Geraldton water polo second half-season preview: Action returns to the pool with final stretch before finals

The Geraldton water polo season is entering its final stretch after the Christmas break, with the B52’s firmly in pole position across most ladders.

In the women’s A-grade, the B52’s have been unbeatable, recording 10 wins from 10 matches.

The team’s success has been led by Aimee Hagan, who tops the goal scoring chart with 15 goals.

Emma Smith and Keshi McCagh have also played pivotal roles, contributing to the team’s flawless record.

Taylor Penney’s performance in goal has been instrumental in maintaining their defensive strength, consistently shutting down opposing teams.

The Demons are not far behind, having shown resilience throughout the season.

Zoe Sellars and Billie Marshall have been key players in keeping the Demons competitive and determined to challenge the high-flying B52’s.

The Rats, despite the strong form of striker Nicole McAuley, have struggled to find consistent success this season.

As the Demons prepare to face the Rats on Saturday, both teams will be aiming to close the gap on the B52’s, who take on the composite team.

The men’s competition mirrors the women’s, with the B52’s also leading the A-grade ladder.

They remain unbeaten, with only one draw blemishing their near-perfect record.

Scoring has been a collective effort, with Corey Smith, Kurt Tunbridge, Leo Prout, and Callum Sojan all nearing double-digit goals for the season.

The Demons are hot on their trail, with Zacc and Joel Cross delivering consistent performances. For the Rats, Darcy Wiffen has been in excellent form, but the season appears to be one of transition.

Friday night’s match between the B52’s and Demons promises to be a crucial battle as both teams look to assert dominance heading into the season’s final rounds.

In the B-grade competitions, the B52’s continue to lead both the men’s and women’s ladders. The men’s team have been dominant, winning all 10 of their games, with Jimmy Horsman leading the scoring with 32 goals.

Their upcoming derby against the Relics on Saturday could be decisive in securing top spot.

Meanwhile, the Rats and Demons, who have shown patches of good form, will meet on Friday in a critical encounter.

The women’s B-grade ladder is much closer, with the B52’s holding a narrow lead on goal difference.

The Rats and Demons are right on their heels, making the upcoming matches crucial.

The B52’s will aim to capitalise against the Serpents, who are still seeking their first win, while the Demons take on the Rats in what promises to be a tightly contested match.

In women’s C-grade, the Rats have been dominant, with Rats Orange leading the pack and Rats Black in second.

Esta Penberthy’s remarkable scoring streak, approaching 40 goals, has kept Rats Orange at the top.

Saturday’s games will see the B52’s face Demons Black, the Serpents engage in a derby, and Demons Yellow clash with Rats Black.

The men’s C-grade is also led by the B52’s, who maintain a perfect record. With the Rats and Demons vying for the second spot, their upcoming match will be pivotal.

Although the B52’s remain the team to beat at most levels, the competition is far from over as teams push for ladder supremacy.