Game 3: AUS v CHN

It was the closest match of the day when Australia faced China in game three of the Beach Polo, in a fast and furious encounter.  It ended in a 14-14 scoreline, but with four minutes left it was locked at 10-10.

China broke the deadlock at 3:18, netted twice more by 2:36 and looked set for victory.

In just over a minute, Australia was back on level terms. Deep into the final minute Aussie goalkeeper Kelsey Wakefield swam across halfway to score with one second on the clock. Unfortunately for her, the Chinese goalkeeper plucked the ball from goal and sent it downfield into the Aussie goal for the 14-14 equaliser on full time.

Australia will now meet China again for bronze medal playoff on Thursday 18 July at 3:15pm AEST. 

Australian team: Morgan Baxter, Sofia Chaves, Michaela Davies, Kiara Holden, Bridget Leeson Smith, Tayla Walsh, Kelsey Wakefield

GAME 2: AUS VS USA

Sunday 14 July 2019 : A formidable USA Beach Polo team proved too strong for the Australian women’s team, powering home to take a 16-6 win in game two of the FINA World Championships

The opening half saw nothing between the two sides, with the score line 4-6 halftime scoreline.

Australian Beach Polo Goal Keeper Michaela Davies said: "It takes a little bit to get us going, especially getting used to the rules.

“What we learnt against Spain yesterday, we applied everything today. Our girls stuck to it then our attack was better than yesterday, converting our attempts.

“It puts us in a good position for our match with China in two days. We are slowly adapting to the rules and it's becoming easier and easier,” she said.

Australian Assistant Coach Scott Nicholson said: "Taryn and I are real proud of the team. The difference was fitness in the end. They are coming off the senior team training while we were picked just four weeks ago.

“We proved we could hang on to them for a long time. It was the fighting Australian spirit they showed so we are very proud of them."

AUS 6 v USA 16

Score: 4-6; 2-10

Australian team: Morgan Baxter (2), Sofia Chaves, Michaela Davies, Kiara Holden (1), Bridget Leeson Smith (2), Tayla Walsh (1), Kelsey Wakefield

GAME 2: AUS vs ESP

Saturday 13 July 2019: Beach water polo made it’s debut at the FINA World Championships, minus the beach, sand and surf.

However, teams were making waves as they enjoyed the free-flowing style, the smaller goals, the shorter and narrower pitch without the single referee breathing down their necks.

The game is fast, just three field players and a goalkeeper. The possession time is 20 seconds and there are two halves of 10 minutes' actual time.

In Australia’s first match of the tournament they came head to head with a strong Spanish outfit who showed their dominance from the outset.

Australian Women’s Beach Polo Captain Morgan Baxter said: "It's a really interesting style, fast and intense.

“There is no time to warm up, you have to be ready to go from the start.

“You have to be aware and use everything you've got…. you have to be ready to go at all times."

A demonstration event being held for the first time at the FINA World Championships, Australia was one of four teams invited to compete in the Beach Polo.

Head Coach for the Aussies, Sydney 2000 Olympic champion, Taryn Woods said the team hasn’t had a huge preparation leading into the tournament.

"We had a couple of hit-outs with some under-18 boys at home and then a short scrimmage against the Chinese here (in Gwangju).

“The game itself is not too different, but we expected the Spanish to be fast and mobile — this form of the game suited their style of play."

Australian team: Morgan Baxter, Sofia Chaves, Michaela Davies, Kiara Holden, Bridget Leeson Smith, Tayla Walsh, Kelsey Wakefield