Geraldton Water Polo Association Round 12: B52s treading nicely as competition begins to take final shape

The B52’s continued their dominance in the men’s and women’s A-grade competitions in the Geraldton Softball Association despite valiant efforts from the Rats and Demons. The men’s A-grade round 12 action kicked off on Saturday afternoon, as the B52’s side ran out confident 17–8 winners over Rats, despite a late surge in the final period. B52’s dominated the first three quarters with superb performances from Ben Naisbitt and Leo Prout, who combined for six goals, seeing B52’s to an unassailable lead. The young guns were ably backed by the returning Daniel Prout with Ashley Sojan and ever-reliable Kurt Tunbridge, who led from the front with two captain’s goals. The final quarter, however, belonged to Rats, who were firing after a rousing team talk from Luke Nuewert, as he, Myles Crawford and Liam Check all found the back of the net. Although Rats outscored B52’s late, the damage had already been done. In women’s A-grade, B52’s and Demons produced a clash that lived up to expectations later in the day, with B52’s toppling the ladder leaders 7–4. Tenielle Hawke was once again outstanding for the winners, finishing with two superb goals, while Evie Prout celebrated her 19th birthday in style, also scoring twice. For Demons, Grace and Olivia Higgs were strong with two goals apiece, but the game belonged to B52’s, who showed more energy, drive and capitalised on a depleted Demons roster. Serpents and Rats also delivered a thrilling clash, resulting in a hard-fought 5-5 draw on Saturday afternoon. Scores were traded throughout the match, with neither side able to get more than a goal ahead without an immediate response. Kalani Cotto and Gilly Johnson were stand-outs for Serpents, with Johnson once again rock-solid and prominent in goals. Mikayla Cremin was superb in goal for Rats, while Lani Grant did plenty of work pushing her side forward across all four quarters. Men’s B-grade saw Demons take a well deserved 11–4 win over Relics in an entertaining match late on Saturday as Cruz Henderson starred with four goals, while Finn Henderson and Angus MacDonald also showed good form for the winners. In women’s B-grade on Friday night, B52’s took a narrow, hard-fought 8-7 win over Demons Yellow. Veteran Michelle Prout led the way with three goals and marshalling younger players in defence. Demons pushed hard, with Ella Ebsary starring and strong support from Esmae Oswald and Kelsie Crowe.