Geraldton water polo round 11 preview: Top side Demons face B52’s as action resumes

Geraldton Water Polo Association’s season dives back into action this week, with all teams returning from the festive break after many players spent their time on State and national duties. The men’s A-grade gets things started on Friday, with Rats facing off against Relics, followed by Demons against B52’s in the evening. Demons are on top of the table but lost their final game of 2023 against a resurgent Rats side, and they will hope for Joel and Zacc Cross to return in good form. Rats finished strong with key performances from Darcy Wiffen, Kye McVee and Luke Neuwert, including a five-goal effort from Wiffen in their last game. B52’s have been inconsistent over the first half of the campaign, losing their last four matches, and they will look to the father-son duo of Daniel and Leo Prout to lift them out of their slump. The women’s A-grade matches have been rescheduled to be played on Thursday, January 18, with Demons facing Rats and B52’s taking on the Composite side. B52’s have dominated this season, with Emma Smith and Abbie Hagan consistently scoring goals for the ladder leaders. Demons goalkeeper Melissa Buscumb has proven invaluable for the side and has kept her eyes wide open to fend off opposition attacks. Rats have struggled so far and hope for the return of key players, especially goalkeeper Selina Kiddle, who proved indispensable in goal during the early season games. If both Demons and Rats are at full strength, expect a well-played close game. In men’s B-grade games, Rats kick off on Friday afternoon against Demons, while B52’s have their derby against Relics on Saturday afternoon. The B-grade women all play on Saturday, with Rats against Demons and Serpents against the in-form B52’s side, who are on top of the ladder, with only goal difference separating them from second-placed Rats. Women’s C-grade has B52’s taking on Demons Black, Serpents Yellow have their derby against Green, and Demons Yellow take on Rats Black. For the men, Demons have a doubleheader against Rats and B52’s, with both matches played on Saturday morning and after noon.