Cronulla needs another houdini act

Sydney (May 20).— Sydney’s Cronulla Sharks are out to repeat their Houdini act of last year when coming from fifth to win the National Water Polo League women’s crown. But this year they have to achieve the feat from sixth position as the elimination finals series start at the Peter Montgomery Pool at Sydney University tomorrow. The talented youngsters of Cronulla will play third-ranked Brisbane Barracudas in the best-of-three series with the first game tomorrow and the second and possibly third on Tuesday. It will be no easy task for the Sharks who contain class players like World Championship silver medallist goalkeeper Alicia McCormack and fellow Commonwealth champions Erin Douglass and Jenna Santoromito. They will play the Barracudas who have Aussie Stingers captain Mel Rippon and step-sister Kate Gynther, who were both named to the World Seven following the FINA World Championships in Melbourne in March. Jane Moran and Sophie Smith, named to the national team for the upcoming World League series, also give the Barracudas plenty of shooting teeth. In the other series, fourth-ranked Balmain Tigers from Sydney and fifth-ranked KFC Queensland Breakers will clash for the right to go to the semifinals. Minor premiers Fremantle Marlins from Perth and second-placed Sydney University Lions have gained automatic entry to the semifinals on Wednesday and Thursday with the grand-final series slated for Friday and Saturday. In the men’s competition, minor premiers Sydney’s Wests waterpolo Magpies and KFC Queensland Breakers are through to the semifinals at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre. Facing off in tomorrow’s elimination finals are No 4 Sydney University Lions and No 5 Victorian Tigers and in the other match, third-ranked Fremantle Mariners from Perth, the reigning champions, and No 6 Balmain Tigers. The women’s matches are noon and 1.30pm and the men’s games at 7.30pm and 9pm.

 

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