The Aussie Sharks have recorded a 14-7 victory over Kazahkstan in a solid start to their campaign at the 13th FINA World Championships in Rome.
The Sharks included four WAIS athletes in their line up for the opening match, with goal keepers James Stanton and Luke Quinlivan spending equal time in the pool and field players Tim Cleland and Nick O’Halloran playing close to a half each.
Australia dominated the match from the start, opening an early lead with a four goals to one opening quarter. They continued to outscore the Kazahk side throughout the second and third terms, with the scoreboard at the final change reading Australia 11, Kazahkstan 4.
It was only in the final quarter, with the match already decided, that the Sharks took their foot off the pedal and drew the term with three goals apiece.
Both Cleland and O’Halloran contributed to the green and gold’s 14 goal total with a goal each. Stanton made an impressive six saves in goal while Quinlivan made two.
Australia’s next match is on Wednesday against Spain.
