In the second match, in front of a parochial crowd, Australia finished strongly with a 4-1 final quarter in a match in which the foul count was heavily against by a factor of four.

Head coach John Fox said: “It was a much-improved defensive effort over the first match and the game plan was followed well. This gives us confidence moving toward Beijing.”

There is one match remaining in the series before the Sharks fly home to begin final preparations for Beijing.

Results:
International men’s series, Barcelona, Spain: Australia 9 (T Franklin 3, R Maitland 2, J Beadsworth, J Cotterill, A Martin, T Whalan) Spain 9, Australia 10 (P Figlioli, T Franklin, T Neesham, T Whalan 2, R Campbell, S McGregor) Spain 7. Australia leads three-test series 1-0.

Team Reports:

1 – 25th June
AUS 9 - ESP 9
Qtr Scores: 0-0; 4-3; 3-4; 2-2.
Goal scorers: Franklin 3, Maitland 2, Beadsworth, Cotterill, Martin, Whalan 1.
Goalkeepers (Goals/saves): Sterk 3/5, Quinlivan 6/7
Extraman: AUS 1/6, ESP 5/8
Comments: “We’ve two more official games with Spain and I have an expectation that our extraman conversion will improve. Only with this will it give us the opportunity to win such matches” - John Fox.