Sharks Record Tough Win Over Italy

The Australian men’s water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, have received a timely boost to their Olympic campaign defeating London rivals Italy 10-9 in the opening game of the Vodafone Cup in Hungary.

In what is their final Olympic lead-up tournament ahead of the London Games, the Sharks showed great improvement from their previous two outings against Italy to score a strong victory.

Minus resting stars Billy Miller and Gavin Woods, the Aussie Sharks came out of the blocks firing establishing a 3-2 lead at quarter time with Richie Campbell netting twice ina man of the match performance.

Reigning world champions Italy regained the ascendency midday way through the third period, but a third and fourth strike to Campbell and assists from Rhys Howden and Jamie Beadsworth (WAIS) edged the Australians clear.

Joel Swift (WAIS), deputising for Woods and Miller, added two crucial goals, while captain Sam McGregor and Aaron Younger (WAIS) also found the back of the net.

Coach John Fox said it was a brilliantly tough effort by the team and was ecstatic to record a win against their London game one opponents.

“This was a well fought, tough win by the boys,” Fox said.

“It was an all-round team effort and gives us plenty of momentum leading into London.

“We play Italy in our first match at the Olympics so it was good to get a victory over them after some narrow defeats in recent weeks.”

The tournament, which also featuresHungary and Spain, marks an end of a tough and intense preparation for the Sharks as they fine-tune systems before commencing Olympic competition on July 29.

TheSharks’ next game at the Vodafone Cup is against fellow London Group A opponents Spain, at 12.15am on Tuesday morning AEST.

– Water Polo Australia