Partizan Belgrade, in town for the annual Tom Hoad Cup international club tournament next week, was steamrolled 14-2 in an exhibition match that showcased the counter-attacking style of the Sharks.

Australia won the opening two quarters 4-0 and gave the Serbs few chances to net goals as Western Australians Luke Quinlivan and Laurie Trettel alternated in goal.

Head coach John Fox said the victory sent a message into Europe that Australia is a viable opponent and the bronze medal won at the recent World League Super Finals was no fluke.

“I’ve never seen an Australian team do it like this to a Serbian team, ever. Word will get around that we demand respect and it’s another step in our evolution.”

Partizan fronted with nine players who competed for their national team at this year’s FINA junior men’s championships in California in which they finished just ahead of Australia in fourth spot.

Fox liked the way the team stuck to the game plan. “They followed instructions. They didn’t let in one goal on man-on-man. They only scored twice on extra.

“They also adapted to the changing situations. I wanted them to react defensively without a lot of yelling from the side,” he said.

Queenslanders Anthony Martin (5 goals and pictured), Rhys Howden (4) and Billy Miller (2) revelled in scoring in a game where Partizan struggled for clean shots.

Partizan will now aim to defend its Tom Hoad Cup in which they will be joined by host Fremantle Mariners, Oradea from Romania, China and an Australian All Stars team featuring Martin. Howden, Miller and Quinlivan.

Result:
Men’s international, Challenge: Australia 14 (A Martin 5, R Howden 4, B Miller, T Neesham 2, S Cody) Partizan Belgrade 2 (M Aleksic 2).

Partizan Belgrade to take on Aussie Sharks in Perth
Perth (December 21).—
Serbia's leading club team, Partizan Belgrade, will play the Aussie Sharks at Challenge Stadium here tomorrow afternoon. 

The team is in town for the annual Tom Hoad Cup, starting on December 27, and is using the the lead-up period to train with the Sharks.

Partizan Belgrade won the fourth annual Tom Hoad Cup last year and is expected to front with up to six members of the Serbian national team, making the encounter with teh Sharks that much more exciting.

The game starts at 4pm and there is a small entrance charge.