In Scotland's opening match of the II Commonwealth Water Polo Championships Theo Bampouras's side were beaten 33-0 by Canada, who won the bronze medal at the World Championships in Montreal last year.

Lynne Baird once again starred in goal for Scotland. The City of Manchester goalkeeper denied the Canadians on a countless number of occasions.

Captain Fiona Greer, playing through the pain barrier, led from the front and Driver Cathy Burns and Centre Defender Lucy MacGregor were composed in possession as Scotland utilised the shot clock well.

Lucy MacGregor was composed in possession

Scotland very nearly opened the scoring. The Tartan Army had their cameras directed at the score board, but, agonisingly, Julia MacKay's shot hit the post.

Canada's Centre Forward, Susan Gardiner, scored a back hook and then was first to react to the rebound after Baird's save to make the score two-nil. Baird saved from a one-on-one before Dominique Perreault scored.

Burns's drive had Rosanna Tomiuk excluded to give Scotland an extra-man advantage. Caroline Connor's shot was well saved by Rachel Riddell, who was named goalkeeper of the tournament in Montreal.

Baird made save after save, but Canada went on to score five further goals in the first period.

Canada kept up the pressure in the second period, with eight further goals. However, this could have been more if it had not been for Baird in goal. In front of Baird, sixteen-year-old Susan Johnstone made a good block and Caroline Connor stole the ball after MacKay was excluded.

Greer made a vital interception and MacGregor blocked a strong shot in a three-minute passage of play where there was no score. Canada's Valerie Dionne scored and Canada found their rhythm again. They broke quickly to go through two-on-one against Baird, using the cross-pool pass to great effect.

Canada won a penalty after a foul by Burns. Perreault hit the bar from the five metre line.

Scotland worked tirelessly until the end, inspired by Baird's performance in front of the net and Lynn Ruddock playing well despite dislocating a thumb in the first half.

Lynne Baird makes a wonder-save to deny Canada

However, Canada went on to win 33-0. Unfortunately, Scotland's hard work was not rewarded with a goal but the team will go into tomorrow's fixture against Singapore full of optimism. Singapore earlier lost to England 33-0.

Coach Bampouras said: "Some of the players had a really good game and we kept working hard.

"We need to keep in mind that this [Canada] is a women's team who are traditionally strong in Water Polo."

SCOTLAND: 1. Lynne Baird, 3. Fiona Greer, 4. Julia MacKay, 5. Cathy Burns, 6. Jillian Connor, 7. Caroline Connor, 8. Gael Logan, 9. Katie Matthews, 10. Lucy MacGregor, 11. Susan Johnstone, 12. Lynn Ruddock, 13. Sam Souter