The Australian Sharks water polo team went down 9-5 to home team Romania to finish sixth at the men’s FINA World Cup in Oradea this week.
At the end of a tough tour, which included fourth place at the FINA World League Super Finals in Serbia, the Sharks could not replicate that form.
The conversion of extra-man attack proved the Sharks’ downfall with only two from 10 attempts. Another decisive area was gifting Romania three penalty goals.
Australia dropped two goals behind at halftime and maintained that until the final quarter, which was lost 3-1 in front of a parochial capacity crowd.
The Sharks did keep their fouls down, allowing Romania just three goals from five on extra. Sam McGregor top-scored with three goals to place him fifth highest for the tournament on 13, Richie Campbell finished with 11 and WAIS athlete Aaron Younger and Billy Miller claimed 10 each to finish in the top 18.
Head coach John Fox said it was time to look to the future and next year’s FINA World Championships in Shanghai, with the ultimate goal the 2012 London Olympic Games.
“Our team played well again today, gaining many opportunities to score. Finishing the hard work is the next level to achieve.
“We have gained the respect of the top teams in the world by challenging the best and we may see an exciting time for Australian water polo.
“Another encouraging aspectis the number of quality Australian players waiting for their chance to represent the country in the future,” he said.
Serbia finished a stellar year in style with a thumping 13-7 victory over neighbour Croatia to complete the Triple Crown of water polo – the World, World League and World Cup titles.
Spain slipped a position in the world rankings but took out the bronze-medal game 12-8 against the United States of America. China beat Iran 20-5 for seventh.
– Water Polo Australia
