Pietro Figlioli’s hat-trick was a highlight for a team wracked by injury but showing plenty of spirit following wins against Italy and Montenegro.

In their final pre-Olympic Games hit-out, the under-strength Sharks had no answer to the Croatians who wrested the title while the Sharks had to be content with fourth in a tight competition among the top four.

Croatia finished a point ahead of Montenegro and Germany with Australia a point back and winless Italy fifth.

The Sharks trailed 4-3 at halftime and 6-4 at the final break before Croatia went on a scoring spree to advance to 10-6. Gavin Woods lowered the deficit with a goal in the final minute.

European champion Montenegro blasted Germany out of the water in their final encounter 12-3.

The teams will now travel to Beijing to contest the 12-nation Olympic competition starting on Sunday.

Results:
Singapore Open, men, Singapore:
Day 5: Croatia 10 Australia 7 (P Figlioli 3, G Woods 2, T Franklin, R Howden) Montenegro 12 Germany 3.
Final points: Croatia 6, Montenegro 5, Germany 5, Australia 4, Italy 0.


Injury-ridden Sharks smash European champions
Singapore (August 4).— 

Injury-ridden Aussies smash Montenegro
Singapore (August 4).— An injury-ridden Aussie Sharks team beat European champion Montenegro 9-7 in the Singapore Open men’s water polo event here.

It was the second win from three matches in a competition pitting five Olympic Games contenders and this result must rate as one of the finest Australian performances.

With three players carrying horrific injuries, Ryan Moody was flown in from Melbourne to bolster the team as the Sharks controlled the game throughout, leading 3-2, 5-2 and 8-5 at the breaks.

In the previous day’s match against Italy, the Sharks played three men down and still won.

Centre forward Rob Maitland suffered an eye injury in the team’s final training in Perth while Tim Neesham collected a torn eyelid and captain Thomas Whalan received a knee to the eye in the opening match in Singapore.

Maitland attended the eye clinic in Perth while Neesham received surgery.

The injuries don’t end there as driver Anthony Martin returned to the pool for the Montenegro match after overcoming a back problem.

Maitland’s hard run includes the passing of his grandfather in recent days.

The Sharks are regarded as a surprise packet for the Olympics and the wins over Italy and Montenegro show they are capable of making the medal round, if they are all fit and healthy.

In the other match, Germany beat Italy 7-5.

Results:
Day 4: Australia 9 (R Campbell, P Figlioli, S McGregor 2, R Maitland, R Moody, G Woods) Montenegro 7.
Progress points: Germany 5, Australia 4, Croatia 4, Montenegro 3, Italy 0.

From John Fox......

There are a lot of stories and rumour flying about at the moment and I just want to clarify the situation.

We have a number of injuries to players that have been consequential of games and training mishaps. At this time all 4 players are expecting to be fully fit for the Olympics. As a precaution and to assist with the games and preparation in Singapore we have called up Ryan Moody from the alternate players list. It was deemed that Ryan was the most suitable replacement in terms of personell substitution and he has been the most committed player to maintain training despite his omission from the recent travelling teams. Other players may be called from the alternate list if required, but their inclusion would be subject to the role they could fulfill and also to fitness testing, as there remains questions and concern over the players mental and physical preparation since the team announcement.

Meanwhile the team continues to prepare as planned and we will be ready for our 1st game on Sunday 10th in Beijing.

Singapore (July 3).—
A last-minute goal to Richie Campbell gave the Aussie Sharks a 7-6 victory over  in the Singapore Open men’s water polo tournament here. The Sharks had a bye on the second day and the victory over Italy was a much-needed boost en route to Beijing for the Olympic Games.

Italy led 3-1 at the quarter but the Aussie Sharks were tied 4-4 at halftime and 5-5 at three-quarter time.
The game progressed to 6-6 before Australia took a tactical timeout within the last minute from which Campbell converted extra-man for the victory.

In the other match, world champion Croatia and European champion Montenegro battled to a 10-10 draw.

Results:
Day 2: Croatia 7 Germany 7, Montenegro 10 Italy 5.
Day 3: Australia 7 (S McGregor, J Beadsworth 2, T Whalan, R Howden, G Woods) Italy 6, Croatia 10 Montenegro 10.
Progress points: Croatia 4, Montenegro 3, Germany 3, Australia 2, Italy 0.

Aussie Sharks thumped by Germany
Singapore (July 31).—
The Aussie Sharks' crumpled to Germany 12-5 in a pre-Olympic men's water polo tournament in Singapore. Head coach John Fox said his players "looked like they were on a holiday" as they slumped to the Germans in the second half, struggling to find the net after being 3-all at halftime.

The Sharks actually led 1-0 at the quarter but Germany controlled the next three periods 3-2, 3-1 and a whopping 6-1.

Fox said while his centre forwards were strong, bad shooting, indiscipline and a lack of inventiveness caused the team's slump.

World champion Croatia beat Italy 7-4 while European champion Montenegro had the bye.

Results:
Singapore Open, men, Singapore:
Day 1: Germany 12 Australia 5 (S McGregor 2, T Whalan, J Beadsworth, G Woods), Croatia 7 Italy 4, Montenegro bye.

Check out the results on Australian Water Polo web site