Scotland lost 12-1 to South Africa in their second game of Day Five at the II Commonwealth Water Polo Championships at Challenge Stadium, Perth.

The score was not a true reflection on the result – it was a game in which South Africa took their chances, and in which Scotland could not convert their hard work into goals.

Fiona Greer, the Scotland Captain, said: "We did what we were told to do, we were just tired.

"We played a very physical game against New Zealand earlier today, and we'll be ready for Saturday." Scotland look certain to face South Africa in the playoff for fifth place on Saturday morning, and the team will need to put in to practice all that Coach Bampouras has taught them.

In the first period, South Africa took an early lead when Marcelle Keet scored, reacting first to a rebound from a Lynne Baird save. Sarah Harris scored a second after Susan Johnstone was excluded, before Caroline Connor scored. She collected the ball with seconds of possession remaining and scored an exquisite lob over the hapless 'Keeper, Hayley Duncan.

Scotland's build-up play was a vast improvement on previous matches, and Julia MacKay was a constant threat. MacKay had Fiona Mallett and Ursula Oosthuizen excluded in the first period. Lucy MacGregor hit the upright after the second of these extra-man situations.

South Africa scored further goals through Marcelle Keet and Lee-Anne Keet to take a 4-1 lead.

MacGregor won the swim-off for the second time in the game, and was in fact unbeaten in the 12-and-a-half metre sprint, winning all four swim-offs.

Lee-Anne Keet scored a backhand from Centre Forward before MacGregor was excluded for a foul on Lisa Stirrat. Caroline Connor made a great block. Harris scored her second of the game with a quick five-metre shot for South Africa to take a 6-1 half-time lead.

Baird made a number of saves in the third quarter, but South Africa scored further goals through Mallett and Marcelle Keet.

Bampouras used his first time-out after MacKay had Lee-Anne Keet excluded. Scotland were dispossessed and Marcelle Keet scored her fourth goal of the game.

Scotland were a persistent threat on the South African goal. MacKay and Jillian Connor worked tirelessly, winning exclusions. But Scotland did not capitalise. Poor awareness of the free player on the post meant a number of missed opportunities to add to their total.



Katie Matthews and Gael Logan both made last ditch tackles to deny South Africa but Jade Liddell, Lee-Anne Keet and Harris scored in the final period. The final score could have been eight-all, but Scotland will hope they can get their revenge on Saturday.

Saturday's match is at 9.30am local team, 1.30am GMT. So set your alarm clocks and go to www.waterpolochamps.com to support the team!

But before that, there's the small matter of a match against England, tomorrow at 5.20pm local time.

SCOTLAND: 1. Lynne Baird, 3. Fiona Greer (Capt), 4. Julia MacKay, 5. Cathy Burns, 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