WATER POLO: Australia’s women’s water polo team’s North American tour has come to a close after the Aussie Stingers fell to Canada 8-7 in their final game of the Holiday Cup in Los Angeles.

Australia had looked in pole position to claim their second win of the tournament, edging clear with five minutes remaining, but consecutive goals in the final two minutes saw Canada wrap up the contest.

Isobel Bishop was the star for Australia netting goals in each of the second, third and fourth quarters, with skipper Bronwen Knox pitching in with a first half double.

Canada had the better of the opening exchanges leading 2-1 at quarter time. It could have been worse had in not been for Knox’s opener at 1:42.

The Stingers rebounded in the second term, leading 3-2 and 4-3 thanks to an extra man goal to Jayde Appel and strikes to Knox and Bishop, only for Canada to equalize at 4-4 in the shadows of half time.

Again the Stingers surged ahead, leading 5-4 and 6-5 midway through the third quarter, but they were unable to capitalise on a host of chances to extend their advantage.

Canada levelled at 6-6 and despite Australia nailing the all-important first goal of the final term the Canadians retaliated with two of their own to steal the match.

Rowie Webster said it had been a disappointing finish the tour but was confident the girls would benefit greatly from the experience.

“We’re disappointed with the loss today but there are a few positive steps moving forward that the team has got out of this tour,” Webster said.

“It’s a fairly new team so just being on tour together and learning more about each other is a positive.

“We’ve just got to learn from the experience and keep working hard back at our state institutes.”

The Stingers will return to Australia for the Christmas break, before heading to Perth for the BHP Billiton Aquatic Super Series against China in January.

Water Polo Australia