Geraldton water polo women’s prelims: Demons down Rats as they claim grand final spot against B52’s

The preliminary finals in women’s water polo saw the Demons defeat the Rats 9-6 as they booked their grand final spot.

The season is approaching its climax, with all clubs still having teams in contention in the women’s division during Saturday’s prelim round.

In the A-grade match-up, the Rats had a great start and led the Demons 3-0 at the end of the first quarter.

Selina Kiddle was in fine form in the Rats’ goal, while Lani Grant, Taylor Beros and Ava Chesson all contributed early goals for their team.

The Demons bounced back in style during the second quarter, with Zoe Sellars and Abbie MacDonald scoring vital goals.

Mel Buscumb was superb in the Demons’ goal, while her teammates continued to dominate the latter half of the game and push further into Rats’ territory.

Six Demons players managed to score, showcasing the team’s depth.

As a cohesive unit, the Demons will be a test going into the season finale where they will face B52’s next weekend.

B52’s are the favourites but the defensive strength of Buscumb on goals and the Demons’ strong attack could result in a hotly contested game.

In the B-grade prelim, the Demons also faced the Rats, with Demons emerging as winners in a tense game that ended in a thrilling penalty shootout.

Chesson scored Rats’ first goal, quickly followed by Billie Marshall for Demons. The teams went back and forth, with neither managing to get the upper hand.

It was 6-6 at the end of normal time and composure from Mikayla Cremin in the Demons’ goal and Alana Grose with the winning penalty secured the Demons’ spot in the grand final against B52’s.

In the C-grade, minor premiers Rats Black faced fourth-place finishers B52’s. The game ended tied at four goals each, leading to penalties. The B52’s held their nerve in a fiercely fought game. This means ladder leaders the Rats are out and have no second chance next week.

Demons Black won the other C-grade prelim, defeating Serpents Yellow 11-8 and they will face B52’s in the final next week.