A physical encounter with Dolphins ended in defeat for Scotland despite a three goals to one comeback in the final period.

Captain Fiona Greer, who is playing through shoulder problems, said: "I was really happy. We picked our heads up and won the last quarter. It was a good effort."

Dolphins took the lead in the opening seconds when their Centre Forward Jemma Desauvagie scored. The local team then hit the bar twice in quick succession before scoring a second goal. After Julia MacKay's exclusion, a block from Lucy MacGregor and a Lynne Baird save prevented Dolphins from extending the lead.

Dolphins rate of scoring accelerated in the second period with five goals in the opening three minutes. Scotland then launched a fight back. MacKay won an extra man and Greer forced Emma Knox, the Australian 2004 Olympic 'keeper, to save. Jillian Connor and MacKay both worked well in the pit, turning the Centre Defender, but Knox made comfortable saves on no fewer than four occasions.

Sam Souter opened Scotland's scoring for the evening in the third quarter. Souter's strong shot was fumbled by Knox. Cathy Burns was then put through one-on-one by Baird's long pass. Burns was composed enough to put the ball into the net.

Desauvagie, the strong Centre Forward, then scored two goals. Scotland had a man-up late in the quarter and Caroline Connor hit the post.

MacKay turned in the pit and her shot hit the post, but she was strong enough to win the rebound and score.

Sharon Wheelock, who plays for Fremantle Mariners, the reigning Australian National League Champions, was excluded for a foul on Burns. Burns made a quick one-two and scored. Caroline Connor found the top-right corner of the net from a man-up.

Bampouras put the difference between the two sides down to "momentary lapses in concentration" by his team.

Bampouras said: "It was a much improved game which obviously reflects with the score line."

Scotland's warriors will now train twice on Friday, twice on Saturday and will rest on Sunday before the Commonwealth Water Polo Championships. This will hopefully give Gael Logan, who missed tonight's game due to a groin injury, and the other walking wounded time to recover.

SCOTLAND: 1. Lynne Baird, 3. Fiona Greer, 4. Julia MacKay (1 goal), 5. Cathy Burns (2), 6. Jillian Connor, 7. Caroline Connor (1), 8. Gael Logan, 9. Katie Matthews, 10. Lucy MacGregor, 11. Susan Johnstone, 12. Lynn Ruddock, 13. Sam Souter (1)

FINAL Scotland 5, Claremont Dolphins 11 (0-2, 0-7, 2-10, 5-11)



Katie Matthews takes a warm up shot at goal