2012 Water Polo Pan Pacs Men Days 4-6: Barbarians Earn Draw

The Australian Barbarians have gone within inches of pulling off the great shock of the 2012 Water Polo Pan Pacs missing a last second shot to settle for a 9-9 draw against the world number six-ranked USA men's team in the last game on day six of the tournament.

In an inspired performance against the 2008 Beijing Olympic silver medallists, the Barbarians came out determined to rattle the cage of their opponents, nullifying the American's usually stout defence.

Aussie Sharks' squad member and Australian Barbarians captain Rob Maitland was outstanding for the home team, scoring three first half goals plus two more in the second half.

He along with fellow Sharks' hopeful Mitch Baird dominated at centre forward causing Peter Varellas and Shea Buckner to be kicked out twice in the opening term.

Beijing Olympian Maitland, played like a man possessed leading his team superbly around the pool, doing his very best to catch the eye of national selectors and re-earn his place back in the Sharks' top 13.

"It was a very good result against one of the better teams in the world," an ecstatic Maitland said after the game.

"It was difficult for us to be thrown together at the beginning of the week, but everyday we gradually got better and as we don't play tomorrow, tonight was our grand final and we certainly stepped up and gave it to them.

"I think it was definitely the best performance of the week for both myself and the guys and so I'm sure the national coaches are sitting up in the stands and taking note."

The Barbarians held the USA to 4-4 at the half time break, with the Americans twice coming from behind to level up the scores. Both teams' defences succumbed to the gruelling tactics adopted by the two attacks.

Luke Quinlivan and Dan Young continued the inspiration for the Barbarians in the third-term with the Western Australian goalkeeper making a spectacular penalty goal save before setting up a blistering counter attack in which Young capitalised with a clinical finish.

That great exchange lifted the Barbarians and allowed them hold on to a 7-4 advantage at three quarter time.

USA centre forward Ryan Bailey scored a hat trick for the game including two in the last quarter to help his side peg back the margin. One of the highlights of the game was the physical battle between Bailey and Australian AJ Roach, who throughout the match were both on the receiving end of kicks out and foul play.

The Barbarians carried a slender one goal lead into the final minutes and were favoured to hold on for the historic win before Jansen Wigo netted his second for the game to level the scores on the buzzer.

Australian head coach John Fox, who watched the game from the grandstand with his Aussie Sharks side, was most impressed with the Barbarians performance, stating that a number of players had raised the bar.

"That was a very entertaining game and well played by the Barbarians," Fox said.

"A number of players put up their hands for inclusion in the (Olympic) squad with their performances today.

"Rob Maitland was outstanding and certainly staked a claim. Our two goalkeepers were great and the two guys in the top side have been outstanding too."

Fox also paid tribute to AJ Roach who staged a running battle - and gave away about 20 kilograms - to USA hardman Ryan Bailey.

"AJ certainly played tough today and he showed our (Sharks) side what is required and has set an example."

The draw means the Americans finish second for the tournament and now head into their blockbuster gold medal clash against the Australian Sharks looking for some revenge after two draws with Australian teams. The Barbarians finish their tournament on a massive high.

Results: Australian Barbarians 9 drew USA 9

Quarters: (2-2, 2-2, 3-1, 2-4)

AUS Scorers: Rob Maitland 5, John Cotterill, Aidan Roach, Daniel Young, Joel Swift

USA Scorers: Ryan Bailey 3, Jeff Powers 2, Jansen Wigo 2, Brian Alexander, Peter Varellas

Australia: John Hahn, James Howden, Daniel Lawrence, Mitch Baird, Rob Maitland, Aidan Roach, Jarrod Gilchrist, Thomas Bruder, Joel Swift, Daniel Young, Johnno Cotterill, Blake Edwards, Matthew Martin, Luke Quniliven

USA: Chay Lapin Peter Varellas, Peter Hudnut, Jeff Powers, Shea Buckner, Brian Alexander, Layne Beaubien, Jansen Wigo, Ryan Bailey, Jeff Tyrrell, JW Krumpholz, Andy Stevens, John Mann

Sharks thump NZ by 17

The Australian men's water polo team, the Aussie Sharks, have capped off preparations ahead of tomorrow's gold medal match against the USA with a resounding 20-3 victory over New Zealand.

It was a fantastic tune up for the home team with no fewer than ten players troubling the scorer, with Aaron Younger scoring a match high four and captain Sam McGregor adding to his tournament leading tally of 12 goals with two more powerful strikes.

Australia got off to a slow start to only lead by one at the first break, with Samuele Avallone and triple Olympian Gavin Woods the two scorers.

The Sharks hit their straps in the second period with Tim Cleland converting in extra man for his first goal of the game. This led to a 6-0 run for the Sharks as they applied heavy defensive pressure to go into the main break 8-1 up.

Two goals in the first minute of the third term to Jamie Beadsworth and Sam McGregor stretched the lead to nine goals at three-quarter time, before Woods was able to seal the contest, netting off the back of a brilliant pass from McGregor, to give the veteran his second for the game.

Aaron Younger scored two last period goals to bring his tally to four, while a last minute strike from Cleland gave the Sharks a grand total of 20 for the game.

Assistant Coach Paul Oberman said the Australians were pleased with their teamwork and the way they stuck to their structures ahead of the gold medal clash.

"We had a lot of guys who were able to get through to the two metres and they were the ones who scored so it was good team work," he said.

"We changed a little bit of our extra man attack structure this morning at training and we just wanted to see how it went today and overall it was quite good."

Avallone, who scored two for the match, said the win was another positive step in the Pan Pacs campaign, and added that he was excited to be part of the Sharks' lineup and represent his adopted Australia.

"Today, was a slow start, but we came back to achieve what we wanted to do and that sets us up nicely for tomorrow's game," Avallone said.

"It was mentally challenging as it has been a long week, but we wanted to come out firing and gain some momentum for the final.

"We are in a good frame of mind for our clash with America and are ready to step it up as it is a very important match.

"I'm loving my time playing for Australia. I am quite new but I have played with a lot of the boys before in the national league, so settling in hasn't been to hard.

"Each game is getting better, I'm to make my contribution to the team's win and wearing the green and gold for Australia is just great."

The big win puts Australia on top of the table and sets them up for an intense rematch with the Americans tomorrow. The match is sure to be another highlight with the two teams fighting out a 6-6 draw earlier in the week.

The men's gold medal match begins at 3.45pm tomorrow with both teams eager to gain a crucial advantage ahead of the London Olympics in July.

Result: Australia 20 bt New Zealand 3

Quarters: (2-1, 6-0, 5-1, 7-1)

Scorers AUS: Aaron Younger 4, Sam Avallone 2, Gavin Woods 2, Billy Miller 2, Sam McGregor 2, Thomas Whalan 2, Anthony Martin 2, Tim Cleland 2, Rhys Howden, Jamie Beadsworth

Scorers NZ: Finn Lowery, Mat Reid, Eamon Lui

Australia: Joel Dennerly, Richie Campbell, Tim Cleland, Sam Avallone, Jamie Beadsworth, Anthony Martin, Aaron Younger, Sam McGregor, Thomas Whalan, Gavin Woods, Rhys Howden, Billy Miller, James Clark

New Zealand: Kieren Hattie, Hunter de Groot, Josh Potaka, David Lambert, Finn Lowery, Conor Lui, Dan Jackson, Mat Reid, Eamon Lui, Scott Griffiths, Lachlan Tijsen, Jamie Cameron, Warren Rautenbach

Day 5:

Sharks remain undefeated

The Aussie Sharks have carried on their great form from last night's 6-all draw against tournament favourites USA, to completely outmuscle the Chinese team 13-3 in their men's round robin match at the Water Polo Pan Pacs at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

The victory continues Australia's eight game unbeaten streak in 2012, a wonderful start as they look to fulfil their potential and take the step from their world ranking of nine to the Olympic podium in London later this year.

Richie Campbell got the team off to a flying start with two early goals and after his Beijing Olympic teammates Thomas Whalan, Anthony Martin and Rhys Howden scored inside the first quarter the writing was on the wall with the score at 5-0 to the Sharks.

Both teams scored a pair of goals in the second quarter before Australia again showed their superiority with 3-0 third period.

Campbell scored his third of the match in the final quarter, as did Sharks captain Sam McGregor to seal the comprehensive victory.

Campbell said the Sharks had prepared for the game against their lower ranked opponents with the same intensity as they had for the Americans.

"We held last night's form together well at the start of the game today," Campbell said.

"Like any other game we want to treat each team equally so we put the same effort into the warm up and game preparation as we did last night."

Australia will play tournament cellar dwellers New Zealand tomorrow before a rematch with the Americans in the gold medal match on Saturday afternoon, a showdown Campbell said his side already had one eye on.

"We are fully focussed on the US now and even though we have New Zealand tomorrow and we will prepare well for that game we are already looking at the gold medal game," he said.

"The US are a high class opposition so it would be good to knock them off in the final."

Martin, who ended up with two goals for the match, said the win was another step in right direction for the team and credited the great team atmosphere for their strong performances this week.

"It's been really good. We had a camp last week and that brought the boys together quite well and then we've come here and we're doing everything as a unit so that has created a great atmosphere among the group," Martin said.

"That's definitely one thing that we will take with us heading into London and if we can produce more win's like today as well as the tough effort last night things should shape up well."

Result: Australia 13 bt China 3

Quarters: (5-0, 2-2, 3-0, 3-1)

AUS Scorers: Sam McGregor 3, Richie Campbell 3, Anthony Martin 2, Rhys Howden 2, Thomas Whalan, Billy Miller, Samuele Avallone

CHN Scorers: Yang Wang, Tan Feihu, Guo Junliang

China: Ge Weiqing, Tan Feihu, Liang Zhongxing, Liang Nianxiang, Guo Junliang, Pan Ning, Jiang Bin, Wang Yang, Xie Junmin, Li Li, Zhang Chufeng, Dong Tianyi, Wu Honghui

Barbarians secure third straight win

The Australian Barbarians have made it three wins on the trot accounting for Japan 11-8.

The Barbarians, who started the tournament with consecutive losses against China and the Aussie Sharks, showed great improvement with wins over Brazil and New Zealand and confirmed that form with a gutsy performance today.

Heading into the game, Japan needed a win over the Barbarians to ensure themselves a shot at a bronze medal, however a 4-0 first term by the Barbarians had the Asian number one's on the back foot.

Japan offered some resistance in the second period as they scored three straight goals, but a double to Western Australian Daniel Lawrence edged the Australians to a 7-4 half time lead.

Japan got to within one goal early in the third term, and missed a vital double extra man opportunity to level the game, with Australian players John Hahn and Rob Maitland both kicked out.

Barbarians' leaders Johnno Cotterill, Mitch Baird and Maitland then took advantage of that miss to set up four more goals and seal the three-goal win for the Barbarians.

Centre forward Baird was brutal up front scoring two goals and said his recovery from a knee operation seven weeks ago was coming along nicely.

"It's not too bad. It gets saw every now and then, and particularly after three weeks of intense work it's understandably throbbing. But considering I only had the operation seven weeks ago things are progressing well," Baird said.

"Of course it's disappointing not to be in the top team, but as a result of the injury I'm probably the least fittest of the centre forwards and that has resulted in me playing for the Barbarians.

"But I've had a good build up this week with the Baa Baa's, and I'm looking forward to giving the knee a rest and then being at one hundred percent for the National League and chasing that spot for London."

Japan must now thump Brazil to ensure they sneak into the top four, while the Barbarians have a tough encounter against the USA.

Results: Australian Barbarians 11 bt Japan 8

Quarters: (4-0, 3-4, 2-1, 2-3)

AUS BAR Scorers: Rob Maitland 2, Daniel Young 2, Mitch Baird 2, Daniel Lawrence 2, Thomas Bruder, James Howden, Blake Edwards

JPN Scorers: Yoshinori Shioto 3, Kan Aoyagi 2, Koji Takei, Keigo Okawa, Atsushi Naganuma

Australian Barbarians: Luke Quinlivan, James Howden, Daniel Lawrence, Mitch Baird, Rob Maitland, Aidan Roach, Jarrod Gilchrist, Thomas Bruder, Joel Swift, Daniel Young, Johnno Cotterill, Blake Edwards, Matt Martin, John Hahn

Japan: Naoki Shimizu, Kan Aoyagi, Koji Takei, Shota Hazui, Mitsuaki Shiga, Akira Yanase, Yusuke Shimizu, Atsushi Naganuma, Hiroki Wakamatsu, Yoshinori Shioto, Keigo Okawa, Satoshi Nagata, Kan Irei

Day 4:

Sharks draw with the US

In a climactic finish to the marquee Australia versus USA match up, the Aussie Sharks have produced a brave performance securing a 6-6 draw with the world number six American team in front of a packed crowd at the Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.

America got off to a blistering start courtesy of a thunderbolt from veteran captain Tony Azevedo, before Australia replied with two quick goals from Rhys Howden and Samuele Avallone.

Billy Miller had an early one on one encounter with American keeper Merrill Moses, but was unable to convert. Sam McGregor then put the Aussies up by one at the first break with a strike in the final minute of the period.

The Australia centre forward pairing of Gavin Woods and Jamie Beadsworth were outstanding in the second term working over the American defence and setting up numerous extra man opportunities to set up a 4-2 lead. However, a double from Brian Alexander late in the quarter levelled the scores at half time.

The third period saw the Americans hit the lead through Azevedo's second goal of the game and a strike to Tim Hutten.

Young keeper James Clark was outstanding in the last period making numerous brilliant saves to keep the score locked at 6-6, with neither team able to break the deadlock.

Australian head coach John Fox was ecstatic with his side's performance.

"That is exactly how we want to prepare and play throughout this year," Fox said.

"It was a great game and a great performance from both teams. I am looking forward to Saturday's medal game."

Two goal hero Rhys Howden said it was encouraging that the team was able to hold on for the draw, but acknowledged it would have been nice if they could have snuck over the line.

"In the past we use to lose those close games so I think it's a big positive that we didn't lose, but in saying that we didn't win either," Howden said.

"At the end of the day we took out the positive that we matched it with the Americans and that was the main thing.

"On a personal note, I'm pretty happy with how I went. I did my job and if I happen to get rewarded with goals it's awesome."

The Aussie Sharks now play China tomorrow at 3.00pm.

Results: Australia 6 drew USA 6

Quarters: (3-2, 1-2, 1-2, 1-0)

AUS Scorers: Rhys Howden 2, Sam Avallone, Sam McGregor, Aaron Younger, Richie Campbell

USA Scorers: Tony Azevedo 2, Brian Alexander 2, Shea Buckner, Tim Hutten

USA: Merrill Moses, Peter Varellas, Peter Hudnut, Jeff Powers, Adam Wright, Brian Alexander, Layne Beaubien, Tony Azevedo, Ryan Bailey, Tim Hutten Shea Buckner, Jesse Smith, Jeff Tyrrell

Barbarians secure second straight victory

In the first of the men's matches on day four of the Water Polo Pan Pacs, the Australian Barbarians demolished New Zealand 17-1.

New Zealand struggled to find early scoring options against a Barbarians outfit that was ruthless in both defence and attack.

The Aussies kept the pressure on in the second period as they refused New Zealand any easy options.

Finn Lowery finally found a gap in the Barbarians' defence midway through the third term to grab New Zealand's first goal.

In response, James Howden scored two and Mitch Baird added one to leave New Zealand trailing by nine at the last break.

In the final period, Rob Maitland scored his third goal of the game, while James Howden continued his domination at centre forward to nail his fourth.

Barbarians coach Chris Wybrow said he was pleased with the improved performance.

"We're now starting to hit our straps and show our full potential," Wybrow said.

"There was a lot more cohesion in our set defence and our attack was very good.

"We're showing a lot more composure with the ball in hand and that was the aim for this game and I think if we can continue this in our next two games we will throw the cat amongst the pigeons against Japan and the USA."

The Barbarians now turn their focus on Japan, when the two teams clash at 1.30pm tomorrow.

Result: Australian Barbarians 17 bt New Zealand 1

Quarters: (3-0, 3-0, 4-1, 7-0)

Scorers AUS BAR: James Howden 4, Rob Maitland 3, Thomas Bruder 3, Blake Edwards 2, Mitch Baird, Johnno Cotterill, Daniel Lawrence, Dan Young, Jarrod Gilchrist

Scorers NZ: Finn Lowery

Australian Barbarians

Luke Quinlivan, BJ Howden, Daniel Lawrence, Mitchell Baird, Rob Maitland, Aidan Roach, Jarrod Gilchrist, Thomas Bruder, Joel Swift, Dan Young, Johnno Cotterill, Blake Edwards, Matt Martin

New Zealand

Kieren Hattie, Hunter de Groot, Josh Potaka, Matt Small, Finn Lowery, Conor Lui, Dan Jackson, Mat Reid, Eamon Lui, Scott Griffiths, Lachlan Tijsen, Jamie Cameron, Warren Rautenbach