2012 NWPL Season Week 3: Fremantle and Victoria move to top

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The Longmont Fremantle Marlins have moved into top spot in the 2012 women’s National Water Polo League after clean sweeping last year’s minor premiers, the Cronulla Sharks, 2-0 in their home series in Perth over the weekend.

The previously undefeated Sharks were no match for the Marlins outfit who were decisive in both attack and defence on the back of outstanding performances from Aussie Stingers trio Zoe Arancini, Gemma Beadsworth and Glencora Ralph.

Fremantle took out a tight opening match 10-6, before the Western Australian’s stamped their authority in the second contest running out 10-3 victors, with Arancini scoring four goals to better her three in game one.

For Cronulla, fellow Aussie Stingers player Nicola Zagame was the star for her team scoring five goals, to go with her 11 she scored in the two matches against the UWA Torpedoes.

Fremantle now have nine wins and lead the competition ahead of the second placed Brisbane Barracudas, who showed signs of their three-time premiership winning form, after easily accounting for the UNSW Killer Whales.

Kate Gynther celebrated her 150th game for the club in fine style as the Stingers captain netted five in Brisbane’s opening 16-6 win, before Ashleigh Southern (5) and Jane Moran (4) stole the show in the Barracudas 22-6 triumph.

In other matches, the Adelaide women secured their club’s first ever victories at the new South Australian Aquatic and Leisure Centre, defeating the Hunter Hurricanes 11-7 and 15-9, while the Balmain Tigers dominated rivals Drummoyne Devils and Sydney University Lions in their local derbies.

The highly anticipated men’s clash between the Brisbane Barracudas and UNSW Wests Magpies lived up to expectation, with just one goal separating the two sides during normal time.

The Magpies took the first game in an enthralling penalty shoot-out with Aussie Sharks goalkeeper Joel Dennerley making a fine save from Dan Young to clinch the 14-12 win.

The Barracudas had earlier fought back from three goals down at the last break to level the contest, with Rhys Howden scoring four for the home team and Richie Campbell and Johnno Cotterill three each for Wests.

Anthony Martin, who missed a crucial shot in the penalty shoot-out, redeemed himself in game two by scoring five goals to lead the Barracudas to a narrow 12-11 win.

Brisbane was up by four at three-quarter time, before allowing the Magpies back into the contest with Campbell scoring four goals for the match.

The Victoria Tigers moved into top spot on the ladder after two convincing wins over the Hunter Hurricanes, while previous leaders the Drummoyne Devils relinquished their position after going down to Sydney University Lions 12-11 in a penalty shoot-out

The teams were locked at 8-8 after normal time before Drummoyne captain Mitch Emery missed the opening penalty to give the Lions the advantage.

UNSW Wests and Brisbane are in third and fourth positions, while Fremantle round out the top five after they completed a whitewash of Cronulla. Jamie Beadsworth scored his 400th goal for the club in the Mariners 22-3 win, while teammate Mitchal Ainsworth scored his 150th two days later.

In other results, the UWA Torpedoes go their first wins of the year defeating the hapless Sharks 16-4 and 17-6, while Adelaide remained winless after going down to the Hurricanes.

In next week’s milestones, Raf Sterk will play his 350th NWPL game for the KFC Queensland Breakers, while Jane Moran will become the first Barracudas female to play 200 games.

For the full list of results and fixtures go to bit.ly/xaq1S8

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For current women's ladder click here