An inexperienced Aussie Sharks outfit has held on for a 12-10 victory over Russia in their one off test match at the UWA Pool in Perth.
With London Olympians Rhys Howden, Richie Campbell, Billy Miller and Johnno Cotterill all absent from the starting line up, the Aaron Younger (WAIS) led Sharks came from 3-6 at quarter time to notch their second victory of 2014.
Following a 12-9 victory and a 9-9 draw against Olympic champions Croatia earlier in the week, the Aussie Sharks maintained their impressive form to overhaul the Russians nine goals to four in the final three terms.
New acquisition Joe Kayes, and local Perth youngster Luke Pavillard (WAIS) starred for the Aussies netting two goals each, matching the brace from FINA World Championship squad members Joel Swift (WAIS) and Tyler Martin.
Also stealing the headlines were fellow Perth juniors Jordan Kremers-Taylor (WAIS) and Andrew Ford (WAIS), who made their senior international debuts for Australia.
Stand-in captain Aaron Younger, who scored a crucial goal in the final minutes of the game, said he was satisfied by the victory and praised youngstersPavillard, Ford and Kremers-Taylor for stepping up on the night.
“We got off to a slow start with poor counter attack defence and very static attack,” Younger said.
“After half time we were able to consolidate in defence and started to play as a team becoming more active in our attack and in doing so we managed to take the lead and win the game.
“It was great to see some of the younger players having some game time with Luke Pavillard securing two goals to his name.”
The test victory brings to a close Australia’s 10-day camp in Perth. Head coach Elvis Fatovic was upbeat by Australia’s performance and said it was a great opportunity for himto blood new players.
“I am very satisfied with the last ten days of our camp and what we have achieved after a long off-season. However if the team is to continue improving we must focus on our strength condition,” Fatovic said.
“Tonight it was noticeable that we played without our four key players, however this gave us the opportunity to give our junior athletes a chance to play against a strong European opposition, which was great.”
The Aussie Sharks now disperse to assume club duties around the globe. Their main focus in 2014 will be qualifying for the FINA World League Finals, before eyeing off a top five result at the FINA World Cup in July/August.
-WaterPoloAustralia
