The Aussie Sharks held off a determined Japanese team to seal an 11-7 win to claim a clean sweep of the three-match water polo test Series in Sutherland, NSW.
While Australia already had the test series locked up after the second win in the best of three series, the Sharks were eager to round it out in style, and managed to secure the series clean sweep with a hard fought four goal win.
Once again it was a slow start for the Sharks who despite holding the lead throughout the game had the visitors close on their trail.
London 2012 Olympian Johnno Cotterill was the stand out goal scorer for the Sharks, notching five goals for his team. Cotterill admitted while the series win was pleasing they certainly were forced to work for it.
“Everyone discounts Japan but they were really tough today and they are a very dynamic team and are really improving, so we’re happy to get away with the three wins.
For the Sharks squad it wasn’t just about the test games, they have also had the squad in team camp for five days.
“It’s been tough, but its shown the guys where we need to get to and I think it’s been a bit of litmus test for what’s coming,” said Cotterill.
“Two weeks until (we play) Italy so pretty quick turnover… Italy is consistently in the top four teams in the world so it’s going to be another step up and we really just need to see where we’re at.
“Italy has already played quite a few games in World League this year so they’re probably ready to go. We need to turn up ready otherwise we’re going to be shown up – the opportunity to play in the Harbour, to play at home, we really need to take that opportunity with both hands.”
The test matches against Japan and team camp has marked the official start of the Aussie Sharks road to Rio campaign and team coach Elivis Fatovic said he is satisfied with the progress.
“This is the beginning of this Olympic year for us and in two weeks we’ll host the Italian team and that will be one more chance for us to improve some segments.
“We will play with our three players who play overseas in Europe and United States and it will be a chance to play one of the best teams in the world (Italy),” said Fatovic.
The team will turn their attention now to the three test match series against Italy, with the feature game to be held as part of Water Polo by the Sea which in 2015 will be held in the iconic Sydney Harbour on Saturday 19 December at Campbell’s Cove.
The Sharks squad for the three test series against Japan included Western Australian brothers and WAIS scholarship holders, George and Andrew Ford.
– WaterPoloAus
