Live stream: Cronulla Sharks take on Sydney Uni Lions in key Australian Water Polo League clash

Sydney Uni have kept the door ajar to get both teams into the AWL finals series after a huge afternoon of action in their home pool. Watch the REPLAYS now.

The Australian Water Polo league finals came early in Sydney this weekend as Sydney Uni and Cronulla fought to a standstill in the men’s competition.

In what was a likely preview of the men’s elimination match-up on day one of the AWL finals series, the Lions prevailed 8-7 off the back of a workhorse performance from Loui Schuler.

The Kiwi young gun, who is in his second season with the Lions, scored a double for the side, including the matchwinning goal in the final quarter.

WATCH THE MEN’S REPLAY ABOVE, SCROLL DOWN FOR THE WOMEN’S REPLAY

Schuler’s scintillating shot from the outside, which came only minutes into the final quarter with the one-man advantage, was the only goal scored after the final break.

It was a gripping contest between the two sides, with the Sharks and Lions trading goals and physical penalties throughout the contest.

While neither side has the opportunity to challenge for a second-chance opportunity in the finals with only one round to go, the cracking see-sawing contest between them sets up an exciting finals series.

Lions leader Rhys Howden and Keegan Wicken also finished with goal-scoring doubles, while Joe Kayes led the way on goal for the Sharks with a double.

Replay: Sydney Uni Lionesses v Cronulla Sharks (Women)

Meanwhile the Sydney Uni Lionesses have kept the door open on a possible finals campaign after they overcame a strong effort from the Sharks.

Spearheaded by the long-range shooting of Anni Espar, the Lions managed to come over the top of the Sharks 11-9 with a commanding second-half display.

While the Sharks matched their rivlas goal for goal in the first half, they struggled to break down the Lionesses zone-style defence after the main break.

Goalkeeper Claire Durston kept the Sharks in the contest with several cracking saves, but it wasn’t enough as the Lionesses eye off a fifth-placed finish this season with two rounds to go.

PREVIEW

It’s tight at the top of the men’s Australian Water Polo League ladder with just two weeks left of the regular season.

While unbeaten Drummoyne Devils are clear favourites to assume top spot, the battle for the all-important second place is an intriguing affair between four Sydney teams.

This season, the top two earn a rest on the first day of the finals series, along with a second chance at making the decider.

UNSW Magpies currently hold the advantage, but thanks to a real quirk in the draw - where the next two weeks essentially reverts to a mini tournament featuring all the big guns - everything is up for grabs.

Check out who plays who and when below

Two teams still well in the hunt, 2023 runners-up Sydney Uni Lions and ACU Cronulla Sharks, are set to face off as part of a massive men’s/women’s double-header on Sunday.

All of the action will be available to stream LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on KommunityTV with the men kicking off the action at 12:30pm (AEST).

After three straight losses to start the season, the Sharks have won nine of their past 10 matches and sit in fifth spot.

Can the Sydney Uni Lions grab second spot?

They haven’t tasted championship glory in over two decades, last taking out the title in 1999, but they have been creeping closer to the top spot in recent years, claiming bronze last season with a 10-5 win over Drummoyne Devils.

They also beat the Lions convincingly the only time they have met so far this season. Three goals each from Marcus Berehulak and Rhys Holden paved the way for an impressive 14-7 success.

Meanwhile, Sydney Uni have been playing for redemption this season after narrowly falling short against UNSW Magpies in the 2023 decider.

Ahead of their clash with Balmain on Friday night, the Lions had recorded just three losses in their 16 games, but, tellingly, they have all come against local opposition, Drummoyne, Cronulla and Balmain.

The Sharks have also found it tough against Sydney opponentts, losing to Drummoyne and UNSW (twice) and Balmain.

Originally published as Live stream: Cronulla Sharks take on Sydney Uni Lions in key Australian Water Polo League clash