Australian Water Polo Inc

School Sport Australia Water Polo Champs Day 4: QLD & NSW final

Thu, 17 May 2012 12:37:00 +1000

Queensland and New South Wales have booked their place in the boy's final after defeating Victoria and ACT in the semi-finals. Queensland overcame a two goal deficit at the end of the third quarter to finish the match 11-10 winners. Patrick Flanagan was instrumental in his side's victory scoring four goals. NSW put in a stong team display as they easily accounted for ACT 13-6. Jesse Deloraine led the scoring netting three times. In the girls, Western Australia threatened the previously undefeated Queensland in the early stages of their match, before the Queenslanders edged away in the second half taking the game 7-4. Jess Lundgren at centre forward was a standout for the maroons. NSW defeated the ACT 18-1 in the final game and like the boys will now play Queensland in the grand final tomorrow. Boy�s Semi Final Results NSW 13 (J Deloraine 3, C Boyco 2, H Kicsi 2, N Brooks, D Holden, J McCarthy, Jai McNamara, Z Quinn, J Smith) bt ACT 6 (T Reeves 4, N Sinclair 2) Queensland 11 (P Flanagan 4, C Smith 3, S Pratt, L Johns, N Harron, S Letchford) bt Victoria 10 (L Edwards 4, W Lovelock 2, G Van Veenendaal 2, C Perrott, H Morris) Girl�s Semi Final Results Queensland 7 (J Lundgren 3, S Coburn 2, C Parer 2) bt WA 4 (A Hughes, H Scott, G Rule, A Camp) NSW 18 (F Walsh 5, B Smith 3, S El Safty 3, L Dauda Board 2, M Perkins, K Donkin, T Bogg, E Hahn, J Pallis) bt ACT 1 (M Taylor)

Three teams finish on equal points

The School Sport Australia Water Polo Championship semi-finals have been decided following some unexpected results on day three of the competition. In the boys, the previously undefeated Queensland lost to Victoria 7-8. As a result, New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria all finished on equal points with the final standings decided on goal difference. The semi final draw now sees New South Wales (1) up against ACT (4) and Queensland (2) against Victoria (3). In the girls competition, the Australian Capital Territory surprised Western Australia defeating them 6-5 to secure third position. Queensland remained undefeated and maintained favouritism to take out the championship. The semi finals see Queensland play Western Australia and New South Wales versus the ACT. Boys Results: ACT 8 (N Sinclair 4, T Reeves 2, D Jensen, A Eversons) bt WA 3 (N Quinsee 2, T Rigoll) VIC 8 (L Edwards 5, C Perrott 2, M Mellor) bt QLD 7 (N Harron 2, W Armstrong 2, Z Hudson, C Smith, L Johns, P Flanagan, B MacGinley) Girls Results: QLD 12 (J Lundgren 4, C Parer 2, P Bromfield, E Ruffin, S Coburn, S Ulcoq, G Hole, T Andersen) bt WA 8 (A Grosse 2, H Scott 2, D O�Leary, J Ralston, A Camp, C Rushworth) QLD 18 (S Coburn 4, C Parer 4, G Hole 4, J Lundgren 2, E Ruffin, R Lunney, T Andersen, A Roberts) bt ACT 2 (M Taylor 2) NSW 11 (F Walsh 3, L Dauda Board 3, M Perkins, K Donkin, S El Safty, T Bogg, B Halligan) bt WA 5 (J Davidson, A Grosse, O Mackell, H Scott, C Rushforth) QLD 13 (J Lundgren 4, T Andersen 2, E Ruffin, P Bromfiield, S Ulcoq, K Sheterline, R Lunney, G Hole, A Roberts) bt VIC 0. ACT 6 (M Taylor 4, L Brennan, N Taylor) bt WA 5 (H Scott 2, A Grosse, A Hughes, J Ralston) Queensland Boys' still unbeaten Queensland Schoolboys remain undefeated after day two of competition in the School Sport Australia Water Polo Championships at the AIS in Canberra. In their first game today (Tuesday) Queensland defeated Western Australia 14-0 and followed up with a very close victory over the Australian Capital Territory 9-8. Callum Smith led the scoring for Queensland with five goals and Justin Trabinger for the ACT with four strikes. In the girl�s competition New South Wales, last year�s championship winners, got back on track finishing the day with two solid wins against the ACT 16-2 and Victoria 25-2. Boys Results:
NSW 11 (J Deloraine 4, N Brooks 2, M. Schweighoffer 2, D Holden, H Kicsi, J McCarthy) bt Victoria 2 (L Edwards, M Huertas) Queensland 14 (Z Hudson 3, L Johns 3, N Harron 2, B MacGinley 2, W Armstrong 2, C Smith, J Kinneally) bt WA 0 NSW 23 (J Barratt 3, J Deloraine 3, M Schweighoffer 3, C Boyco 2, N Brooks 2, S Cocokios 2, H Kicsi 2, J McCarthy 2, A Hrysanthos, J McNamara, Z Quinn, J Smith) bt WA 2 (A Bogunovich, T Piper) Queensland 9 (C Smith 5, J Kinneally 2, Z Hudson, S Letchford) bt ACT 8 (J Trabinger 4, L Trabinger 2, N Sinclair, T Reeves) Girls Results: WA 7 (H Scott 2, G Rule 2, J Davidson, D O�Leary, O Mackell) bt Victoria 1 (E McGowan) NSW 16 (P Casey 4, F Walsh 2, M Perkins 2, S El Safty 2, T Bogg, E Hahn, B Smith, B Halligan, L Dauda Board, R Vreeken) bt ACT 7 ( M Taylor 4, G Fox 2, N Taylor) NSW 25 (F Walsh 7, L Dauda Board 6, S El Safty 3, P Casey 3, T Bogg 2, Bronte Halligan 2, B Smith, J Pallis) bt Victoria 3 (E McGowan, H Dawson, M Pullyblank)

Day 1: QLD outguns NSW

Queensland boy�s and girl�s teams have defeated New South Wales in the first round of the School Sport Australia Water Polo Championships being held at the Australian Institute of Sport. The boy�s game was a very close affair with the scores being deadlocked at 2-2 at half time and 5-5 at three quarter time. Queensland scored the final goal of the game with 46 secs left on the clock to take the score to 7-6. Callum Smith was a standout player for the victors. Queensland girl�s convincingly defeated the defending champions NSW, 9 � 4. Tyler Baillie had a solid performance in the goals for Queensland and Tiana Andersen was outstanding in attack and defence. Queensland Manager Helen Park said �It was a great result for the Queensland girls who played a well, disciplined team game.� After two rounds the Victorian boy�s lead the point score with two victories. Boys Results: VIC 8 (L Edwards 3, M Mellor 2, K Reeves, C Perrott, G Van Veenendaal) bt ACT 4 (A Everson, J Trabinger, J Plunkett, L Trabinger) QLD 7 (C Smith 3, Z Hudson, L Johns, S Letchford, W Armstrong) b NSW 6 (C Boyco 2, D Holden 2, N Brooks, J Deloraine) NSW 12 (J Barratt 3, N Brooks 2, H Kisci 2, J Deloraine, D Holden, J McCarthy) bt ACT 2 (T Reeves, N Sinclair) VIC 9 (L Edwards 4, K Reeves, C Perrot, G Van Veenendaal, M Mellor, H Morris) bt WA 4 (L Sangster, T Prior, T Ryall, P Manning) Girls Results: QLD 9 (T Andersen 3, S Coburn 2, E Ruffin, C Parer, K Sheterline, A Roberts) bt NSW 4 (P Casey, M Perkins, K Donkin, L Dauda Board) ACT 6 (M Taylor 4, G Fox 2) bt VIC (E McGowan 2, H Dawson 2, A O�Donnell)

Australian Women's B' 94 squad announced for tour of Hungary

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:17:00 +1000

Head coach Aleks Osadchuk has selected a squad of 15 for the Australian Women�s Youth Born 94 team�s tour of Hungary for a training camp and �Olympic Hopes� tournament in July this year. The tour will be one of the key selection trials for the 2012 FINA World Youth Championships to be held in Perth in December. Osadchuk, who is still searching for his winning formula for the world championships, believes the girls will benefit greatly from their European adventure. �This trip is a rare chance to compare ourselves with the top nations in the world,� Osadchuk said. �It is also a perfect opportunity to outline our areas of improvement as a team and individuals before world championships in Perth.� The World Youth Championships will be held at the Challenge Stadium in Perth from December 1-9. Australian Youth B �94 Squad Stephanie Calaizis (1994, NSW); Lillian Hedges (1994, WA), Shannan Martin (1994, NSW); Georgia Farrell (1994, NSW); Tiana Andersen (1995, QLD); Belinda Symons (1994, SA); Montana Perkins (1995, NSW); Fiona Walsh (1995, NSW); Ainsley Masek (1994, QLD); Kassia Ralston (1994, WA); Megan du Toit (1994, QLD); Rebecca Curtis (1994, NSW); Stephanie El Safty (1995, NSW); Jayde Appel (1994, NSW); Pascalle Casey (1995, NSW). Coach: Aleks Osadchuk. Manager: Jenny McGregor. Referee: Nicola Johnson. Camps/Events: Training Camp with Hungary and �Olympic Hopes� tournament in Dunaujvaros, Hungary from July 10 to July 24, 2012.

Baird, Avallone miss Olympic selection

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 +1000

Australian men�s water polo coach John Fox has announced two more cuts to his London bound Olympic train-on squad with Mitch Baird and Samuele Avallone the unlucky players. The players remaining in contention for an Olympic berth will begin a camp on the Gold Coast next week as preparations for the FINA World League finals in Kazakhstan and ultimately London 2012 hot up. One further player will be cut from the squad following the Gold Coast camp before a squad of 15 travels to Kazakhstan where another two players will bet dropped to leave the Olympic team of 13. Fox said making the selection decisions were the toughest part of his job and something he didn�t enjoy. �I had to make two very difficult phone calls to inform Mitch and Samuele that they had been cut from the 2012 Olympic Squad,� Fox said. �Both players took the news graciously and although naturally extremely disappointed, they showed great resolve and character in wishing the team all the best for continued success. �Both players would have made any other Australian Olympic Team and it bears testament to the quality and depth of this current playing group that we have to omit players of this calibre. �They will be amongst the first group of people recognised when we achieve success in London.� Fox paid tribute to both Baird and Avallone and did not rule out future national team representation for either player. �If teams were selected on character and personality alone then Mitch Baird would be the first player chosen,� Fox enthused. �He has been a fantastic person to have on tour - jovial, high spirited, encouraging of team mates and general all round great person. Despite starting his national representative career relatively late, Mitch answered that call to step-up when we were in dire need of quality centre forward players and he fast-tracked through the system to progress from a country representative player to an international standard player in the space of 3 years. �Samuele made the huge decision to leave his native homeland Italy to become an Australian citizen and subsequent Aussie Sharks player. Sammy may well have pushed for selection in the current World Championship winning team (Italy) and again would have been in consideration for the Italian Olympic Team if he elected to remain an Italian citizen. �He chose however to pursue his dreams in Australia and I believe his dream is still achievable beyond this Olympic cycle. �Sammy is an extremely gifted and skilled player with a good understanding of the game, having grown up playing in Italy. �His eligibility to represent Australia only came through this year and then his preparation was severely hampered by a repetitive rib-injury sustained late last year. �I am sure that now he is settled in Australia and with a solid foundation and preparation in the next Olympic cycle he will become a recognised international player. Sam�s work and training ethic has been magnificent and should be used as an example for aspiring players to national teams.� Australia finished eighth in the men�s competition at the Beijing Olympics and has drawn reigning world champion Italy, bronze medallist Croatia, Greece, Kazakhstan and Spain in the group stage of the London tournament.

FINA World Youth Championships - volunteers sought

Tue, 15 May 2012 11:13:00 +1000

The FINA World Men's and Women's Youth Water Polo Championships (18 & Under) are being hosted by Australian Water Polo in Perth, Western Australia, 1-9 December 2012. Expressions of interest are being sought for volunteers in the following areas

Table Official - Secretaries
Table Official - Timekeepers
Accreditation Officials
General - including, but not exclusively
   Runners
   Team Liaison
   Merchandise
   Water duties
   Sun block duties
   Crowd direction duties
Food and beverage
   Pool deck assistants
   and others

Accommodation and breakfast will be provided for interstate and overseas volunteers for those selected. Lunch will be provided for all volunteers. Enquiries relating to volunteering to
Phil Scales
phil_scales@hotmail.com
0410 429 342 Click here to submit your Expression of Interest and complete the form.

Olympic glory beckons for AJ Roach and family

Fri, 11 May 2012 14:17:00 +1000

Aussie Sharks men�s water polo star, East Ryde�s Aidan Roach, is on the cusp of a career defining appearance at the Olympic Games. He is one of 18 players still in contention for 13 positions on the London Olympic squad, and has enjoyed a great season with his Serbian club Vojvodina. As the days tick away until the Australian team is announced, AWPI quizzed Roach on what Olympic selection would mean to him and to his family. �I think I am the same as every athlete in dreaming of winning a medal at the Olympics,� Roach said. �It would mean so much to me to participate at the games and is what is driving me to train harder each day. The thought of winning a medal on top of that just gives me goose bumps. �I couldn't think of anything more special than lining up with my mates at the games getting ready to play the best polo and coming out triumphant. �It would produce the kind of moment that makes you play sport in the first place and would be highly satisfying for myself and the family.� Roach, 22, has played water polo since the age of nine, and while his famous father Steve took all before him on the rugby league field, it has been his lessons off the field that has served him the most. �My parents have always been great supporters of sport, so we were always involved and played a lot of it and with dad�s work commitments we tended to be exposed to that environment all the time,� he said. �As a result I guess the main thing that we learnt was that if you want to be successful you have to be dedicated and willing to sacrifice things in your life. �Dad has been good like that as he�s always told us to keep our heads down and train hard. On the field he�s just let me figure things out for myself, but the fact that his support has always been there has been the main thing.� AJ, as he is affectionately known, is one of three players in the national setup that has called Europe home over the past 12 months. Although the task of making the Olympic team has been made more difficult, Roach believes it is a decision that was right for him. �I went overseas to expose myself to the best level of water polo and I did this to try to become the best player I could be,� Roach said. �Serbia has been a great experience and I have been able to play against some of the best players in the world and really improve my game. �I thought that it was my best chance of securing a spot in the Olympic team and I�m just hoping that it all pays off.� Roach, who has recently returned to Australia at the conclusion of the Serbian League, will now take part in the Aussie Sharks training camp on the Gold Coast starting May 21. It will be one of the last chances for players to impress coach John Fox, in what Roach calls as one of the best Australian teams ever assembled. �I definitely think that we have a chance to win gold,� Roach added. �We are a very talented team with a good mixture of youth and experience and I believe with world class players such as Sam McGregor we can do anything.� The Sharks will contest the FINA World League Finals in Kazakhstan starting June 12, before the final Olympic squad of 13 will be announced on June 22.

Overseas Player Reports: Younger and Brightwell lead the way

Fri, 11 May 2012 10:48:00 +1000

Aaron Younger - Szeged Beton (Hungary) Hungarian League Bronze Game 1: A-HID Szeged Beton VE - Groupama-Honv�d 14-8 (3-1, 5-2, 3-3, 3-2) Aaron Younger - 2 goals (Szeged Beton): This wasn�t the game our team was expecting to play in. There was a dejected mood amongst the team, and probably not too much motivation. Despite this, there was still a large amount of pressure on us to avoid slipping further down the rankings after finishing the regular season in second. Going into the game everyone was trying to prepare the best they could mentally and it worked with us getting off to a great start. From there we kept the lead through the whole game before stepping it up a gear winning the last quarter 5-1. For us it was a rather positive game I think everyone was abit worried at the start due to our teams mood, but luckily we got our heads into the game quickly. http://vtvszeged.hu/hun/s_!news/i__8/i__5332 Game 2: Groupama-Honv�d - A-HID Szeged Beton VE 12-13 (2-4, 3-3, 4-4, 3-2). Szeged win series 2-0 Aaron Younger - 1 goal (Szeged Beton): This was the second game of a best of three series so if we won this we were done for the year. In the previous game against Honved, their main centre back had broken his finger and their main centre was sitting out due to a pay dispute. Knowing this we had the poor mentality of assuming they were going to give up. This worked at the start with us jumping out to an early lead and we were able to hold on to that advantage until the end of the third term, before we started to forget about the game and conceded consecutive goals. With about two minutes to go we were winning by just two goals and then our goalie made it even worse by punching Svivos in the face when he came in on a counter attack. Due to this we got a penalty against us making the score 13-12 and had to defend the rest of the game playing a man down and with our second goalkeeper. Luckily we were able to hold them off for the last two minutes and just get the win. It probably wasn�t where we expected to finish the season but we finished the best we could from the position we were in. http://www.vlv.hu/media/item/18054/46-younger-golja-(honved-szeged-bronzmerkozes-20120425) Rob Maitland- Mediterani (Spain) Spanish League C.N. Terrassa - C.E. Mediterrani 13-6 (3-2, 2-1, 4-2, 4-1) Rob Maitland (Mediteranni): After a four week break in the league and a very disrupted training period with a number of players away on national duties and a few illnesses, the team found it very hard to get back into gear and produce the standard needed to compete with one of the better teams in the league. We struggled particularly in attack and being able to find good options. Most of the time we were left with just weak shooting choices from outside five metres. The defence wasn't fantastic either, but we managed to go to the first break only 3-2 down. The second period was much of the same as we continued to rely on outside shots, while Terrassa managed to find exclusions and better scoring opportunities. In the third quarter the game was broken wide open after a number of extraman attacks for both teams. After scoring our first we then failed to convert anymore, while at the other end they clinically put away several. Any chance of coming back was lost when they scored a 5m penalty in the first attack to make the score 10-5. They continued to push on as we failed to convert our chances with the final score eventually finishing at 13-6. I had a fairly quiet game at second centre forward drawing a few exclusions, but as mentioned we were very crowded in attack so there wasn't much room to work in. Defensively I was fine getting excluded twice at centre back and not having any goals scored on me. Click her for video highlights: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LYJDMiOk5I&feature=relmfu Mediterrani reached a good win over Catalunya 8-2 to find themselves in ninth place, level on points with Sant Andreu and Catalunya. The playoff race in Spain is heating up with just four rounds remaining in the regular season. C.E. Mediterrani - C.N. Catalunya 8-2 (4-0, 1-1, 2-0, 1-1) Rob Maitland (Mediterrani): A completely different team showed up to play this week than the one that got hammered the previous Saturday. From the very first defence we were talking, working as a team, going on counter attack and taking our opportunities. We scored some very good goals through some sharp shooting and counter attack, and ending up going into the first break at 4-0. The second quarter was a swimming race, after a strong start we didn't get much return in attack except for one penalty in counter, and spent most of the quarter defending extraman which we did with great intensity allowing just one goal. We scored another penalty to start the third period and continued our good defence, in particular blocking and crashing back to steal from the centre forward. A quick extraman goal and the game was over as we went into the final period leading 7-1. The last quarter we played out fairly well, allowing them only one goal from extraman and we also scored another penalty from an extraman situation. A very good defensive game and more quality opportunities in attack. The only criticism was that we probably could have executed a little better in extraman attack and counter attack to win by a lot more. I felt much better playing this week and it helps when the team does well. Click here for video highlights at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yesjKet-dk&feature=relmfu The nineteenth round in the Spanish League saw leading side Sabadell lose a tense and dramatic match in Madrid against fourth placed Real Canoe (12-11). Reigning champs Barceloneta benifited winning their home game against Catalunya 16-5 and now hold a two-point advantage over the Gabriel Hernandez-coached side with three regular season games left. The battle between number six Navarra and five Mataro Quadis ended up in a 10-10 draw, good enough for both sides to consolidate their positions. Terrassa is still the league's number three after a 11-8 win over C.N. Barcelona. Meanwhile, Sant Andreu keeps winning after defeating the last placed WP Turia 18-4. Sant Andreu are now tied in points with Mediterrani who defeated Montjuic 12-5 and make the playoffs race interesting as Barcelona and Catalunya are just two and three points behind respectively.

C.N. Montjuic - C.E. Mediterrani 5-12 (1-4, 3-3, 0-2, 1-3)

The standings are now as follows:

1. C.N. Atl�tic-Barceloneta 19 - 50 pts
2. C.N. Sabadell 19 - 48
3. C.N. Terrassa 19 - 40
4. Real Canoe N.C. - Isostar 19 - 36
5. C.N. Mataro Quadis 19 - 27
6. C.D. Waterpolo Navarra 19 - 25
7. C.N. Sant Andreu 19 - 23
8. C.E. Mediterrani 19 - 23
9. C.N. Barcelona 19 - 21
10. C.N. Catalunya 19 - 20
11. C.N. Montjuic 19 - 19
12. C.D. WP Turia 19 - 0 Alicia Brightwell -Arizona State University (USA) Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships Arizona State 12 bt San Diego State 11 (4-4, 3-2, 3-4, 2-1)

Arizona State Scorers - Brightwell 7, Gao 2, Carter, Salloum, White April 29 - Alicia Brightwell scored seven goals as the number five ranked Arizona State University water polo team held off number eight San Diego State in the fifth-place game at the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Championships in Palo Alto, Calif. Brightwell, who finished the 2012 regular season as the MPSF scoring champion, brought her season total to 75 goals with her performance on the weekend. That places Brightwell second on ASU's all-time list behind only Addison McGrath's 81 goals. It should be noted, however, that Brightwell did not appear in several matches for the Sun Devils this season and was well on pace to break McGrath's record before sitting out some games.

Brightwell's seven goals on the afternoon also tied an ASU school record for goals scored in a single game, a feat achieved on only three other occassions in school history. Like all of ASU's games in the tournament, Sunday's affair was back-and-forth the whole way through. The win improved the Sun Devils to 25-6 on the year that was already ASU's most successful in school history. In addition, the fifth-place finish was the best finish for the Sun Devils in MPSF history. ASU will now await its fate as it hopes for a potential at-large berth to the NCAA Water Polo Championships, set to take place in San Diego, Calif., in a couple weeks. ASU Water Polo's Brightwell Named MPSF Player of the Week March 12 - For the third time this season, Arizona State University water polo senior Alicia Brightwell has been tabbed the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Week.

Brightwell found the back of the net three times against the number four California helping the number five Sun Devils to upset the Golden Bears for what some might consider one of the biggest wins in school history.

The victory improved ASU to 16-2 overall � by far a program best - and 2-0 in MPSF competition on the year.

Brightwell opened the scoring in the match with a penalty shot midway through the first quarter to put Arizona State up 1-0 and set the pace as the Sun Devils jumped out to a 4-1 lead after one quarter.

The senior out of Sydney, Australia, added her second goal less than 30 seconds into the second period to put ASU up 5-1 and added the dagger on her hat trick with just under four minutes remaining in the game to put the Sun Devils up 9-5 as they held on for the 10-7 victory.

For Brightwell, it was the third time this season she has earned the award and it is the first time in school history that a Sun Devil has been honored three times in the same season.

Brightwell leads the conference with 44 goals in 16 games played this year, six more than her closest competition. Her 2.75 goals per game is also tops in the conference and she has posted 12 games this season with three or more goals.

FINA World League Prelims: Perfect six for Sharks in Asia

Fri, 11 May 2012 09:14:00 +1000

Australia�s London Olympic bound men�s water polo team has made it a perfect six wins from as many games in the FINA World League Preliminary rounds with a 17-5 thrashing of China in Chiba, Japan. The Sharks put in a great all-round performance despite already having qualified for the World League finals and piled on nine goals to two in the second half. Especially pleasing for the Australians was their extra man attack that netted a world class five goals from six opportunities although in extra man defence they allowed the Chinese an 80 per cent success rate. A happy Australian coach John Fox was philosophical about the result and the team�s overall work without the ball. �It was another good game in defence which opened up offensive opportunities, although the stats show the team had difficulty with China�s extra man attack,� Fox said. �Overall though it was a pleasing way to end the preliminary rounds of World League and now we move on to our training camps then face the finals against the Europeans. �The players are improving with every game and are aware that needs to continue on to London.� Billy Miller top scored for Australia with four goals, whilst captain Sam McGregor, Italian born Samuele Avallone, triple Olympian Thomas Whalan and Western Australian defender Tim Cleland shone brightest for the Sharks. The team�s first training camp will be on the Gold Coast before they travel to Kazakhstan for the FINA World League Super Finals in June. In the Super Finals the Sharks have drawn Olympic group stage opponents Croatia and Spain along with a yet to be determined team from The Americas, likely to be Canada. For full World League schedules click here. Aussie Sharks Joel Dennerley, Richie Campbell, Tim Cleland, Johnno Cotterill, Jamie Beadwsorth, Anthony Martin, Mitch Baird, Sam McGregor, Thomas Whalan, Gavin Woods, Rhys Howden, Billy Miller, Samuele Avallone Result: Australia 17 beat China 5 Qtrs: 4-2, 4-1, 5-2, 4-0 Extra man for: Australia scored 5 from 6 Extra man against: China scored 4 from 5 Aus scorers: Billy Miller 4, Thomas Whalan 3, Richie Campbell 2, Sam McGregor 2, Jamie Beadsworth, Samuele Avallone, Tim Cleland, Mitch Baird, Gavin Woods, Johnno Cotterill Aus Best players: Sam McGregor, Samuele Avallone, Thomas Whalan, Tim Cleland

Hungry Sharks demolish Kazaks

A much improved Aussie Sharks outfit has blown away fellow London Olympic opponents Kazakhstan 15-3 in their penultimate World League Preliminary match in Chiba, Japan overnight. After a lacklustre performance over Japan a day earlier coach John Fox had challenged his team to lift their intensity for their last two games. The match was in the balance after an opening 2-1 first term, before the Sharks scored 11 goals to two in an amazing 16 minute period to blow the game open and ultimately seal the contest. Jamie Beadsworth was one of the stars working tirelessly at centre forward to earn his team five extra-man opportunities, while Richie Campbell (5), Rhys Howden (3) and Anthony Martin (2), were ruthless in front of goals netting 10 between them. Captain Sam McGregor credited his team�s ability to work on the things they needed to improve and suggested that the two weeks in Asia had been highly beneficial for the group. �We executed our defensive play very well tonight, which set up a platform for us to generate counter attacking opportunities,� McGregor said. �The World League preliminaries have been an excellent chance for us to prepare for the European tours coming up and we�re really happy with how we have progressed.� Fox echoed the sentiments of his captain saying he was pleased with the attitude shown in the game. �I was pleased with the players not easing up on their future Olympic opponents,� Fox said. �I asked the players to lift regardless of their commanding score line and they responded well. Our counter attack was a feature of tonight�s performance and the boys once again defended very well.� The Sharks sixth and final game of the World League Preliminaries is against China tonight at 6.30pm Sydney time. For the full men�s FINA World League Schedule, click here Aussie Sharks Joel Dennerley, Richie Campbell, Tim Cleland, Johnno Cotterill, Jamie Beadwsorth, Anthony Martin, Mitch Baird, Sam McGregor, Thomas Whalan, Gavin Woods, Rhys Howden, Billy Miller, Sam Avallone Result: Australia 15 bt Kazakhstan 3 Qtrs: 2-1, 5-1, 6-1, 2-0 X man for: 7 from 12 X man against: Kazakhstan scored 2 from 6 Shots: Aus 15 from 34, Kaz 3 from 15 AUS Scorers: Richie Campbell 5, Rhys Howden 3, Anthony Martin 2, Johnno Cotterill 2, Sam McGregor, Jamie Beadsworth, Sam Avallone Best: Richie Campbell, Joel Dennerley, Rhys Howden, Anthony Martin

Fox disappointed despite win

Despite a performance coach John Fox would prefer to forget the Aussie Sharks � Australia�s men�s water polo team - have dispatched host nation Japan 10-4 in their FINA World League Preliminary match in Chiba. The London Olympic bound Sharks only led by 3-1 at halftime against their lower ranked opponents, allowing the Japanese countless scoring opportunities whilst making poor decisions themselves in attack. Fortunately for the Sharks goalkeeper Joel Dennerley continued his rich vein of form that now has him classed as one of the world�s best. Dennerley was outstanding in goals repelling four Japanese counter attacks, two in extra man defence and four perimeter shots for a much needed 10 saves. Fox was disappointed with his side�s performance and let his players know after the match. �Japan were allowed too many scoring opportunities and unnecessary pressure was placed on our goalkeeper,� Fox fumed. �Our counter attacks went begging with slow ball delivery to the break or poor decision making allowing the Japanese to defend. �Again we struggled to put the ball in the back of the net.� It wasn�t all bad for the Australians though with Dennerley brilliant in the cage, Rhys Howden continuing his good form with two goals and four steals, captain Sam McGregor playing hard in close to score two goals from rebounds and Beijing Olympian Anthony Martin driving home four goals including the team�s only counter attack goal and two extra man goals. The win followed Australia�s undefeated run of three matches in the first round of World League preliminaries in Shanghai last week. The Sharks play fellow Olympic qualifier Kazakhstan tonight at 730pm (AEST) before winding up the preliminaries against hosts China at 730pm on Thursday. For the full men�s FINA World League Schedule, click here Aussie Sharks Joel Dennerley, Richie Campbell, Tim Cleland, Johnno Cotterill, Jamie Beadwsorth, Anthony Martin, Mitch Baird, Sam McGregor, Thomas Whalan, Gavin Woods, Rhys Howden, Billy Miller, Samuele Avallone Result: Australia 10 beat Japan 4 Qtrs: 1-0, 2-1, 3-2, 4-1 Extra man for: Australia scored 6 from 9 Extra man against: Japan scored 1 from 6 Aus scorers: Anthony Martin 4, Rhys Howden 2, Sam McGregor 2, Johnno Cotterill, Thomas Whalan Aus Best players: Joel Dennerley, Rhys Howden, Anthony Martin

FINA World League Prelims: Stingers end tour with whitewash

Thu, 10 May 2012 18:17:00 +1000

The Aussie Stingers women�s water polo team has continued their great Olympic lead-up form with an 18-2 thrashing of hosts Japan in their final FINA World League Preliminary game in Chiba today. Fresh off victories against likely London medal opponents the USA and China, the Aussie girls kept the ball rolling with a convincing first quarter display which saw them power home five goals to nil. The Stingers then put on the afterburners in the second term scoring an 8-0 quarter win, with golden arm Ashleigh Southern netting a hat trick before the main break. A further strike from yesterday�s buzzer beating hero Southern and handy assists from the whole team was enough to see the Stingers run away 16 point victors. Bronwen Knox, who joined all nine of her field playing teammates on the scorer�s sheet, said that it was a great performance considering the length of time the team had been on the road. �We went out against a team who had only been together for a few years, so our aim was to produce a really strong group effort, and to do that with two players down and at the end of a long tour was impressive,� Knox said. �There were still a few bad passes and missed opportunities in front of goals, but it was definitely great to see everyone get on the scorecard.� Knox, a member of the bronze medal winning team in Beijing, also paid tribute to great potential of the 2012 squad. �I think this team is a lot stronger than the one in 2008 as we have a lot more outside shooters,� she added. �That�s only going to help us even more when it comes to the crunch in London.� Australia now finishes the Asia-Oceania World League Preliminaries on equal points with China, and will head into the World League Finals in May as warm favourites. The FINA World League Finals will be held in Changshu, China from May 29 to June 3 and is the last opportunity for players to impress ahead of the Olympic team announcement on June 12. For the full World League schedule, click here. Aussie Stingers Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadsworth, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Jane Moran, Bronwen Knox, Glencora Ralph, Ashleigh Southern, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zagame, Alicia McCormack. Rested: Kate Gynther, Rowie Webster. Result: Australia 18 bt Japan 2 Qtrs: 5-0, 8-0, 2-1, 3-1 X man for: 3 from 4 & 1 from 1 penalties X man against: Japan 2 from 8 AUS Scorers: Ashleigh Southern 4, Nicola Zagame 3, Bronwen Knox 3, Sophie Smith 2, Holly Lincoln-Smith 2, Melissa Rippon, Gemma Beadsworth, Jane Moran, Glencora Ralph AUS Best: Sophie Smith, Jane Moran, Ashleigh Southern, Bronwen Knox, Nicola Zagame, Victoria Brown, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Gemma Beadsworth. Stingers best China in thriller The Aussie Stingers have continued their great run of form by defeating jetlag and last year�s world number two China 11-10 in a hard fought FINA World League Preliminary water polo match in Chiba, Japan. The victory for the Stingers comes off the back of their one goal defeat of the USA in the London Test event final on Sunday and keeps them on track to realise a team dream of emulating the gold medal winning Australian side from the Sydney 2000 Olympics. The Chinese led 3-2 at quarter time and maintained a single goal advantage, 7-6, at the main break before the teams entered the last term locked at 8-all. Rising star Ashleigh Southern, from tiny Cardwell in North Queensland, slammed home the winner with 1.54 to go in the last period and the Stingers hung on for a confidence boosting victory. The goal was Southern�s second for the game whilst Rowie Webster, Nicola Zagame and Beijing Olympic bronze medallist Gemma Beadsworth also netted a brace. Australian head coach Greg McFadden was justifiably proud of his troops following the long journey from London. By contrast, the Chinese had only travelled from their homeland after missing the Test event. �It was a courageous win given our travel and the fact we were playing without our captain Kate Gynther and Glencora Ralph who were both rested,� McFadden said. �We came back to win from being six-two down during the second quarter. That takes a lot of guts and I am very proud of the girls.� The Australian�s round out their World League preliminary schedule tomorrow afternoon at 4.30pm (AEST) with their place in the FINA World League Super Finals later this month already assured. For the full World League schedule, click here. Aussie Stingers Victoria Brown, Gemma Beadsworth, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Jane Moran, Bronwen Knox, Rowie Webster, Ashleigh Southern, Melissa Rippon, Nicola Zagame, Alicia McCormack. Result: Australia 11 beat China 10 Qtrs: 2-3, 4-4, 2-1, 3-2 X man for: 1 from 3 X man against: China 2 from 4 AUS Scorers: Gemma Beadsworth 2, Rowie Webster 2, Ashleigh Southern 2, Nicola Zagame 2, Sophie Smith, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Melissa Rippon AUS Saves: Victorian Brown 3 from 6, Alicia McCormack 2 from 10

Future stars unveiled: Australian born '96 team announcement

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:26:00 +1000

The latest crop of Australian water polo stars have been unveiled with the national born �96 youth girl�s squad named today. The squad of 26 has been selected for the Under 20 and Under 18�s Pan Pacs tournaments to be held in New Zealand starting on June 29. Also named is a reduced 14 player squad to square off against New Zealand in a three match test series starting July 11. The squad has been selected from performances at training camps in Perth and Sydney and the 18 & under national club championships, and has increased in size to accommodate the high level of improvement in the age group. Head coach Jack Lusic said he was very excited to work with the group and believed all of the girls had developed fantastically in the past 12 months. �Since the initial announcement of the squad in October 2011, I have witnessed the evolution of a talented group of young women and I am absolutely thrilled to see the level of commitment and positive attitude shown by everyone towards training and their eagerness to learn,� Lusic said. �The participation of this squad in the Pan Pacs tournament is the first step in preparation for the World Championships in 2014 and we hope to build upon their progression during this time. �In saying that, complacency is not an option as there will be opportunities over the coming months for players not in the current squad to improve, show their potential and impress.� The appearance of three girls at the recently completed National Water Polo League finals has been particularly satisfying for Lusic, with Chelsea Allen (Adelaide Jets), Maddie Steere (Victorian Tigers), and Lena Mihailovic (Cronulla Sharks) all making strong contributions. The squad of 26 will contest the U20 Pan Pacs from June 29 to July 3 and the U18 Pan Pacs from July 6-10, with the reduced squad of 14 to participate in the test series and training camps from July 11-14. Australian Born �96 Squad Octavia Bellekens (QLD, 97), Elise Gaskells (NSW, 96), Emily Grellman (NSW, 96), Emma Whaling (NSW, 96), Chelsea Allen (SA, 96), Julia Barton (NSW, 96), Kristy Donkin (NSW, 97), Bronte Halligan (NSW, 96), Kaitlin Laycock (NSW, 96), Lena Mihailovic (NSW, 96), Tori Morrissey (NSW, 96), Amy Ridge (NSW, 96), Caitlyn Roye (NSW, 96), Samantha Stanton (NSW, 96), Paige Wiseman (NSW, 96), Madeleine Steere (VIC, 96), Sally Coburn (QLD, 96), Christobel Hill-Smith (QLD, 96), Georgia Hole (QLD, 96), Ellodie Ruffin (QLD, 96), Aoife Scales (QLD, 96), Chloe Parer (QLD, 96), Olivia MacKell (WA, 96), Monique Rebelo (WA, 96), Pia Rodgers (WA, 96), Kate Abbey Wardale (WA, 96). Coach: Jack Lusic. Assistant Coach: Georgina Kovacs. Manager: Helen Park. Tournaments: U20 Pan Pacs, NZ 29^th June � 3^rd July and U18 Pan Pacs, NZ 6^th-10^th July. Australian Born �96 Team vs. New Zealand U/16 Octavia Bellekens (Qld, 97), Emily Grellman (NSW, 96), Chelsea Allen (SA, 96), Julia Barton (NSW, 96), Kristy Donkin (NSW, 97), Bronte Halligan (NSW, 96), Kaitlin Laycock (NSW, 96), Lena Mihailovic (NSW, 96), Amy Ridge (NSW, 96), Madeleine Steere (VIC, 96), Sally Coburn (QLD, 96), Ellodie Ruffin born (QLD, 96), Monique Rebelo (WA, 96), Kate Abbey Wardale (WA, 96). Coach: Jack Lusic. Assistant Coach: Georgina Kovacs. Manager: Helen Park. Tournaments: Training Camp and three tests against NZ, 11^th- 14^th July 2012.

Howden using UK roots to inspire him and Sharks to London glory

Tue, 08 May 2012 16:15:00 +1000

Brisbane water polo star Rhys Howden will be a key piece in the puzzle for the Aussie Sharks gold medal prospects at the London Olympic Games later this year. Not only is he regarded as one of the best players in world, but his wealth of experience at the age of 25 will be a key asset for the Sharks as they attempt to win their first medal since debuting at the games in 1948. But on top of all his multiple world championship and world league appearances, there�s one thing that has Howden and his family motivated more than ever ahead of this year�s Olympics. Howden�s father Phil captained the Great Britain water polo team from 1978 to 1981, and while he never got a taste of the Olympics himself, his son Rhys is on the verge of a second and potentially history making representation. With his relatives and extended family pencilled in as keen observers, Howden is itching to not just book his seat on the plane to London but lead Australia to that elusive medal triumph. "Winning the gold or a medal at the Olympics would be unreal,� Howden said. �It would definitely be a reward for the hard work and sacrifices I have made in the last 10 years of my water polo career. �It will also make worthwhile all the sacrifices mum and dad have made over the years, from taking me to the pool at 5:30am each morning, picking me up, taking me to school and then doing it all over again each afternoon. "Add the fact that dad is from Great Britain and I guess it would be even more special to do it in London. "You�d probably have to come back and ask me again when we do get one to know exactly how special it would be.� Howden is one of eight players from the 2008 Beijing squad still in contention for a place in the Aussie Sharks� 13 man Olympic team, and the right-hand driver is confident the class of 2012 has what it takes to go all the way. The squad is currently in Japan continuing preparations at the FINA World League Preliminaries and with just under three months until the moment of truth, Howden believes everything is on track for a breakthrough performance. �With the bunch of guys we have I think this is the best opportunity that the Australian men�s water polo team has had at getting a medal,� Howden said. �Of course to achieve this, the team and I need to keep working hard and keep pushing each other. But overall the attitude amongst the boys is very positive. "The World League preliminaries at the moment are pretty important to give us another chance to play and work together, and every game we play from here on is being seen as a must win." And as for Howden's growing resume as one of Australia�s greats, well he�s just taking it one game at a time. �I just take it all in my stride,� he quipped. �To play 121 games for your country is great and to be on the cusp of a second games is amazing too, but you�d take it all back for that medal. �I�m just excited to make London as a member of this fantastic team and to be able to show all my relatives in the UK what it�s all about.� The Aussie Sharks play their fourth world league preliminary game against Japan at 8.30pm tonight AEST, before two more matches against China and Kazakhstan on Wednesday and Thursday. The team then returns home to Australia on May 12 and has a camp on the Gold Coast from May 21 to 27, before flying to Kazakhstan for the FINA World League Finals starting June 12. The final squad for the 2012 London Games will be announced on June 22.