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GAME 5 - AUS 8 def by ESP 18

The Aussie Sharks have wrapped up their 2023 World Aquatics World Cup with a tough loss to Spain overnight, 8-18.

The Aussie Sharks knew it was going to be a tough match up, Spain sitting atop of the table before the game after defeating European heavyweights Greece earlier in the tournament and maintaining an unbeaten record.

Spain were strong from the outset, and while the Aussie Sharks managed to get some goals on the board it wasn't enough to hold off the current world champions.

Aussie Sharks co-captain Nathan Power was the top goal scorer for the Sharks, with two goals. Fellow co-captain Blake Edwards, dual Olympian George Ford, Charlie Negus, Angus Lambie, Tom McJannett, and Tokyo Olympian Andrew Ford all scored one each.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said Spain were a class above in their match up, but his side can take away plenty of learnings.

"Tonight Spain proved why they're one of, if not the best team in the world with their performance," Hamill said.

"They were too good for us tonight - we started the game quite well in the first and second quarter, but we just weren't able to maintain that.

"Something we also need to improve on is our shooting accuracy - Spain tonight shot at 70% which is an extremely high number and a number that we're far off at the moment.

"Our ability to score goals and shoot fast is something that we need to improve at a Sharks level, but also all the way through to the National Age Group Program. It needs to be something that we can improve as a system.

"I appreciate the messages of support from back home - it's something that's always appreciated by myself and the team.

"This week we've certainly learnt a great deal, and we'll continue to do all in our powers to get better, learn and put in the performances and be successful as we continue to build towards the Paris 2024 Olympic Games," he said.

GAME 4 - AUS 11 def by MNE 12

The Aussie Sharks game against Montenegro at the World Aquatics World Cup went down to the wire, the hosts claiming a one goal victory.

On the fourth day of competition in Podgorica, the Aussie Sharks were determined to bounce back after their loss to Greece.

Nothing could separate the two sides after the first half, with the scores locked at 6-6.

The Aussie Sharks made their move in the third quarter, outscoring their European counterparts 5-4.

But in the last quarter, Montenegro powered home to deliver a one goal win, 11-12.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said while it was disappointing to lose by one goal, he can't fault the determination showed by his team.

"One of the things we pride ourselves on in this group is our energy in all games," Hamill said.

"Unfortunately we didn't see that in our game against Greece, but pleasingly tonight in our game against Montenegro our effort, enthusiasm and energy was much better and to the standards that we're expecting.

"It just wasn't enough to get the win tonight, but as I said to the team it's games like those that are wonderful opportunities to learn, develop and grow as a group.

"We play Spain tomorrow for our last game of the World Cup, so it's going to be a challenge but we're excited to see how we fair in this final game," he said.

The Aussie Sharks will return to the pool on Tuesday 14 March at 5.30am AEDT against Spain. Watch LIVE and FREE via World Aquatics Youtube - CLICK HERE

GAME 3 - AUS 5 def by GRE 20

The Aussie Sharks have fallen overnight to Greece at the World Aquatics World Cup in Montenegro.

Sharks coach Tim Hamill conceded Greece were a class above, with the Olympic silver medallists running away with the match 20-5.

“Greece completely outplayed us today in all facets of the game, and it’s a huge learning moment and opportunity for both coaches and also players in terms of the level we need to get to,” said Hamill.

The opening quarter put the Sharks on the back foot from the outset with Greece jumping out to a 7-0 quarter-time lead.

Australia were on the board midway through the second quarter courtesy of Blake Edwards, however Greece were able to extend their lead to 10-1 at half-time.

The third quarter was a tighter affair with Luke Pavillard and Nathan Power both scoring. Still, Greece was able edge further ahead for a 10-goal lead going into the final break.

Marcus Berehulak and Sam Angle wrote their names on the scoresheet in the final quarter however Greece matched their opening quarter effort with another seven goals to win by 15.

“Unfortunately tonight was our worst game in 12 months together,” said Hamill. “Whilst we’ve been happy over the last 12 months with some of the steps we’ve made as a group, tonight’s game showed how far we need to go to get to what we’ve spoken about achieving in the future leading towards Paris.”

The Aussie Sharks next match will be on Monday 13 March at 3.30am AEDT against hosts Montenegro. Watch LIVE and FREE via World Aquatics Youtube - CLICK HERE

GAME 2 - AUS 12 def by GEO 13

The Aussie Sharks have gone down by one goal in their second match of the World Aquatics World Cup against Georgia.

Following suit from their opening game against Serbia, the Sharks were able to deliver another impressive first quarter, outscoring their opponents 2-1.

A big second and third quarter from the Georgians saw them edge ahead.

Despite a last ditch effort in the final, the Aussie Sharks scoring our goals to Georgia’s three, it wasn’t enough to get the win, Georgia claiming it 12-13.

Luke Pavillard was a stand out performer for the Aussie Sharks, scoring a five goal haul and earning him the player of the match.

Tokyo Olympian Andrew Ford scored a hat trick, with Aussie Sharks co-captain Blake Edwards scoring two of his own, George Ford and Nathan Power scored one each.

Edwards said despite the end result, he was proud of his team for the effort they put in.

“This was a great experience for our young team,” Edwards said.

“We were pushed right until the end and unfortunately in a moment where we needed to be a bit more clinical we were unable to put the game away.

“Like the first game against Serbia we are creating a lot of good opportunities, we just need to work on our execution.

“There’s a lot of promise showing for our team ahead, so we’ll go back to the drawing board now and refocus for our game against Greece,” he said.

The Aussie Sharks will return to the pool on Sunday 12 March at 5.30am AEDT against Greece. Watch LIVE and FREE via World Aquatics Youtube - CLICK HERE

GAME 1 - AUS 6 def by SRB 10

The Aussie Sharks have gone down fighting in their first match of the World Aquatics World Cup in Montenegro.

The Aussie Sharks started strong against reigning Olympic champions Serbia, outscoring them 2-1 in the first quarter.

The European powerhouse side bounced back in the second and third quarter, with the Sharks down by four heading into the last quarter.

Goals in the last quarter by Luke Pavillard, co-captain Blake Edwards and Matt Byrnes saw the Sharks draw even 3-3 in the final quarter, but it wasn’t enough to hold Serbia back from the win, the end score falling 6-10 in Serbia’s favour.

Aussie Sharks Head Coach Tim Hamill said he couldn’t fault his team’s effort.

“We certainly created plenty of opportunities but our execution in converting goals let us down today

“Similarly, our extra man attack numbers were quite low and they’re something we’ll be looking to improve on before our game against Georgia.

“That said, I can’t fault the effort of the playing group.

“Georgia has a close loss to Montenegro tonight, so we’re up for another tough game tomorrow night but the playing group and the coaching staff are very much looking forward to it,” he said.

The Aussie Sharks will be back in the pool tomorrow, Friday 10 March at 5.30am AEDT, against Georgia. Watch LIVE and FREE via World Aquatics Youtube channel - CLICK HERE