B52’s, Country Week side win in Geraldton men’s A-grade water polo

The Geraldton Water Polo Association served up some cracking A-grade action on Sunday afternoon.

Second-place beat first as B52’s won a thrilling match against Demons, 12-10, while the Country Week squad had a big 14-4 win against Rats.

Men’s Country Week coach Russell McKinnon said the standard of play was a good sign as the association gears up to defend its men’s and women’s Country Week titles in March.

“The standard of play both men and women has really increased this year,” McKinnon said.

“Players have just picked up, they’re doing State training one night a week, it’s an extra training for them and they’re responding really well.

“Everybody has lifted.

“There is tighter refereeing and players are responding.

“It (the Country Week squad’s performance) was an excellent team effort. Combinations came up very well and there was great defence so it made it really hard for Rats.”

The scores were tied at half-time in the B52’s vs Demons game before B52’s edged it in the end.

Mick Rock, Flynn Scott, Jed Robertson and Kurt Tunbridge were among the best in the pool for B52’s as eight players got on the score sheet.

Zacc Cross was a standout for Demons, scoring two goals.

He was joint-top scorer along with Jack Cocking and Lachie Toomath.

McKinnon, who is a former international and contributes across the association, singled out Tunbridge, who plays for B52’s and Country Week, as one to watch as he scored five times across the two games and showed strength in front of goal.

“He got through a power of work,” McKinnon said.

“He is just such an energetic player in front of goal.

“He’s having a standout season.

“One of his goals was a brilliant centre-forward goal.”

Kye Mcvee and Darcy Wiffen each scored two goals for Rats, while Rhama Evans scored one.