Sharks Fall Short of Quarter Final Berth

Published On: 18 August 2008

Goalkeeper James Stanton had an outstanding match in goals against Montenegro

Australia’s men’s water polo has fallen agonizingly short of a quarter final berth after this afternoon playing out a five all draw with powerhouse side Montenegro.

The Sharks, including Western Australians Tim Neesham, Jamie Beadsworth and James Stanton, went into the Group A clash as clear underdogs but showed great fighting spirit to take it right up to one of the best sides in the world.

Stanton was outstanding in goals, saving eight out of 13 shots to be one of Australia’s best players. Beadsworth managed to get on the scoresheet with one of Australia’s five goals.

The draw will result in Australia finish in fourth place in Group A, just one point away from a quarter final berth with slow starts against Hungary and Spain coming back to haunt the Sharks.

Australia led the match 4-3 at the last change before Montenegro tied the scores up at 5-5.

The Sharks had the opportunity to record a famous victory in the dying seconds but Robbie Maitland’s shot went into the chest of the Montenegro goalkeeper to deny a green and gold win.

Australia will now play-off later in the week in the classification matches.