Water polo: Demons down Rats to keep pressure on B52s, with minor premiership still to be decided

Demons kept the pressure on B52s in men’s A-grade water polo, with a close and well-fought victory over Rats as the penultimate round before finals threw up some interesting results.

With most league positions still in play, the energy and intensity was high across the weekend’s action.

The Demons claimed the win over Rats in the final quarter, 11-7.

Zacc Cross and Ben Saunders scored five goals between them for the Demons, while Drew MacGregor put in his usual athletic performance.

The Demons’ goalkeeper was satisfied with the result, but knows there is a huge game next week.

“Good result in the end, Rats had a great first half and held the intensity of the game all the way through, (it was) good to get the win in the end but the young Rats team has come so far in the season. (It) will be a great game next week for either team to claim top spot,” MacGregor said.

Rats coach Luke Neuwert was happy with his team’s performance despite the loss.

“Another great game. We were in it up until the last quarter. In the fourth we ran out of steam especially the young fellas who had also played the game before,” he said.

Meanwhile, B52s took on the country week composite side, with Kurt Tunbridge getting a stylish hat-trick and Luke Neuwert impressing for the composite side. These results mean the top spot and minor premiership will come down to their last league games next weekend.

In the women’s A-grade games, Serpentslost 5-3 to Rats. Abbey Drage scored two for Rats to take the well-earned victory. Serpents were certainly not embarrassed in the water however, with Zoe Rowcroft, Jill Gamble and Gilly Johnston all putting in good performances.

With the minor premiership already secured, the B52s defeated second-placed Demons in convincing style, 10-4.

Tenielle Hawke added another four goals to her impressive season tally. While no “official” records will be broken, there is no argument about the magnificent feat Hawke has accomplished.

Aimee Hagan stood out for the B52s, with the experienced player marshalling her team and ensuring constant pressure was put on the Demons. Abbie MacDonald impressed once more for Demons, scoring two goals and setting up several others.

In women’s B-grade, Serpents beat Demons 9-4, with Bianca O’Malley scoring three goals for Serpents with Gilly Johnston solid in goal.

B52s versus Rats rounded off the women’s B-grade games, with B52s winning 8-6. The game rarely dipped in intensity, with 12 individuals finding the back of the net.

Julia Gourley and Michelle Prout were the only multiple goal scores, with two goals each.

In men’s B-grade, B52s Relics edged Rats 8-6 in a hard-fought match. Noah Scott was outstanding for the Relics, with two goals and solid defensive play.

In women’s C-grade, Demons Black won the derby against Demons Gold 8-2, Rats Black come out on top against B52s 6-3 and Rats Orange dominated Serpents, 12-0.

In men’s C-grade matches, B52s Blue won the derby against B52s White, 9-7.