Australian Born '93 Jnr Mens Tour: Aussies Fight Hard in Final Game
Vikelas Cup, Greece
Game 4: Australia vs. Italy
The Australian Born '93 junior men's team has gone down to Italy 11-5 in their final game of the Vikelas Cup, bringing a close to their month long European tour.
The boys appeared tired after a month of water polo, but were able to remain competitive for the entire game.
Matt Perrot led the way with two counter attack goals as well as generating four Italian exclusions in what was an excellent game.
For coach Duncan Greenbank, the result was a disappointing end to the tour but a sign of the effort put in by the group.
"The game today was always going to be tough for us, after such a massive effort the day before," Greenbank said.
"We fell into poor habits like not engaging the defence or finishing off our opportunities.
"The positive though, is that in a year's time the boys will definitely be a force to reckon with for the junior world championships in Hungary."
Anthony Hrysanthos backed up his award winning performance in Germany by winning the goalkeeper of the tournament in Syros.
Final standings: Hungary, Italy, Serbia, Greece, Australia
Australian Born '93
Gabriel Addley, George Ford, Tyler Sinclair, Connor Arnold, Callum Smith, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot, Matthew Hannan, Fraser Smith, Daniel Egan, Lachlan Edwards, Anthony Hrysanthos, William Dayman. Coach: Duncan Greenbank
Result: Australia 5 lost to Italy 11
Qtrs: 1-3, 2-3 1-2, 1-3
X man for: 1 from 8
X man against: Italy scored 3 from 9
AUS Scored: Mathew Perrot 2, Callum Smith 2, Connor Arnold
AUS Best: Matthew Perrot, Nathan Power, George Ford, Stewart Greenbank, Callum Smith
Game 3: Australia vs. Hungary
The Australian Born '93 junior men's team has fallen agonisingly short in producing another major upset at the Vikelas Cup, going down to Hungary 7-4.
After trailing 5-1 at half time the boys fought back to outscore the Hungarians three goals to two and restrict their more fancied opponents to just two six on six goals.
It was a great turn around for the boys from their loss against Hungary two weeks ago in Italy.
Anthony Hrysanthos was again excellent in goals making 10 saves including five during extra-man defence and a penalty.
"After a well deserved win in the morning it was always going to be tough to come out on top tonight, but the boys really dug into the Hungarians in the second half and it was an inspiring performance to push them all the way to the final buzzer," Hrysanthos said.
His coach Duncan Greenbank agreed saying it was important that the boys manned up for a second consecutive game.
"The most important aspect for tonight was that we put together a performance which backed up from the one in the morning and to their credit the players did exactly this," Greenbank said.
"Unfortunately, though, our shooting was once again sub-par and due to this we were not able to come away with the win."
Australian Born '93
Gabriel Addley, George Ford, Tyler Sinclair, Connor Arnold, Callum Smith, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot, Matthew Hannan, Fraser Smith, Daniel Egan, Lachlan Edwards, Anthony Hrysanthos, William Dayman. Coach: Duncan Greenbank
Result: Australia 4 lost to Hungary 7
Qtrs: 1-3, 0-2, 1-1, 2-1
X man for: 2 from 6
X man against: Hungary scored 3 from 10 and 4 from 4 penalties
AUS Scorers: Tyler Sinclair 2, Nathan Power, Mathew Perrot
AUS Best: Anthony Hrysanthos, Tyler Sinclair, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot,
Game 2: Australia vs. Serbia
The Australian Born '93 junior men's team has recorded a memorable victory over Serbia, defeating the current junior world champions 9-7 at the Vikelas Cup in Greece.
The Australians led at each quarter as an improved conversion rate in front of goal allowed the junior Aussies to dominate their more fancied opponents. Nathan Power netted two goals, while captain George Ford was outstanding at centre back. Keepers Anthony Hrysanthos and Gabriel Addley were also superb making numerous fine saves in the cage.
For coach Duncan Greenbank it was a perfect reward for all the work the boys had put in.
"It is an excellent win," Greenbank said. "Our good offensive play backed up our solid defence and put pressure on the Serbians and we were able to capitalise on those mistakes with great accuracy.
"Sticking to the game plan and being successful is a good reward for the perseverance shown by the team."
Matthew Perrot shared his coach's enthusiasm saying it was great to finally put it all together.
"The boys came out hard and we believed in each other," Perrot said.
"It is good to finally play four strong quarters and to see everyone step up to the challenge."
Australian Born '93
Gabriel Addley, George Ford, Tyler Sinclair, Connor Arnold, Callum Smith, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot, Matthew Hannan, Fraser Smith, Daniel Egan, Lachlan Edwards, Anthony Hrysanthos, William Dayman. Coach: Duncan Greenbank
Result: Australia 9 bt Serbia 7
Qtrs: 3-2, 2-2, 3-2, 1-1
X man for: 3 from 5
X man against: Serbia scored 2 from 5
AUS Scorers: Nathan Power 2, George Ford, Mathew Perrot, Daniel Egan , Matthew Hannan, Callum Smith, Connor Arnold, Lachlan Edwards
AUS Best: George Ford, Daniel Egan, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot, Anthony Hrysanthos, Gabriel Addley
Game 1: Australia vs. Greece
The Australian Born '93 junior men's team has gone down 12-3 to hosts Greece in their opening game of the Vikelas Cup in Syros.
It was a similar story for the juniors Aussies, converting just three of their 21 shots on goal, while Greece was able to find the back of the net 12 of 25 times.
Coach Duncan Greenbank said the boys had fought well to trail 3-2 at half time, but was frustrated at the lack of cohesion in front of goal.
"The boys remind me of a tennis player who battles hard to return the ball successfully and then cannot hold serve," Greenbank said.
"The score is not indicative of where this team belongs - which is a competitive outfit against the best teams in the world
"We just cannot score goals."
Nathan Power was superb earning three kick outs at centre forward and two turnovers at centre back; while Callum Smith continued his development as a key member of the squad, complimenting his already rocket like shot.
Australian Born '93
Gabriel Addley, George Ford, Tyler Sinclair, Connor Arnold, Callum Smith, Nathan Power, Matthew Perrot, Matthew Hannan, Fraser Smith, Daniel Egan, Lachlan Edwards, Anthony Hrysanthos, William Dayman. Coach: Duncan Greenbank
Result: Australia 3 lost to Greece 12
Qtrs: 0-2, 2-1, 1-5, 0-4
X man for: 1 from 7
X man against: Greece scored 3 from 6
AUS Scorers: Daniel Egan, Matthew Hannan, Callum Smith
AUS Best: Matthew Hannan, Daniel Egan, Nathan Power, Callum Smith
Australian Water Polo Inc.