Geraldton water polo: Demons continue winning form with wins in elimination finals, advancing to grand final

Geraldton water polo reached its elimination finals stage on Saturday with a mixed and surprise bag of results across the grades, with the Demons earning a grand final spot in both the men’s and women’s A-grade competitions.

In women’s A-grade, Demons stayed true to form with a commanding 13-8 victory over a determined but outmatched Rats side.

Demon Abbie Macdonald was instrumental, netting four goals and applying relentless attacking pressure. Zoe Sellars, Olivia Higgs and Maggie Spiers also delivered standout performances for the Demons.

The Rats battled hard but struggled with a lack of substitutes, causing fatigue in the latter stages. Nicole McAuley and Tessa O’Malley were superb for the Rats, who can be proud of their effort despite the result.

The Demons now turn their focus to a rematch of last year’s grand final against the reigning champions, B52’s on Saturday.

In the men’s A-grade Demons also came out on top. They face B52’s in this week’s grand final Saturday, a matchup that promises to be an intense battle with both teams boasting strong form.

The women’s B-grade elimination final provided one of the most thrilling games of the night, as the Demons edged out B52’s in a penalty shootout after an exhausting battle in regular time.

Both sides showcased immense determination, making it difficult to single out individuals. Opal Prout was impressive for B52’s, netting four goals in a performance that belied her age.

Billie Marshall led the charge for the Demons with four goals of her own, but the game’s defining moment came from Mirika Hall, whose experience and composure proved vital in rallying her team to victory.

The Demons now advance to face Rats in what is expected to be a gripping grand final showdown.

In the men’s B-grade, the Relics secured a hard-fought 11-7 victory over Rats in a tense affair. Adam Thompson and Noah Scott combined for six goals, leading their team’s offensive efforts.

For the Rats, Oliver Green and Bohdi Smith were outstanding, proving that the team’s young talents are ones to watch in future seasons. The Relics will now face their derby rivals, B52’s, in the grand final, where they will need to be at their absolute best to claim the title.

In the women’s C-grade two highly competitive elimination finals were played. In a nail-biting contest, Serpents Blue edged out Rats Black 8-7.

Kalani Cotto and Sarah Kenyon were sensational for the Serpents, scoring from all angles and keeping Rats’ defence under constant pressure. Meanwhile, Serpents Green secured a dominant 12-5 win over Rats Orange, whose efforts fell short despite the return of key players. Bianca Brennan starred for Serpents Green, slotting four goals,

The grand final will now be an all-Serpents affair, with Green and Blue set for battle.

In the men’s C-grade Demons beat the Rats in a high-scoring affair, 18-6. Kaysen Bunter was relentless with eight goals to his name. B52’s await Demons in the grand final.