The Australian Youth men’s team has endured a tougher than expected 10-6 victory over neighbours New Zealand in a fierce Group B game at Challenge Stadium, Perth.
The win clinches second place for the Aussies who will now either play Uzbekistan or Romania to gain a place in the quarters.
Australia led at every break as Will Mackay, Reed Cotterill and Anthony Hrysanthos inspired the Aussies to the four goal win.
WAIS scholarship holder Mackay, who was voted Australia’s best player, said it was a tough effort by the team and credited the boys fighting spirit for getting over the line.
“We were playing well but we got a big scare in the third period and luckily we were able to hold strong,” Mackay said.
“We’ve been together as a team for two years now and although New Zealand came at us in that quarter we were able to stick together and really fight back as a group.”
Mackay, who is one of three Perth based players in the team, also credited the amazing support the team had received over the past week.
“Being a Perth boy it’s amazing to play in front of this fantastic crowd and every game we play we grow in confidence,” he said.
“We’ve shown for four quarters against Croatia that we can match it with the big guns and I think we have what it takes to get the gold.”
The Australians began well taking the first two quarters 3-1. Cotterill rocketed home two, while Mackay, Matthew Skinner, Lachlan Edwards and Matthew Perrott each netted one.
In the second half, New Zealand came out firing and immediately increased the pressure.
Goals to Matthew Lewis and Cameron Hayes changed the momentum and gave New Zealand a sniff of the win.
Another two from Daniel Kayes had the crowd on edge, before Mackay, Cotterill, Luke Pavillard (WAIS) and Ciaran Wolohon all found the back of the net to seal the contest.
Australia faces Colombia at 8pm on Wednesday in their final group game.
– Water Polo Australia
