Sharks Earn Spirited Draw with Hungary

Water Polo: Australia v Hungary

Athlete: Aaron Younger, Joel Swift, James Stanton-French, George Ford

Venue: Maria Lenk Aquatic Centre

The Australian men’s water polo team has produced a spirited comeback to earn a 9-9 draw with nine-time Olympic champion Hungary on Day 3 of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

With Australia trailing with less than a minute remaining, Johnno Cottererill sent a clutch shot into the cage, under the left arm of keeper Attila Decker to ensure their hopes of qualifying for the quarter finals remain alive.

Hungary had a late chance denied by Western Australian goal keeper James Stanton-French before an in-pool scuffle greeted the final siren, in what was an apt conclusion to a physical and willing clash.

The result gets the Australians on the board in Rio, putting behind them, the disappointment of their opening round defeat to hosts Brazil, where they had been well below their best.

Against one of international water polo’s super powers, the Sharks squad put up a much improved performance and deservedly closed out the match with a share of the spoils.

Richie Campbell slotted four goals for the Sharks, whilst West Australian Olympic debutants, George Ford and Joel Swift also got themselves on the scoresheet for the team.

Australia still has group matches to play against Japan, Serbia and Greece and will be looking to record wins and finish as high as possible to assist qualification and to avoid a difficult match-up in the cross overs.