The Australian men’s water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, have won their opening encounter of the 2012 Water Polo Pan Pacs overcoming a stubborn Japanese team 8-4 at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
 
Both team’s found it difficult in the opening quarter to find their attacking consistency with the two goalkeepers, Australia’s Joel Dennerley and Japan’s Hideyuki Tanamura, excellent in the cage.
 
It was a taxing display early with the two teams going up and down the pool unable to break the 0-0 deadlock.
 
Aussie Shark’s captain Sam McGregor and triple Olympian Gavin Woods led the Australian fight back in the second period with both players powerful in the their respective right driver and centre forward positions.
 
The Shark’s extended their 3-2 half time lead early in the third quarter courtesy of a decisive goal from Australia’s second centre forward Jamie Beadsworth and another inspirational strike from home town hero McGregor.
 
A determine Sharks’ team came out in the last term eager to finish off their fellow Asia/Oceania rivals with both Rhys Howden and Billy Miller scoring their second goals of the game to seal the 8-4 win.
 
Despite the slow start, captain McGregor said it was essential that the team got the win and was encouraged by the way the boys fought to find their combinations.
 
“Look we missed out on a few opportunities in attack but I’m happy we were able to consolidate in defence and only keep them to four goals and that was the positive thing for us,” McGregor said.
 
“We plugged away and stuck to the game plan and despite not putting the opportunities away we were able to rely on our defence to get the result.
 
“It is a good start for us. It has us in a good position for this tournament and looking ahead towards the Olympics it give us a good boost.
 
“We’re definitely looking for a medal at London. There’s no two ways about it and we believe we are one of the best teams in the world and we’re going out to win a medal.”
 
The Aussie Sharks’ next game of the 2012 Water Polo Pan Pacs is against Brazil on Monday at 3.00pm.

Water Polo Australia