super Final in Strasbourg, France, after a 13-9 victory over Canada in the 7-8 classification.

The Aussie Sharks fraternity welcomed another member with Matt Oberman (#251) making his debut for the Senior National Team.

Dual Olympian George Ford also played his 150th game for the Aussie Sharks.

The conclusion of the World League Super Finals brings to an end an 8-week European Tour for the Aussie Sharks, who will now return home to Australia.

GAME 4 - 5-8 CLASSIFICATION - AUSTRALIA 6 def by MONTENEGRO 9

The Aussie Sharks have gone down fighting to Montenegro in their first classification game at the FINA World League Super Final in France.

Eager to get another win over Montenegro, after defeating them earlier in the tournament in pool play, the Aussie Sharks came out firing, with scores level (2-2) in the first quarter.

Montenegro edged ahead in the second quarter, before the Aussie Sharks levelled the scores again in the third.

But Montenegro were too strong, pushing their lead out to three goals in the fourth quarter and claiming the win 6-9.

Aussie Sharks Assistant Coach Andrew Yanitsas said it was a great effort from the whole team, Montenegro just proved too strong in the end.

"We knew Montenegro would come out hard today, especially after we beat them a few days ago.

"The boys put in a really good effort and fought hard for four quarters, but we started chasing at the end and once we started chasing they got ahead by a few goals.

"But we're happy with the performance for the four quarters, we'd just like to execute a little better next time," he said.

The Aussie Sharks will now play Canada in the 7-8th classification.

GAME 3 - AUSTRALIA 7 def by SERBIA 14

The Aussie Sharks have gone down fighting to reigning Olympic champions Serbia in their final pool game at the FINA World League Super Final in France.

Fresh off an upset of European powerhouses Montenegro, the Aussie Sharks were faced with a challenging Serbian outfit.

It was a close first quarter, with only one goal separating the teams, before Serbia got on a run in the second quarter opening the score line to 7-4 at half time.

The Aussie Sharks managed to pull it back in the third quarter, but Serbia were too strong and ran away with it in the last quarter, the end score 7-14.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said: "We're a little bit disappointed with the result today, we really thought we were in with a chance of beating them.

"We had an opportunity to do that today, but it wasn't to be - Serbia were very strong and unfortunately we weren't able to follow up on our good win against Montenegro yesterday.

"We've still got three important games here to finish off the World League Super Finals.

"We'll play the USA now in the quarters and they've had a really good tournament so far. We always enjoy playing them and I know the boys are ready for the challenge," he said.

The Aussie Sharks will face the USA in the quarterfinals on Tuesday 26 July 12am AEST. Click here to watch live 

GAME 2 - AUSTRALIA 9 d MONTENEGRO 8

The Aussie Sharks have upset European powerhouses Montenegro in the second game of the FINA World League Super Final in Strasbourg, France.

It was goal for goal right from the start, with nothing separate the two teams at half time, before Montenegro came out firing in the third quarter, outscoring the Aussies 3-4.

But it was in the last quarter that the Aussie Sharks rose to the occasion, pushing out to a one goal lead and managing to hold on to the win.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said it was great confidence boosting win for his side.

"Really happy to be walking away with a 9-8 victory over Montenegro," Hamill said.

"One thing we've spoken about since the start is that yes we'll continue to work on our skills, tactics and systems - but the most important thing is that we remain full of character.

"Tonight's game was one full of character, and I'm really proud of the effort from all the boys.

"Blake Edwards played his 100th game for the Sharks today and it was great for him to be able to enjoy that with a win.

"We're looking forward to coming up against Serbia tomorrow," he said.

Aussie Sharks player Luke Pavillard was crucial for his team, scoring five goals which earnt him the Player of the Match title.

"It's always good to get a win over a team of Montenegro's calibre," Pavillard said.

"It's been a long tour for us with World Championships and now World League Finals, so to be putting it together at the business end means a lot for our group.

"I always say it's a team sport, and I think today I was just the one who was capitalising on all the work the other guys were doing.

"We're really looking forward to our big match against Serbia tomorrow," he said.

GAME 1 - AUSTRALIA 10 def by SPAIN 13

The Aussie Sharks opened their FINA World League Super Finals campaign against reigning World Champions Spain in Strasbourg, France overnight.

The Aussies came out firing, scoring two goals to Spain’s three in the first quarter.

Heading in to half time, the Aussie Sharks trailed by two goals, but weren’t going to let their opponents run away with the win.

In the third quarter, the Spaniards had the upper hand before a strong Australian outfit powered home to win the fourth quarter 3-2.

In the end, a formidable Spain claimed the win, but it was a gallant effort from the new look Aussie Sharks.

Young gun Matt Byrnes became the 250th person to represent The Australian Men’s Water Polo team, a debut he won’t be forgetting any time soon.

“I am extremely proud to represent Australia,” Byrnes said.

“It wasn’t the result we were after, but we were close and competitive the whole game.

“We can take a lot of positives from that games and I look forward to representing Australia again,” he said.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said his side put up a tough fight against a tough opponent.

“There were some aspects of that game that we are really happy with,” Hamill said.

“We started slowly, but then managed to go with them for the rest of the game.

“Matt Byrnes became Aussie Shark number 250 in today’s game, and for a debut game he was excellent. It certainly was a debut that he’ll never forget,” he said.

The Aussie Sharks will be back in the pool tonight, against Montenegro.

Saturday 23 July | 10pm AEST | Australia v Montenegro

Games will be live streamed via the FINA Youtube Channel - click here