South Africa went down 5-18 to Italy in a women’s water polo world league match in Lille, France, this weekend.

Italy took the win with total authority, dominating each quarter.

The second period in particular – which represented a 7-2 score – allowed Italy to gain an 11-2 overall lead by half-time.

The most even period was the third, because it resulted in just a 3-2 score in favour of the Italians. South Africa were outclassed, although Nicollette Poulos helped their effort by netting two, one for each of the middle quarters.

For Italy Federica Radicchi was a rampant force, scoring six points, of which four were in the second period. Giulia Dal Fiume was also in form, pocketing three (one for each of the last three quarters).

Earlier in the weekend Spain had beaten the South Africans 17-7 in a game that saw Lee-Anne Keet grab a hat trick of goals.