Youth world championships underway

The Australian men’s and women’s youth water polo teams have made promising starts to their respective campaigns at the 2012 FINA Water Polo World Youth Championships in Perth.

The men’s team, featuring seven NSWIS athletes, suffered a first round 6-8 defeat to European giants Croatia, before going on to record a 15-4 win over South Africa, and a 10-6 victory over New Zealand.

The standout performer from the opening three games was NSWIS athlete Gordon Marshall, who scored seven goals in the rout against South Africa. Other scorers included NSWIS athlete Matthew Skinner, one goal in each match; Reed Cotterill, three goals against New Zealand and one against South Africa; Blake Buckley, one goal against South Africa; and Ciaran Wolohan; one goal against New Zealand.

The team next plays Colombia on Wednesday night.

The Australian women’s youth team has enjoyed an undefeated start to their campaign, with three huge win to signal their intentions.

The opening match saw Australia account for the Czech Republic 22-2. NSWIS athlete Shannah Martin scored five goals, with fellow NSWIS athletes Maddison Schmid and Fiona Walsh contributing two and one goal, respectively.

The opening win was followed by a crushing 27-2 victory over Indonesia, with Martin again scoring five goals. Walsh chipped in with three goals, while Schmid added another goal to the team’s tally.

Australia’s third match ended in an 18-1 demolition of Uzbekistan, with all three NSWIS athletes getting their names on the scoresheet.

NSWIS athletes competing: Anthony Hrysanthos, Blake Buckley, Matthew Skinner, Gordon Marshall, Reed Cotterill, Ciaran Wolohan, Sam Cocokios, Shannan Martin, Fiona Walsh, Maddison Schmid, Stephanie Calaizis.