MEREWETHER'S Richie Campbell produced his second straight hat-trick in Tokyo, helping keep Australia in medal contention by defeating water polo powerhouse Croatia for the first time at the Olympics.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Campbell, at his fourth and final Games, landed three of five shots to score in the second, third and fourth quarter as the Sharks beat the European nation 11-8 at Tatsumi Water Polo on Tuesday night.
He also netted as many times in Australia's 15-10 opening round loss to Montenegro.
The Sharks next meet Serbia on Thursday (8:50am, AEST).
Four of the six teams in pool B - Australia, Croatia, Montenegro, Serbia - sit alongside one another on the ladder with a 1-1 record.
Spain are unbeaten on top after the first two games while Kazakhstan have yet to win.
Aussie goalkeeper Anthony Hrysanthos marked his Olympic debut with an outstanding performance.
"It's very special - for me to play in my first Olympic Games, it's a lifelong effort," Hrysanthos told AOC media.
"I'm very happy that I was able to play well today, and get the win - it's a special occasion for me.
"Playing against a tough team like Croatia, they've been one of the teams that have medalled in almost every competition in the last four to five years. So to get that win today is very good for our confidence.
"To be able to show, especially from two days ago, that we can come back and play a consistent four quarters and not let us slip in defence is really good.
"This Australian team is something really special and the teamwork that we've put in over these last 4-5 years is amazing."
IN THE NEWS:
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark: newcastleherald.com.au
- Download our app
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News