The Australian 16 & under junior girls team have clean swept their test series against New Zealand claiming a close 7-6 win in their third and final game.

The match was close the whole way with doubles to Bronte Halligan and Kate Abbey-Wardale and a hat-trick to Chelsea Allen proving the difference.

The result leaves the combined Australian squad with two bronze, a silver and the Oceania Youth Trophy from their three week tour.

"The girls have achieved much better results than I expected in New Zealand and it has been a pleasure working with them," coach Jack Lusic said.

Australian Girls B'96 Test Series v New Zealand

"Of course after three long weeks the girls were very tired and Maddy Steere and Lena Mihailovic were rested, but the team once again dug deep and fought very well.

"I congratulate each and every one of them on their efforts and a big thanks must go to New Zealand Water Polo for organising the tour and to the many families who billoted the girls."

Australia B '96

Octavia Bellekens, Amy Ridge, Bronte Halligan, Kristy Donkin, Ellodie Ruffin, Katie Laycock, Monique Rebelo, Kate Abbey-Wardale, Chelsea Allen, Sally Coburn, Julia Barton, Emily Grellman

Result: Australia U16 7 bt New Zealand U16 6

Qtrs: 2-1, 2-1, 1-2, 2-2

X Man for: 2 from 3 and 0 from 1 penalty

X Man against: NZ scored 3 from 5

AUS scorers: Chelsea Allen 3, Bronte Halligan 2, Kate Abbey-Wardale 2

Best players: Chelsea Allen, Bronte Halligan, Kate Abbey-Wardale

Young stars hold on for tight win

The Australian 16 & under juniors girls team have scored a narrow 5-4 victory in their second test in Auckland.

The girls opened a 3-1 lead at quarter time, and despite having to overcome a second half rally by the hosts, were able to hold on for the win.

"Fatigue was showing but as usual the character in these girls came through and they won the second test," coach Jack Lusic said.

"Whilst we were never in trouble we could never break away from the New Zealand girls.

"Defensively we were superior, but the heavy refereeing suited the heavy play of the New Zealanders and that made it difficult for our attack."

Australia B '96

Octavia Bellekens, Amy Ridge, Bronte Halligan, Kristy Donkin, Ellodie Ruffin, Katie Laycock, Monique Rebelo, Kate Abbey-Wardale, Maddy Steere, Lena Mihailovic, Chelsea Allen, Sally Coburn, Julia Barton

Result: Australia U16 5 bt New Zealand U16 4

Qtrs: 3-1, 1-2, 0-0, 1-1

X Man for: 0 from 4 and 1 from 2 penalty

X Man against: NZ scored 2 from 7

AUS Scorers: Chelsea Allen 2, Lena Mihailovic 2, Maddy Steere

AUS Best: Maddy Steere, Lena Mihailovic, Chelsea Allen

Aussie juniors defeat Kiwis in game one

The Australian 16 & under junior girls team have defeated New Zealand 9-5 in their opening test.

Following two gruelling weeks in the U20 and U18 Pan Pacific Youth Festival, the Aussie girls fought tirelessly to earn an encouraging first up win.

Centre forward Maddy Steere and Cronulla Sharks star Lena Mihailovic led the way for the Aussies scoring three goals each.

Coach Jack Lusic was again pleased by the effort and credited their ability to keep on fighting despite signs of fatigue.

"After playing water polo for two weeks against stronger and older players the team is understandably quite tired," Lusic said.

"Although we won, the game was a lot closer than the score indicates with only one goal separating the two teams at the end of the third quarter.

"This team is a mix of players from the green and gold squads at the Pan Pacs festival, so it took a while for the combinations to work.

"Overall, though, I congratulate the girls for their character and tenacity and it was a great way to start the series."

Australia B'96

Emily Grellman, Amy Ridge, Bronte Halligan, Kristy Donkin, Ellodie Ruffin, Katie Laycock, Monique Rebelo, Kate Abbey-Wardale, Maddy Steere, Lena Mihailovic, Chelsea Allen, Sally Coburn, Julia Barton

Result: Australia U16 9 bt New Zealand U16 5

Qtrs: 2-1, 1-1, 3-2, 3-1

X Man for: 4 from 5 and 1 from 1 penalty

X Man against: NZ scored 2 from 5 & 1 from 2 penalty

AUS Scorers: Maddy Steere 3, Lena Mihailovic 3, Ellodie Ruffin, Kate Abbey-Wardale, Chelsea Allen

AUS Best: Maddy Steere, Lena Mihailovic

Australian Water Polo