The men relied on all their experience while the women were far too strong.
The Australian men’s and women’s water polo teams have defeated their Japanese opponents on night three of the FINA World League preliminaries at Sydney Olympic Park Aquatic Centre.
The men relied on all their experience while the women were far too strong.
The Australian Sharks overcame a scratchy start and a determined Japan to record a 12-10 victory. In a repeat of last week’s clash in Auckland, Japan were able to stick with the Aussies and apply large amounts of defensive pressure throughout the contest.
Veteran trio Trent Franklin, Thomas Whalan and Gavin Woods, with eight Olympic campaigns between them, led the home team’s extra-man attack each scoring crucial first half goals to cut down the Japanese momentum.
The superior size of Woods at centre forward and the lethal left hand of Franklin in particular, turned out to be the main difference between the two teams.
Joel Dennerley in goals withstood many sharp attempts from Japan and two brilliant reflex saves within 30 seconds maintained the two goal difference.
The Australian Stingers continued their undefeated run outmuscling Japan 14-5.
After a close start that saw the Japanese contain the Aussies to a 3-3 first quarter, Nicola Zagame and Bronwen Knox restored Australia’s control of the game with three important goals in the second period.
Attacking pressure and sustained intensity by the Japanese caused defensive trouble for the Australians with three players having foul problems, but relentless pressure by experienced leaders Melissa Rippon and Rowena Webster put the result beyond doubt.
While slightly disappointed with the team performance, Knox said the group did have one eye towards the future.
“We made a few mistakes out there that we shouldn’t make at this level, but we don’t want to be peaking now and failing later,” Knox said.
“We want to be building up, so that means making a few changes, trying a few combinations and making rotations to see what works and what doesn’t.
“But a win is a win and getting to play in front of our families, which doesn’t happen too often, is great.”
Australia have two more game remaining in the World League Asia/Oceania preliminaries and the clash against China on Friday could determine who has the upper hand going into the World Championships in July.
The world number two Australians will look to prepare for the third ranked Chinese with a more convincing display against New Zealand on Thursday night.
The Australian men play their final game of the tournament against China on Friday.
Australian Water Polo
