The Australian Sharks men’s water polo team have bounced back to form with a 13-8 win over Canada in the second round robin match of their FINA World League finals campaign in Florence.
WAIS athletes Joel Swift and Tim Cleland both scored for Australia during the match, whilst fellow scholarship holders Luke Quinlivan and youngster Aaron Younger also featured in the Sharks win.
The victory snapped a five-game losing streak in lead-up tournaments for the Sharks and sees them head into tonight’s vital clash with Montenegro in a position to finish second in their group behind Croatia.
Unlike in many of their recent losses the Sharks were able to gain the early ascendency, taking a 4-2 lead into the first break and extending that advantage to 8-4 by half-time to albeit put the game out of reach for the Canadians.
The result was a liberating one for Head Coach John Fox and his squad and was the result of much hard work and a desire to improve.
“The result tonight was a relief to get a win on the board,” Fox said.
“We played with much better desire and self belief tonight.
“We want to carry that winning form into tomorrow’s game against Montenegro which will decide second place in our group.”
A good showing in the remainder of the tournament will ensure the Australians arrive at next month’s FINA World Championships in Shanghai full of confidence.
–Water Polo Australia
