Grand finals set after weekend of preliminary finals sees B52s and Demons claim decider berths

B52s and Demons will play off for the Geraldton water polo titles in both men’s and women’s leagues after the Rats’ season came to an end.

In the women’s preliminary final, Demons recovered from an early scare to beat Rats coming back from 3-1 down during the second quarter to win the game 11-7.

Demons’ player Anouska Barnes was delighted with the team’s performance and was looking forward to the challenge of B52s in the final.

“Heading into the game we knew it would be tough, it was a physically tough game, with a lot of swimming,” she said.

“Our girls always seem to pull together when it counts though.

“B52s haven’t lost all season, their attack is amazing but our defensive skills are some of the best in the comp, hopefully we can step up and showcase an awesome game of women’s A-grade polo.”

Demons goalkeeper Maggie Spiers was player of the match, not just because of her efforts in goal but the fact she was filling in for the Demons’ regular keeper after playing a full game for the B grade side making close to 30 saves.

Demons’ attack was dominated by Abbie McDonald who scored six and Olivia Higgs with three.

Demons now face B52s in the grand final on Saturday.

In the men’s A-grade prelim, B52s won a tight game against a tenacious Rats side 14-9.

Drew and Kurt Tunbridge put in a superb performance for the winners, scoring five goals between them, with Kurt Tunbridge scoring twice from halfway down the pool.

Luke Neuwert and Darcy Wiffen were outstanding for Rats, getting six goals between them.

It was a lion-hearted performance from captain Neuwert to ensure they did not stop fighting to the final whistle.

B52s will take on Drew Macgregor’s Demons side in what should be an action-packed grand final on Saturday.

In the men’s B grade, B52s Relics won a tight victory over Demons 8-7, with Relics winning from the last throw by Ryan Hetherington, his third goal of the game.

In the women’s B-grade prelim, Rats won a tense match against Demons 8-7 thanks to Milly Kalajzich’s four goals with Sophia Kalajzich getting another two.

Maggie Spiers also played for the Demons B grade managing two goals for her side.

In the men’s C-grade game, B52s Blue beat an under-fire Rats side 16-5.

Ben Bokeman and Jayden Schofield fired home eight goals between them for the B52s.

In the women’s C-grade semi-final matches, Rats Black won over Demons Black 8-6 and Rats Orange won in convincing style against B52s 11-3.

Association spokesperson Julia Gourley was pleased with how the season was climaxing.

“The preliminary finals delivered action-packed games, Rats played strong games in A-grade but both teams have missed out for the grand finals this season but it is clear after this season they will be strong contenders for next season,” she said.

“It has been exciting watching Rats Water Polo Club rebuild their A-grade teams over the last four seasons and they are on the cusp of taking over future seasons, they are the club to watch.”