WORLD AQUATICS MEN'S U16 WATER POLO CHAMPIONSHIPS

GAME 7: NETHERLANDS 12 d AUSTRALIA 8

The Australian 16&U Men left in at in the pool during their final match of the World Aquatics Men's 16&U Water Polo Championships, securing an impressive top 10 finish despite going down to the Netherlands 12-8.

An early surge from the Europeans saw them score four goals to Australia's one in the first quarter.

Determined to stay in the game, the Australian Men fought hard to keep the Netherlands to just one goal in the second quarter, also scoring one themselves to maintain the goal difference.

The Netherlands began to pull away in the second half of the match, and ultimately proved the stronger team on the day scoring four goals in the final quarter, deciding the match.

After an impressive week that has seen the Australian Men win more than half of their games, there is no doubt that the 16&U team has done their supporters and country proud, finishing at the top end of the ladder against the top 32 teams in the world.

GAME 6: AUSTRALIA 13 d EGYPT 10

An impressive comeback from the Australian 16&U Men at the World Aquatics Men's 16&U Water Polo Championships in Malta overnight saw them claim victory against Egypt.

Down 5-2 at the end of the first quarter, the Australian team decreased the difference by one goal by the end of the second quarter before scoring nine goals in the latter half of the match.

In a performance that saw the mental strength of the team on display, the Australian Men ultimately won 13-10.

They will now play off against the Netherlands for 9th-10th.

COMING UP: Australia vs Netherlands, Monday 24 June 8:45pm AEST

GAME 5: AUSTRALIA 12 d GEORGIA 3

The Australian 16&U Men have recorded a dominant win in their first classification match at the World Aquatics Men's U16 Water Polo Championships in Malta.

It was a strong performance from the outset for the Aussies, scoring four goals in the opening quarter, and a full team defence keeping their opponents scoreless.

The Aussies added another two goals to the scoresheet in the second quarter, to hold onto a 6-0 score heading into the half time break.

Georgia managed to sneak one goal into the back of the net in the third quarter, while Australia slotted another two goals, pushing the margin out to seven goals.

The Aussies closed out the game with another four goals in the last quarter, to claim a 12-3 win.

REPLAY

COMING UP: Australia vs Egypt, Sunday 23 June 8:45pm AEST

GAME 4: MONTENEGRO 8 d AUSTRALIA 5

The Australian 16&U Men have gone down fighting to European powerhouses Montenegro overnight at the World Aquatics Men's U16 Water Polo Championships in Malta.

It was a slow start for the Aussies, that saw Montenegro outscore them 3-0 in the first quarter, before a second quarter comeback saw the Aussies score three goals to bring the score back to 3-5.

In the third quarter, the Aussies were again kept scoreless by their opponents, but limited Montenegro to only one goal, the score standing at 3-6 heading into the last quarter.

Both sides scored two goals in the last quarter, Montenegro taking the win 5-8.

REPLAY

COMING UP: Australia vs Georgia, Saturday 22 June 8:45pm AEST

GAME 3: AUSTRALIA 8 d TURKEY 6

A fantastic 8-6 win against Turkey overnight sees our Australian 16&U team advance to the Crossover stage of the World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships.

A physical game from the outset, our Australian boys remained composed throughout, ultimately triumphing over their opposition to secure their place in the top 16.

UWA player Ivan Zorotovic said the team was happy with their performance in the pool.

"It was a tough game but a great one - our preparations in Serbia and Turkey really helped us to remain composed, stick to our game plan and pull through with the win," said Zorotovic.

"The game is a lot more physical over here than what we're used to, but it's a good challenge," he finished.

REPLAY

COMING UP: Australia vs Montenegro, Saturday 22 June 1:45am AEST

GAME 2: CROATIA 11 d AUSTRALIA 8

A close game against Croatia at the World Aquatics Men’s U16 Water Polo Championships overnight saw our Australian team play sensational water polo and match the European powerhouse in the pool.

The first quarter finished with the teams tied on four goals apiece after the Australian Men came out firing, scoring the first two goals of the game.

Both teams produced a strong second quarter, with Croatia pulling ahead by just one goal by the halfway mark of the game.

The Australian Men fought til the end, ultimately losing the battle to Croatia 11-8 at the final whistle.

REPLAY

COMING UP: Australia vs Turkey, Thursday 20 June 7:30pm AEST

GAME 1: AUSTRALIA 12 d CANADA 6

The Australian Men's 160&U team have delivered a convincing 12-6 win over Canada in the opening game of the 2024 World Aquatics Men's U16 Water Polo Championships in Malta.

The first quarter saw few goals netted by either team, with the score at the end of the first six minutes an equal 1-1.

Australia began their charge in the second quarter, scoring four goals while keeping Canada to just one, and their momentum only continued throughout the second half of the game, with Australia ultimately earning their first win of the tournament.

REPLAY

COMING UP: Australia vs Croatia, Wednesday 19 June 6:15pm AEST

For full results - click here. 

Australia: Ashton Brown - Sydney University (NSW), Jake Cox - Sydney University (NSW), Lachlan Davies - SNB Breakers (NSW), Dylan Jennison - UQ (QLD), Mitchell Lazarus - Polo Bears (QLD), Brandon Liu - Ryde (NSW), Oliver Moncur - UQ (QLD), Callum Pugh - UWA (WA), Jett Semmens - SNB Breakers (NSW), Taoso Taoso - UQ (QLD), Savo Todic - UNSW (NSW), Alex Woolfe - SNB Breakers (NSW), Taj Young - Sydney University (NSW), Khai Zenith - Newcastle (NSW), Ivan Zorotovic - UWA (WA)

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Image Credit: Liliana Lazarus