Geraldton water polo finals: Senior elimination finals promise plenty of talent and intriguing battles

It’s finals time for the Geraldton Water Polo Association, with the Aquarena hosting the junior grand finals and senior elimination finals this weekend.

In men’s A-grade, the B52’s Men and Relics sides will face off in a captivating elimination battle late Saturday afternoon.

Both teams have abundant talent: the B52’s young guns of Leo Prout, Jimmy Horsman and Kingston Warren seem to have unending energy, while the team also benefits from the experience and level heads of Mick Rock, Craig Harrington and Daniel Prout.

The Relics have their own key players, with Corey Smith, Nick Pead, and Drew and Kurt Tunbridge consistently delivering throughout the season.

The teams have clashed four times this season, with Relics securing two wins and B52’s a draw and a win. While the B52’s may not have had the upper hand in the past two games against the Relics, the energetic young players may tip the scales in their favour for a victory.

In the women’s A-grade semi, Rats take on Demons and the latter are clear favourites to progress to the grand final, boasting depth in talent with Abbie and Sian MacDonald, ably supported by Trixie Kerr, Maggie Spiers, India Newman and Billie Marshall.

With Mel Buscumb as probably the best goalkeeper in the competition, Demons are poised to deflect Rats’ attacks with ease.

Although Rats have not shown consistency throughout the season, they possess their own pool of talent. However, even with a full team, defeating the cohesive unit that is the Demons would be an uphill battle.

In men’s B-grade, it’s Demons versus Relics, with a much tighter outcome expected. Brendon Jones will be a key player for the Relics in goals, while Demons will rely on Thomas and Peter Manuel in their offense.

In women’s B-grade, Demons face off against Rats. The previous meeting between the teams ended in a 6-6 draw, promising a tightly contested game.

Mikayla Cremin has been in fine form in the Demons’ goal and Maggie Spiers and Saskia Newman have seamlessly transitioned into the A-grade contest for the Demons.

In men’s C-grade, B52’s take on Rats, with Demons already securing a spot in the grand final. In women’s C-grade, the first-placed Rats Black team will clash with fourth-placed B52’s, while Demons Black takes on Serpents Yellow.