B52s fend off country week fightback as Demons enjoy solid wins in latest water polo action

B52s continue to be the benchmark after solid victories in round eight of the Geraldton water polo season. The men’s side led from the first quarter against the composite country week team, with early goals from Noah Scott and Kurt and Drew Tunbridge. The composite side found their fight as the game went on but their scoreless first quarter meant they were playing catch up all game as the ladder leaders held on to win 10-7. Leo Prout shone once more for the B52s, nabbing three goals in the second and third quarters while Mick Rock put in a solid performance at the back, providing a solid defence and marshalling his younger teammates. Demons took on Rats in the other A grade matchup, with the Demons taking a convincing victory 14-3. Demons were eight goals up just before half-time and Rats found it difficult to cope with the onslaught from their forward players. Lachy Toomath and Rory Miragliotta were outstanding across all quarters for the Demons, netting 10 goals between them. Rats coach Luke Neuwert said there were still positives to take out of the game despite the loss. “It was tough a game and Demons’ fast breaks hurt us, but the boys didn’t give in and kept working to the final siren, Cooper Pirrottina did great stepping up to play goalie for us,” he said. There were no surprises in the women’s A grade with B52s continuing their superb form in the pool taking a 5-2 victory over the Demons. Tenielle Hawke proved her value once more, scoring three vital goals and breaking down several Demons offensive plays while Emily Larsen was exceptional in the B52s goal, ensuring that many of the Demons’ attacks were snuffed out. Stand-in coach for B52s Philip Martin was pleased with the result. “It was the overall fitness that got B52s over the line, it was a hard-found game from both sides and a good game for the spectators,” he said. The Demons side had plenty of solid moments but the relentless forward movement was just too much for them. Serpents took on Rats in the other women’s game with Rats taking a narrow 4-2 win over a resurgent Serpents. Nerene Lawley was outstanding in the Rats goal, making saves across the game to keep Rats in the lead. The Serpents team improved over the game, with Sabine Angelatos getting an early goal and looking dangerous in the latter stages. Fiona Angelatos impressed in goal and grew in confidence despite letting in some early goals. Full Results B Grade Men Rats 7 B52s Relics 6 B52s 5 Demons 5 Women Demons 5 Serpents 4 B52s 7 Rats 3 C Grade Men Rats 9 Demons 4 B52s Blue 7 B52s White 5 Women Demons Black 6 Serpents 2 Rats Black 10 Demons Gold 3 Rats Orange 7 B52s 1