Mariners Set Sail for Big 2010

Fremantle Mariners have given a strong indication they will again be the team to beat in the 2010 Australian National Water Polo League after defeating competition heavyweights Victoria Tigers in a recent double header in Bicton.

The Mariners are the reigning national champions but were forced to show why in a fiercely contested first match against the Tigers.

Led by WAIS scholarship holders Jamie Beadsworth, Aaron Younger, Daniel Lawrence, James Stanton, Joel Swift, Tim Cleland, James Fannon, Nick Redbond and Jack Collier, the Mariners looked to exploit Victoria’s travels and held a 9-5 advantage in the dying stages before a late scare bridged the final gap at 9-7 in favour of the Fremantle side.

Fremantle looked strong with internationals Tim Cleland, Jamie Beadsworth and Aaron Younger on fire while the Tigers kept in touch through Ryan Moody and back-from-injury British international Scott Carpenter.

The Tigers – who have WAIS athlete Eddie Slade in goals – looked for revenge in the second clash of the double header but were again two goals shy in a 10-8 win for the Mariners.

Slade enjoyed better circumstances in the Tigers double header win over UWA in Perth, with 13-3 and 18-2 victories for the Victorians.

Fremantle next face a difficult four match road trip to Queensland to face both the Breakers and Barracudas from Feb 18-21.

The Fremantle Marlins also started their season in strong fashion after WAIS-AIS trio Gemma Beadsworth, Glencora Ralph and Zoe Arancini combined to overpower the Tigers in their double header at Bicton pool 13-7 and 13-3.