MONDAY WRAP | RND 2 OVO AUSTRALIAN WATERPOLO LEAGUE

Round two of the OVO Australian Water Polo League saw teams from Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales all in the pool with a battle between UNSW Wests and Queensland Thunder on Saturday on our screens for the OVO Play match of the week.

For the UNSW Wests and Queensland Thunder teams it was a rematch four days after previously coming face to face earlier in the week as part of Thunder's gruelling week long road trip.

On Saturday, UNSW Magpies (men’s) comfortably claimed victory at UNSW Aquatic Centre, winning 13-7 to back up their 12-7 triumph on Tuesday.

Magpies veteran Richie Campbell admitted brutal scheduling might have impacted the result.

“I feel sorry for them [Thunder], having six games this week, but it was good to get two wins from our point of view,” said Campbell.

Canadian Nicolas Constantin-Bicari scored a double and regularly threatened the goals as the new UNSW Wests Magpies centre-forward, a noticeable advantage Campbell and his teammates loving having on their side.

“He’s a world-class centre-forward and it’s just amazing to have him, we were pretty lucky to get him.

“As soon as you get the ball in his hand, he’s pretty dangerous, it’s a fantastic get for us, and hopefully he’ll continue to play well this season," he said.

Maintaining a healthy lead heading into the fourth quarter, Magpies were able to give some of their younger squad members an opportunity in the latter stages of the match.

UNSW goalkeeper Joel Dennerley believed the match time provided a challenging but valuable encounter for the youngsters.

“It was great to give those young players who have come through the ranks some experience in the national league.

“They’re all playing in junior national teams, so it’s a big step up, hopefully they took a lot out of it," said Dennerley.

Despite suffering their second defeat to UNSW, Dennerley praised Queensland Thunder on their attacking play, citing Rhys Howden and Billy Miller as constant threats.

“They are a crafty team and anytime Rhys or Billy got the ball in their hand they were looking to score.

“Their younger players are well drilled, they’re well coached by Dmitry up there at QAS so you’ve got to get organised quickly and try to shut it down early," said Dennerley.

UNSW West Magpies now sit third on the ladder but boast the only undefeated 2019 season in the competition.

The UNSW Wests Killer Whales (women’s) had less fortune, losing Saturday's rematch against the Queensland Thunder once again by an agonising one point, 7-8.

In the women’s OVO AWL, the Queensland Thunder, UTS Balmain Tigers and Fremantle Marlins remain undefeated, while FYFE Adelaide Jets and Hunter Hurricanes will enter round three searching for their first win.

AROUND THE GROUNDS

SYDNEY

ACU Cronulla Sharks men and women hosted eight individual matches this round and were unable to capitalise on their home pool advantage against formidable opponents in Queensland Thunder and UWA Torpedoes.

While unable to secure a victory at home, ACU Cronulla Sharks Kiara Holden again proved a dominant play maker in the women’s matches, scoring five goals in a narrow 12-14 loss to the UWA Torpedoes.

The UWA Torpedoes men's emerged victors from both clashes with ACU Cronulla Sharks but were unable to topple the Drummoyne Devils on Wednesday.

Blake Edwards was once again the standout for Drummoyne Devils, netting four goals in a comfortable 19-5 triumph.

Unfortunately, the Friday evening match scheduled between Drummoyne Devils and UWA Torpedoes was abandoned due to lightning strikes.

Similar outcomes occurred during the women’s UWA Torpedoes fixtures, narrowly defeating the ACU Cronulla Sharks in two thrillers, winning 14-12 and 6-5.

Defending men's 2018 gold medallists Sydney University Lions side hosted four games at Peter Montgomery Pool, and experienced mixed results, winning two games.

The Lions female counterparts emerged victors in both matches against UWA Torpedoes with a 11-7 win Tuesday and 11-7 victory on Sunday to secure important competition points early in the season.

NEWCASTLE

The Hunter Hurricanes men’s teams enjoyed two wins against UTS Balmain Tigers at Lambton Pool with a comfortable 10-3 victory on Saturday, followed by a thrilling 7-6 win on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Hunter women were unable to overpower the mighty UTS Balmain Tigers, who remain undefeated in the competition to date.

HANDY LINKS

Click here to view match highlights between UNSW Wests and Queensland Thunder

Click here to watch full match replays between UNSW Wests and Queensland Thunder (men's and women's)

Click here to view upcoming OVO AWL round three men's fixtures

Click here to view upcoming OVO AWL round three women's fixtures