Australia seal series with thrilling come from behind win

The second match in the two match series between Australia and Montenegro at Sydney Olympic Park was a physical affair highlighted by a six goal final quarter from Australia to help them pull of an amazing come from behind victory, and clinch the series 2 - 0. The only goal scored in the first quarter came from a five metre penalty to Montenegro, with three Australian shots blocked by the Montenegro keeper. Australia evened the scores through youngster Richie Campbell early in the second quarter but Montenegro struck back with another two goals. A great long shot from Jamie Beadsworth took the score at halftime to 3 - 2 to Montenegro. Montenegro started the second half with a flurry of goals as the Australian team struggled to contain them in defence, allowing them to take a 6 - 2 advantage leading into the final quarter. Two sensational outside goals from Grant Richardson and sharp shots from Tim Neesham and Pietro Figlioli saw Australia strike back in the last stanza evening the scores with two minutes remaining in the match. Gavin Woods' shot under pressure saw the Aussies take the lead for the first time in the evening and was quickly followed by a goal from Rob Maitland to take out the game 8 - 6 for Australia. Coach David Neesham was disappointed with Australia's start to the game, but happy with the end result. "We started slowly and didn't convert many of our opportunities which is crucial in Water Polo," he commented. "Grant Richardson's two goals in the final quarter got us rolling and everything started to come together in the end which was pleasing." Goal scorers: Australia - Richardson (2), Campbell, Beadsworth, Neesham, Figlioli, Maitland, Woods Montenegro - Danlivoc, Ivovic (2), Paskovic, Barba Wednesday 21 February: Last night's game against Montenegro marked the return of Australia's professional players Pietro Figlioli, Sam McGregor and Jamie Beadsworth from overseas club commitments. All three players quickly made an impact in their game against Montenegro at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre and helped the Australian team come out two goal winners in a closely fought match. The first period commenced with the familiar sight of Pietro Figlioli winning the swim up, but the ascendancy quickly went Montenegro's way with their team scoring the first goal. Australia countered with a goal from Daniel Marsden but Montenegro struck back with a quick shot. Johnno Cotteril then marked his first game for Australia with a great goal to even the scores. In the second quarter scoring was kept to just one goal from the Montenegro team. After half time the Australian team came out firing with overseas stars Figlioli and McGregor showing why they are in demand from the European professional leagues. Figlioli scored three goals and McGregor one, alongside Gavin Woods and Tim Neesham to take Australia to an 8-5 lead moving into the final quarter. Ryan Moody extended the lead early into the 4th quarter with a quick goal before Montenegro struck back with two quick shots to bring on a tense finish, but same great saves from goalkeeper Laurie Trettel saw Australia hold their two goal advantage and win 9-7. Australian coach David Neesham was happy with his team's performance and pleased to have his overseas players home. "It was great to have Pietro, Sam and Jamie back but I was also pleased with how the rest of the guys went," he commented. "Montenegro have had some good results in Europe so it is great to get a win against a tough opposition with the World Champs less than a month away." Australia will play Montenegro again at 7.15pm Thursday 22 February at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. For more information, or to arrange an interview please contact James Ward on 0409 458 661 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it For 12th FINA World Championship program and ticketing information, please visit http://www.melbourne2007.com.au Australian Water Polo Inc is proudly supported by the Australian Sports Commission, the Stanwell Corporation, Turbo, Qantas and Mikasa.

 

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