The Australian men’s water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, have come away with the bronze medal at the FINA World League Intercontinental Cup in Shanghai, China after a 16-8 victory over host nation China.
The Sharks were relegated to the bronze medal match having earlier lost out to Brazil 9-6 in their semi-final clash. The Australians ensured their campaign would finish on a high however, with a dominant eight goal win in their third place play-off with China.
London Olympian Johnno Cotterill’s accuracy on the right wing and strength in counter attack proved instrumental in the victory, as he led the way for the Sharks with a four goal haul.
As always, Aussie captain Richie Campbell was in the thick of the action as he scored a treble, making the most of extra man opportunities. Up and coming Sharks player Jarrod Gilchrist also scored three goals, showing off his offensive diversity on the way to victory.
Other scorers included Tyler Martin and impressive teenager Lachlan Edwards, who both put two in the back of the cage, while Billy Miller and WAIS athlete George Ford put their names on the scoresheet as well. Ford was joined in action by fellow WAIS scholarship holder Ed Slade.
Despite the eventual winning margin of eight goals, the Sharks went shot for shot with China throughout the first half. The scores were tied at 3-3 at the first break, with the two teams locked together 6-6 by half time.
It was the third quarter where the Sharks put their foot down to open up a four goal lead, restricting China to just onegoal. The final term saw the hosts manage just a singlegoal againas the Aussies moved a further four goals ahead to seal the win.
The Sharks will now travel to Dubrovnik, Croatia for a training camp, before arriving in Dubai, UAE for two days of training prior to the World League Super Finals from June 16-21.
-WaterPoloAus
