Australian Women finish fourth at FINA Youth World Champs

Published Mon 03 Sep 2018

GAME 7: AUSTRALIA VS GREECE

The Aussie women have finished fourth at the FINA Youth World Championships after defeat against Greece in the bronze medal playoff, 3-7.

After 4th place at the @fina1908 Youth World Championships, Hayley Ballesty and Kasey Dalziel wrap up the #Aussies campaign. #FINAWaterPolo #AUSvGRC #nextgen #womeninsport

MATCH REVIEW > https://t.co/s6m0lu2s5Q pic.twitter.com/7iQReUbmkE
— Water Polo Australia (@WaterpoloAus) September 3, 2018

Four days ago, both teams faced each other in their last group match of the tournament playing out a 9-9 all draw and setting up an anticipated rematch in their final games.

Australia and Greece started the match at a scintillating pace.

A tight tussle developed between the sides as they both looked to make it onto the podium and finish the tournament with a medal.

After conceding the first goal, Australia’s Charlize Andrews continued her great form to collect a rebound off the bar and score with under a minute left in the first quarter, leveling the match at 1-1.

The close contest between both teams continued into the second term and again like much of the past week, Lily Hawthorn was impressive early with her goalkeeping work.

Abby Andrews led from the front scoring Australia’s second after a powerful shot found the top right netting with two minutes remaining until half time.

Following the main break, the Aussies met a fired-up Greek team who piled on three unanswered goals, opening up a four-goal difference with one quarter remaining.

Attacking opportunities were limited in the second half for the Australian’s and any shots on goal were repelled by Greece’s goalkeeper who was solid all night.

With the match in its last quarter, Greece started it much like the previous quarter scoring early after being awarded a 5m penalty.

Australia replied quickly with a goal of their own to provide some hope of a comeback, but it wasn’t to be.

The side continued to fight and push Greece until the final whistle, however were unable to secure a bronze medal going down 3-7.

During the seven day international tournament, Australia walk away with the title of fourth best youth water polo team in the world after four wins, one draw and two loses.

Australia v Greece 3-7

Quarters: 1-1, 1-2, 0-3, 1-1

Australia:

Abby Andrews (QLD), Charlize Andrews (QLD), Hayley Ballesty (NSW), Kasey Dalziel (QLD), Lily Hawthorn (NSW), Matilda Kearns (NSW), Sophie Milliken (QLD), Jamie Oberman (WA), Ruby Swadling (NSW), Nioka Thomas (NSW), Carla Traplin (NSW), Maisie Newell (QLD), Alyssa West (SA)

GAME 6: AUSTRALIA VS ITALY

The Australian women’s team have suffered their first defeat of the FINA Youth World Championships in the Semi Final match against Italy, 5-7.

A vocal crowd, which included the Aussie Sharks (Australia’s Men’s water polo team), packed into Belgrade’s Milan Gale MuškatiroviÄ‡ pool.

Italy had only dropped one match to Spain on their road to the Semi Final and were always going to be a formidable opponent for the Aussies.

The Australian team found themselves behind on the scoreboard early after Italy raced to a two goal lead at the first break with their physical style, strong attacking plays and smothering defence.

Carla Traplin found the back of the cage with a goal from the top of the circle providing Australia’s only goal in the first quarter.

But midway through the second term, Australia toiled their way back into the match with two consecutive goals to Hayley Ballesty and Abby Andrews to reduce the margin to 3-5.

Australia continued to fight and meet Italy’s physicality head on and produced a 2-1 third quarter in their favour via a Matilda Kearns double, pegging back the deficit to one goal.

Although Australia displayed a never say die attitude, they were unable to overcome a tough Italian team in the last quarter, narrowly losing 5-7.

The Aussies never gave up but went down to Italy, 5-7 at the @fina1908 Youth World Champs. Matilda Kearns & Carla Traplin spoke after the Semi Final.. ðŸŽ¥ðŸ¤½‍â™€ï¸ðŸ‘€ðŸ‘‡ #GoAus #FINAWaterPolo #AUSvITA #Australia #Italy #womeninsport #nextgen

MATCH REVIEW >> https://t.co/s6m0lu2s5Q pic.twitter.com/ntAxrFiaWD
— Water Polo Australia (@WaterpoloAus) September 2, 2018

The Australian team will look to refocus quickly for their bronze medal playoff match against Greece.

In a rematch from day three of the tournament and their last group match, Australia will be aiming to one better the previous 9-9 all draw result.

Tune in as Australia go up against Greece with a bronze medal on the line from 3:20am (AEST) 3 September via FINAtv or @WaterpoloAus Twitter updates.

Australia v Italy 5-7

Quarters: 1-3, 2-2, 2-1, 0-1

Extrawomen:
AUS: 1 for 9
ITA: 3 for 10

Australia:

Lily Hawton (9/16 shots), Jamie Oberman, Nioka Thomas , Ruby Swadling, Sophie Milliken, Abby Andrews (1), Carla Traplin (1), Hayley Ballesty (1), Kasey Dalziel, Maisie Newell, Matlida Kearns (2), Charlize Andrews, Allysa West. Coach: Dusan Damjanovic

GAME 5: AUSTRALIA VS NETHERLANDS

Australia has secured a tight 8-7 win over Netherlands in their FINA Youth World Championships Quarter Final.

“We’re not stopping here.”@fina1908 Youth World Championships Semi Finals bound! Match MVP Charlize Andrews & teammate Abby Andrews wrap up the exciting 8-7 Qtr Final win over @waterpoloNL! #AUSvNED #FINAWaterPolo #womeninsport

MATCH REVIEW ðŸ¤½‍â™€ï¸ > https://t.co/s6m0lu2s5Q pic.twitter.com/1dxXGwLusx
— Water Polo Australia (@WaterpoloAus) August 31, 2018

In a high intensity match from start to finish, the Australian’s dug deep to produce another all-round team performance keeping their medal aspirations alive.

Hayley Ballesty netted a great long-distance goal to open Australia’s account, with two more goals in quick session to Charlize Andrews and Matilda Kearns establishing an early 3-1 lead.

Netherlands wrestled the momentum away from Australia before the first quarter break to level it up at 3-3.

A strong centre forward goal by match MVP, Charlize Andrews, rallied her team into gear after the break.

Australia continued to improve defensively throughout the game and a 2-1 third quarter in their favour proved to be the difference in a close match.

Abby Andrews handed Australia a one goal buffer with her goal from the right post on the stroke of three quarter time.

A two goal margin opened up to Australia after West Australian Jamie Oberman finished off a great fourth quarter counter attack.

The Aussies remained strong in defence and a late penalty goal from the Dutchwomen in the dying moments wasn't enough to stop Australia securing the win, 8-7.

Head Coach Dusan Damjanovic says the patience his team showed was what he enjoyed most about the victory.

"The girls were really patient in the crucial moments, it’s not easy at their age to remain calm and control emotions, especially in attack.

"We were ready for our moments, they had pride in everything they did and in the end the result was positive for us.

"Tomorrow is a new day and a new game, it will be completely different water polo," he said.

Australia and Italy will play for a spot in the gold medal match after the Italians also took out a one goal victory in their quarter final match over USA (7-6).

Watch the clash from 4:40am (AEST) 2 September with the FINAtv live stream or follow @WaterpoloAus Twitter for updates.

Australia v Netherlands 8-7

Quarters: 3-3, 2-2, 2-1, 1-1

Extrawomen:
AUS: 1 - 4
NED: 0 - 6

Australia:

Lily Hawton (12/18 shots), Jamie Oberman (1), Nioka Thomas, Ruby Swadling, Sophie Milliken, Abby Andrews (1), Carla Traplin (1), Hayley Ballesty (1), Kasey Dalziel, Maisie Newell, Matlida Kearns (1), Charlize Andrews (3), Allysa West. Coach: Dusan Damjanovic

GAME 4: AUSTRALIA VS CANADA

The Australian women’s team have progressed to the top eight of the FINA Youth World Championships after a hard fought 6-3 victory over Canada.

Coming into the match Canada had suffered two losses to Italy and Spain, with one win over Serbia placing them third in their group.

Both teams played a tight defensive game giving their opposition little room, making goals hard to come by in much of the first quarter.

The deadlock was eventually broken and a successfully converted penalty shot to Canada meant they lead by one goal after the opening term.

Australia’s centre forwards continued to be heavily marked by Canada, however the team were able to get on the board courtesy of a Carla Traplin goal midway through the second quarter.

Goalkeeper Lily Hawthorn continues to be a reliable force in the cage for Australia. One of her many saves lead to a counter attack finished off with an Australian lob shot.

The Aussies kept providing opportunities for themselves, however were unable to convert successfully on occasions, leaving the match in a tense 2-2 scoreline at half time.

Matilda Kearns put the Aussies one goal up early in the third quarter netting a shot from the top.

After Canada hit back, Kasey Dalziel scored a long-range shot to give Australia a one goal buffer at three quarter time.

Australia’s defence lifted another gear in the last quarter reducing Canada’s attacking options and keeping them scoreless.

Carla Traplin's two last quarter goals on top of her teams' solid defence enabled Australia to grab victory 6-3.

Celebrating her 18th birthday, Traplin was named MVP of the match after her crucial goal scoring efforts throughout the match.

Australia will now turn their attention to the strong water polo nation of Netherlands who were undefeated after their group stage.

Tune in to Australia’s clash with the Dutch women on 1 September from 4:40am (AEST) on FINAtv or follow the @WaterpoloAus Twitter account for updates.

Australia v Canada 6-3

Quarters: 0-1, 2-1, 2-1, 2-0

Extrawomen:
AUS: 1 for 2
CAN: 0 for 2

Australia:

Lily Hawton (8/11 shots), Jamie Oberman, Nioka Thomas, Ruby Swadling, Sophie Milliken, Abby Andrews, Carla Traplin (3), Hayley Ballesty (1), Kasey Dalziel (1), Maisie Newell, Matlida Kearns (1), Charlize Andrews, Allysa West. Coach: Dusan Damjanovic

GAME 3: AUSTRALIA VS GREECE

With a big crowd watching in Belgrade, Australia’s women have played out a nail-biting 9-9 all draw against Greece in their last group match at the FINA Youth World Championships.

Both teams played at a ferocious pace continually going up and down the field looking to score at any opportunity.

In a match where Australian goalkeeper Lily Hawthorn saved a total of three penalty shots, Hawthorn was exceptional in the first quarter with two penalty saves to her name.

Matilda Kearns scored a brilliant individual goal in the second quarter which levelled the scores 3-3 just before halftime. After stealing her opponents’ ball on the halfway mark, she then swam away with it netted her second goal of the quarter.

The Aussies fought hard at every contest and towards the end of the third quarter both sides went goal for goal, locking scores at 6-6 heading into the last quarter.

Both teams never stopped playing their extremely physical brand of water polo and trailing by one midway through the last quarter, Australia’s Head Coach Dusan Damjanovic called a time out.

Following their time out, Australia scored their ninth goal to draw scores even again and when the full time whistle went shortly thereafter, the sides could not be separated at 9-9.

Matilda Kearns was awarded her second MVP award honours in as many matches after scoring five goals.

Australia now face a Canadian team in the preliminary finals who ended third in their group after one victory against Serbia.

Watch all the action via FINAtv or follow updates on the @WaterpoloAus Twitter account from 2:00am (AEST) Friday 31 August.

Australia v Greece 9-9

Quarters: 1-2, 2-1, 3-3, 3-3

Extrawomen:
AUS: 1 for 5
GRE: 0 for 8

Australia:

Lily Hawton (7/16 shots), Jamie Oberman, Nioka Thomas, Ruby Swadling, Sophie Milliken (3), Abby Andrews(1), Carla Traplin, Hayley Ballesty, Kasey Dalziel, Maisie Newell, Matlida Kearns (5), Charlize Andrews, Allysa West. Coach: Dusan Damjanovic

GAME 2: AUSTRALIA VS BRAZIL

The Aussie women have secured their second consecutive win at the FINA Youth World Championships with a 15-6 win over Brazil.

Australia met a fast-starting Brazilian team and quickly found themselves behind on the scoreboard 1-3 early in the first quarter.

West Australian Jamie Oberman lead the fightback with her first goal of the match which rallied her team to claw their way back into the match with a flurry of goals handing them a 4-3 quarter time lead.

Australia did not relinquish this lead, instead edged further in front at the major break courtesy of their fast transition play.

The Australian’s relentless defence forced Brazil into low percentage shots which saw the South American’s only score a single goal in the second half.

Holding a four goal lead ahead of the final quarter, Australia were ruthless piling on five unanswered goals to take a convincing win, 15-6.

Matilda Kearn’s three goal haul earned her MVP honours for the match.

Tune in when Australia play Greece in a big clash from 30 August, 4:40am (AEST). Catch the action via FINAtv or follow updates on the @WaterpoloAus Twitter account.

Australia v Brazil 15-6

Quarters: 4-3, 3-2, 3-1, 5-0

Extrawomen:
AUS: 10 for 3
BRA: 6 for 4

Australia:

Lily Hawton (8/14 shots), Jamie Oberman (1), Nioka Thomas (1) Ruby Swadling, Sophie Milliken (3), Abby Andrews (2), Carla Traplin (2), Hayley Ballesty (2), Kasey Dalziel (1), Maisie Newell (0), Matlida Kearns (3), Charlize Andrews, Allysa West. Coach: Dusan Damjanovic

GAME 1: AUSTRALIA VS UZBEKISTAN

The Australian Women’s Youth Team have kicked off their FINA Youth World Championships campaign in spectacular style with an impressive 18-5 win over Uzbekistan.

The seven-day tournament today got underway today in Belgrade Serbia, with 16 of the top nations from around the world set to line up for their chance at water polo history.

Taking on a fairly unknown Uzbekistan side, Head Coach Dusan Damjanovic was pleased with how his side stood up to the test.

“We did a good job in our counter attack. I’m proud with how the girls approached the first game… it is not really easy for them as they are young, but I am happy with their preparation and hope for the next game they’ll do the same.

“I was surprised with Uzbekistan…they played nice water polo, with a lot of driving and wide in attack,” he said.

Leading throughout the entire game there was no doubt the Australians controlled the game from the outset, despite Uzbekistan doing their best to match it in the first quarter. Leading by one at the end of the first, a strong attacking game in the second saw them stretch the lead to 9-4 at half time.

But it was the second half that the Aussies really kicked into gear with strong counter attack and an overpowering defensive structure allowing the team to extend the scoreline as well as keep their opponents scoreless in the third quarter. Uzbekistan would only get one further goal courtesy of a penalty in the last quarter but it was not enough to stop the Australians powering home with an 18-5 victory.

Officials named Sydney Uni’s Carla Traplin MVP of the game.

Next up the Australians will face a tough Brazilian side who are known for their physicality. Game two gets underway tomorrow Tuesday 28 August at 5:00pm AEST.

Australia v Uzbekistan 18-5

Quarters: 4-3, 5-1, 4-0, 5-1

Extrawomen:
AUS:12 for 3
UZB: 2 for 0

Australia:

Lily Hawton, Jamie Oberman, Nioka Thomas, Ruby Swadling (2), Sophie Milliken (1), Abby Andrews (1), Carla Traplin (5), Hayley Ballesty (2), Kasey Dalziel (2), Matlida Kearns (4), Charlize Andrews (1). Coach: Dusan Damjanovic