Australian water polo league Rd 2 live stream Sydney Uni v Cronulla Sharks, Drummoyne v Balmain

Four red cards were shown, and only two went to players, in what was an emotion-charged finish to Round 5 of the Australian Water Polo League. Re-watch the action from Sydney.

Two players, a coach, and a spectator were shown red cards in what was the most dramatic men’s match of the KAP7 Cup so far.

But after a thrilling final minute, it was a last ditch save from Drummoyne keeper Laurence Barker, one of many across the game, that guided his team to victory.

The fingertip save helped the Devils survive the thrilling clash with UTS Balmain, winning 9-8.

Replay: Drummoyne v UTS Balmain (Men)

The defence of both outfits was impressive over the opening half, with neither side able to gain the ascendancy.

The drama ensued from there, with the Tigers’ Sam Bebb and the Devils’ Tyler Martin both being excluded for a fight late in the third quarter, with the home side leading 7-6 heading into the final period.

The Devils’ Lazar Pasuljevic was forced to leave pool after being shown a red card early in the fourth, with the Tigers able to immediately capitalise and level the scores.

Drummoyne held a 9-8 lead and were down three players due to exclusions in the final minute, when a double exclusion resulted in Tyler Martin being shown a red card, and the Tigers’ Simone Bertino and head coach Dean Semmens were also sent packing.

The Devils managed to hold onto their lead despite the long break in play, securing just their second win of the tournament.

Tigers claw their way over the top of willing Devils

The UTS Balmain Tigers women’s side have made it three consecutive wins, and cemented their spot in the AWL top three, following an 8-6 win over Drummoyne Devils.

The Devils had control of the match early, with Jolie Marsden starting the side’s tally early.

Replay: Drummoyne v UTS Balmain (Women)

But the Tigers always had an answer, and took the lead ahead of the major break 4-2.

The second half was dominated by the Tigers, with goalkeeper Genevieve Longman making some impressive saves, including a penalty in the final quarter.

Balmain’s Olivia Mitchell led the scoring with three goals, followed by teammate Olivia Hearne with two.

The result places the Tigers into the top four, level on points with the ACU Cronulla Sharks.

Preview: Balmain determined to close out their Sydney stretch on a high

The fast-improving Balmain Tigers women’s side will be looking to end their five-game Sydney stint on a high when they take on Drummoyne in a key Australian Water Polo League clash on Sunday night.

Fresh from consecutive wins over Hunter and UNSW, the Tigers find themselves right in the finals mix and victory over the mid-table Devils will certainly provide a valuable boost before they head west for a massive two games next weekend.

RELIVE ALL THE ACTION FROM A BIG FIVE DAYS IN MELBOURNE

If there is a barometer for water polo title ambitions then it’s almost certainly consecutive games against Fremantle and UWA Torpedoes - and the Tigers face that challenge next Saturday and Sunday.

Drummoyne picked up their first win of the season on Saturday against Hunter and will also be chasing more success before they head to Brisbane for three big games next weekend.

The men’s showdown features two sides struggling to find wins, although Drummoyne, who drew their first two games against Sydney Uni and UNSW, broke their duck on Saturday against Hunter.

MEET THE NEW FACES OF THE AUSTRALIAN WATER POLO LEAGUE

FRIDAY NIGHT GAMES

Lions brick wall unbreakable against Sharks

Four incredible penalty saves for Sydney Uni goalkeeper Anthony Hyrsanthos, including back-to-back saves late in the first half, was the deciding factor in his side’s gutsy 14-8 win over ACU Cronulla Sharks.

Josef Schuler and William contributed an impressive four goals each for the Lions, including consecutive rocket shots for Schuler in the penultimate quarter.

Tristan Glanznig put in a solid effort for the Sharks with four goals, before fouling out ahead of the fourth quarter.

The Lions were also plagued by fouls, with UCLA import Jake Cavano and Keegan Wicken excluded during the final period after three major fouls each.

The result gives the Lions just their second win of the tournament, after drawing with Drummoyne and UNSW Wests in their first and third matches respectively.

Olympian steps up with game on the line

With seconds left on the clock and the scoreboard locked up, the Sydney Uni Lionesses called on their champion, and she delivered.

Spanish Olympian Anni Espar defied the pressure from two defenders to sneak a sizzling backhand past Sharks goalkeeper Claire Durston to seal a thrilling 12-11 victory.

Replay: Sydney Uni Lionesses v ACU Cronulla Sharks (Womens)

It was heartbreak for the Sharks, who had shown incredible fortitude to fight their way back from a four goal deficit early in the third quarter.

Both sides went into the final quarter locked up at 8-8, and it appeared the game would finish the same way after the Sharks levelled the scores again at 11-11 with 30 seconds remaining.

But up steeped the Spaniard, who scored six goals for the Lionesses, to close out a thrilling Round 4 contest.

The Shark’s Allie Loomis had the chance to equalise straight after, but went wide, resulting in the Lionesses extending their unbeaten start to the AWL season.

Originally published as Australian water polo league Rd 2 live stream Sydney Uni v Cronulla Sharks, Drummoyne v Balmain