Seventh Place for Aussies at Junior Worlds

The Australian junior water polo team has finished seventh at the World Junior Championships in Sibenik, Croatia during the week, with WAIS scholarship holders Aaron Younger, James Fannon, Edward Slade and Nick Redbond all in action.

Despite the disappointment of being knocked out at the quarter final stage by Serbia in extra-time, the Australians bounced back to claim seventh place with a resounding 11-3 win over USA.

James Fannon and Aaron Younger both featured on the score sheet for Australia – who produced a measure four quarter performance to show it can be a force in years to come.

Australia went 2-1 ahead against the USA at the quarter after being a goal down and proceeded to lead 6-2 at the half and 7-3 by the final break.

It was a far better effort than the roll-over loss to Spain the previous day, with some experts stating the team had the potential to compete in the medal rounds.

Australia gave up twice as many major fouls as the USA and only converted two from 10, an area which has been a huge problem in Sibenik.

Head coach Simon Daley however, was happy with the result. “That was what they are capable of but they saved their best game for last. It was the wrong game,” he said.

“We had a long chat yesterday after the loss to Spain and they proved to me and the country that they can play excellent water polo. However, it was a sour seventh.”

“I have to thank all the parents who travelled to Sibenik to support the boys. They showed true Aussie spirit and were loud and a crowd,” Daley said.

– With Australian Water Polo