WATER POLO: The Australian Women’s Water Polo team have taken back to back victories against China, defeating the visitors 10-5 in Perth last night.

While the two wins secured the series for the Aussie Stingers, they’ll head into Tuesday’s final test match aiming to make a clean sweep against the world number five.

The second test saw the Aussies dominate from the outset, holding the Chinese scoreless until the third quarter.

Coach Greg McFadden said the team’s performance in the second test improved from the first and he put a lot of that down to a strong defensive game.

“Overall our set defence was very good as we allowed the opposition to only score one field goal while the rest of them came through extra man,” said McFadden.

“The impressive part of our defence was the amount of field blocks and steals we made throughout the game, which is the area we spoke about improving over the last two days.

“Our team all made solid contributions, with Lea Yanitsas make crucial saves in third quarter.

“After scoring an four goals in the first test match Ashleigh Southern was closely guarded by the Chinese, but she played very well defensively making steals and blocks while also helping to control our attack,” he said.

The test match series and 10 days training camp with China forms an important part of the Aussies preparation for the Rio Olympic games, providing opportunities for the squad to test combinations and allow players to stake their claim on Olympic selection.

Australian goal scorers: Hannah Buckling, Glencora McGhie, Ashleigh Southern (2), Nicola Zagame, Holly Lincoln-Smith, Jayde Appel, Keesja Gofers (2), Zoe Arancini.

Scores after quarter time: Q1 AUS 2 CHN 0; Q2 AUS 5 CHN 0; Q3 AUS 8 CHN 3; Q4 AUS 10 CHN 5.

Third Test Match - Tuesday 2 February 2016, 7:00pm (local time), Bicton Pool, Blackwall Reach Parade, Bicton, WA. 

Water polo Australia