Geraldton water polo round 3: Father-son combo Daniel and Leo Prout combine for four goals for B52’s win

A father and son combination proved the difference for the B52’s in their men’s A-grade win over the Rats in the third round action of the Geraldton water polo season. B52’s pulled off an impressive 9-7 win, in a game that showcased both sides’ defensive capabilities. Quentin Green for the Rats and Craig Harrington for B52’s pulled off multiple athletic saves, which kept the score even until the latter half of the game, when the B52’s managed to pull away. The Rats looked tired with no men in reserve, but Luke Neuwert still led the team with several charges through the middle of the pool and Darcy Wiffen was a standout performer, scoring two goals and converting a penalty in the loss. For the B52’s, father-son combo Daniel and Leo Prout proved their mettle in the water, scoring four goals between them. The Demons won convincingly against the Relics side, 11-3. Joel and Zac Cross both nabbed a hat-trick, with Drew MacGregor maintaining his usual solid performance in the Demons’ goal. In women’s A-grade, the B52’s won against the Demons in a thrilling game that featured action from the first siren to the last. Abbie and Sian MacDonald each scored for the Demons, with Trixie Kerr and Melissa Buscumb delivering great defensive performances. The B52’s applied pressure in the final quarter, and solid goals from Evie Prout and Emma Smith proved too much for the Demons. In the men’s B-grade games, the B52’s won a tight affair against the Rats, 5-4. Leo Prout once again found the scoresheet, contributing four goals for the winning side. Demons took on the Relics in the other B-grade game, with the Demons winning 9-3. Drew MacGregor and Thomas Manuel worked well together with five goals between them. In women’s B-grade, the B52’s were in fine form, winning 8-3 over Demons. Evie Prout had a hat-trick for the winners. Mikayla Cremin was superb in goal for Demons but struggled with the constant barrage from the strong B52’s attacks. In the C-grade matches, the B52’s beat the Rats 9-4 in the men’s while in the women’s games Serpents Yellow drew 6-6 with B52’s and Rats Orange won 10-5 over Serpents Green. Serpents coach Gilly Johnson was full of praise for her side and her club overall. “I am loving coaching the women’s C (Green) and women’s B for Serpents in 2023, along with helping with our other teams,” she said. “We are working on some new elements in 2023 to bring out the best in our very talented group of junior, emerging, and senior players.” Geraldton Water Polo spokesperson Julia Gourley spoke with enthusiasm about the season ahead. “Exciting times lie ahead, with Fremantle and UWA national league teams set to play exhibition games in Geraldton on November 25th, with UWA hosting a two-day camp for club members,” she said. “Water polo enthusiasts in Geraldton have plenty to look forward to as the season continues to unfold.”