Sharks Earn Silver in Final Olympic Prep

The Australian men’s water polo team has gone down to three-time defending Olympic champions Hungary 8-4 at the Vodafone Cup in Budapest.

Despite losing in what was their final hit out prior to the London Olympic Games the Aussie Sharks did enough to secure the silver medal in the four team tournament after a strong win over world champions Italy and a draw with Spain earlier in the week.

With a huge home crowd behind them at the Alfred Hajos Swimming Stadium, Hungary jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the second quarter before Aidan Roach got Australia on the board.

Hungary refused to give an inch though and held a three goal advantage for much of the second half although senior Australian players Jamie Beadsworth (WAIS) and captain Sam McGregor got the Sharks within two strikes on a couple of occasions.

Beadsworth was joined in competition by fellow WAIS athletes Aaron Younger and Tim Cleland, whilst Joel Swift was rested.

A one goal from eight conversion rate in extra-man attack meant the Australians were always going to struggle to haul in the locals and the match ended with the four goal margin.

Hungary ended with the gold, Australia silver, Spain the bronze and Italy fourth place.

Olympic debutant Johnno Cotterill said the side would take a lot of positives from the three-Test tournament as they turn their attention to London.

“It’s always disappointing to lose but as with other games this week we showed progress tonight and we truly believe we can go to the next level in London,” Cotterill said.

The Sharks will now train with the Hungarian team over the next three days before heading to London where they will play their first game against Italy on July 29.

Earlier:

The Aussie Sharks, Australia’s London Olympic bound men’s water polo team, have fought back from two goals down in the last quarter to snatch a 7-all draw against Spain at the Vodafone Cup in Hungary.

The confidence building result against the in form Spaniards, whom they will play in the Group stage at the Olympics, follows yesterday’s 10-9 upset of fellow Olympic opponents and reigning world champions Italy.

Australia now sit atop the Vodafone Cup standings going into their final game of the tournament against three-time defending Olympic champions Hungary, at 2am (AEST) on Wednesday morning.

In what was a tight clash throughout, Spain led 3-2 at quarter time, 4-3 at the main break and 6-4 with one term to play before the Australian comeback that saw late goals from centre forward Jamie Beadsworth and rising star Aidan Roach, who converted a penalty with less than two minutes remaining.

Roach said the side showed plenty of courage to fight back and grab the tie.

“We started well but dropped our intensity in the middle of the game,” Roach said.

“But (to draw) showed a lot of character to come back from two goals down.”

Australian head coach John Fox was already looking ahead to the next game and the challenge of the Hungarians.

“You’re never happy with a draw but I was pleased with the way it was battled out today,” Fox said.

“I’m looking forward to playing Hungary tomorrow with a full strength squad.”

– Water Polo Australia