Scotland's appearance in the II Commonwealth Water Polo Championships resulted in a sixth-place finish against a number of the World's strongest teams.

Theo Bampouras's team has grown in both stature and ability since he took over, culminating in their best performance to date in the play-off with South Africa. Ultimately, victory was beyond this young team. They put every last piece of energy into the game and were rewarded with the best performance of a Scottish Women's Team in recent memory.

This spirit and performance was epitomised by Captain Fiona Greer. The 31-year-old battled through the game with persistent shoulder problems and put her body on the line for the sake of her team.

Scotland and South Africa attacked in equal measure in the opening exchanges with both defences proving to be strong.

South Africa eventually broke the deadlock, with Marcelle Keet opening the scoring. Lee-Anne Keet scored after Lucy MacGregor was excluded. Robyn Brooker also scored.

MacGregor won the swim-off for the second time in the game to start the second period. Katie Matthews drive had Brooker excluded and Greer made the score 3-1 from the extra man.

Lynne Baird and Centre-Defender MacGregor combined to prevent South Africa scoring straight back. MacGregor was excluded after a drive from Marcelle Keet, but Scotland's forest of arms stopped the South Africans from scoring.

Sarah Harris scored and Kelly Spiers scored after Gael Logan was excluded. Jillian Connor hit the bar at the other end with a backhand. Harris scored again for a half-time score of 6-1.

Matthews won the swim-off and a rejuvenated Scotland got a goal back. A drive from Cathy Burns and a great pass to Jillian Connor allowed the Menzieshill Centre Forward to turn and drill the ball into the top corner.

South Africa hit back with three quick goals and Bampouras called a time-out with three minutes 26 seconds left in the third quarter.

Marcelle Keet scored a breakaway goal and Baird made a wonder save to deny Jade Liddell before Ursula Oosthuizen was excluded for a foul on Julia MacKay. Sam Souter hit the bar before MacKay had Lauren Hay excluded. Greer produced the best pass of the week for MacGregor to shoot first time and score.

MacKay shot just wide at the start of the final quarter and Caroline Connor hit the bar. Susan Johnstone worked hard in defence, stealing the ball on two occasions when the South Africans were through on goal.

MacKay had Hay excluded again and MacGregor scored again from the right wing. Caroline Connor hit the bar again and Harris scored for South Africa.

Scotland won the final quarter with MacGregor's second for the period and third for the game. Lancaster-born MacGregor fired the ball into the top corner. The final score was 12-5 to South Africa.

Scotland finished in sixth place. With competition against Canada, who finished third at the FINA World Championships in Montreal, New Zealand, ranked 12th in the World and hosts Australia, the favourites to win the title this week, sixth is no mean feat.

Fiona 'Captain Fantastic' Greer said: "I am so proud of what we've achieved. In the last few weeks, we've improved beyond what I thought was possible.

"Everyone has put their heart and body on the line - I'm so proud."

The last word should go to the Coach, Mr Theodoros Bampouras. His devotion to the job is incredible, travelling from his home near Liverpool to coach the team.

Bampouras said: "We came here a week in advance. The team we have now is a completely different team. Everyone has improved beyond recognition. We are now more of a team, working tirelessly for one another.

"It is now imperative that we maintain these standards and build on this performance. SASA [the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association] need to recognise the work this team have done and need to provide funding for us to improve further."

A number of influential people in British Water Polo have been present this week. Bampouras added: "They have been very complimentary, not just of the fact that we made it here with our resources, but also of the way we have played.

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