London Olympian Johnno Cotterill was the man of the moment as the Australian men’s water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, stamped their authority over the USA in their 14-5 win at the Aquatic Super Series in Perth.
With four goals to his name, Cotterill proved to be dangerous in offence, notably making the most of Australia’s counter attacking opportunities, as did WAIS youngster Luke Pavillard who combined brilliantly with Joe Kayes throughout the game with the pair combining for five goals.
As expected, the winning result from the Aussies was built on a defensive game plan with both James Clark and Western Australia’s Edward Slade (WAIS) playing pivotal roles between the posts.
The Sharks defence was rarely broken during the first quarter, with the USA earning a penalty goal, before an astonishing passage of play saw the visitors steal the ball and lob a goal in from the half way mark.
Meanwhile Cotterill, Tyler Martin, Lachie Edwards and Sharks Captain Richie Campbell all found the back of the cage for the Aussies to lead 4-2 at the break.
A quick response from the USA in the second term put them back within striking distance, however Pavillard found his first goal soon after, leading the way for Campbell to score during extra man play, while Kayes found the back of the net from five metres out for the Sharks to extend their lead to 7-4 at half time.
Kayes picked up where he left off on the other side of the break, with an impressive backhand shot finding its mark, as hometown hero George Ford (WAIS) hit the accelerator in counter attack to score and negate the USA’s attempts to claw back within range of the lead.
With Cotterill notching up his second, it was Australia’s game to lose, the score 10-5 at the final exchange.
Unable to make the most of their final two extra man opportunities, the USA were left scoreless in the fourth period as Cotterill scored a further two goals, while Pavillard and Kayes again agitated the opposition to score their second an third goals respectively.
Aussie Sharks coach Elvis Fatovic said that he was happy with the way his team eliminated mistakes throughout the game.
“We know that if you have strong defence, you increase your chances of victory. Today we played both positional and extra man defence very well, which opened up our attacking opportunities,” Fatovic said.
“Our biggest strength in offence is our counter attack and that shone through tonight, I was also happy with our fast start.
“We have had a great week in Perth and a great week of common training and competition with the USA.”
The Sharks now turn their focus to the FINA World League rounds from March 30 to April 4 in California, USA.
-WaterPoloAus
