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Geraldton women’s water polo final: B52’s clinch fourth title in a row in thrilling win against the Demons

Derek GoforthGeraldton Guardian
B52's are the women's water polo premiers for 2024.
Camera IconB52's are the women's water polo premiers for 2024. Credit: Derek Goforth

B52’s women clinched the A-grade water polo premiership, sealing their fourth consecutive title in a thrilling game decided by just one goal.

The B52’s secured a 9-8 victory after overcoming an early scare, with Demon players Zoe Sellars and Abbie MacDonald giving their team a 2-1 lead at the end of the first quarter.

However, the B52’s regrouped successfully, and goals from Emma Smith, Abbie Hagan and Sydney Williams propelled them to a 5-2 lead at half-time.

During the second half, the Demons rallied, applying forward pressure on Gemma Dix in the B52’s goal.

An error from the talented keeper in the third quarter allowed the Demons to capitalise and goals from Maggie Spiers, Sellars and Abbie and Sian MacDonald in the final period forced the B52’s ladies into a defensive mode.

Despite a storm from the Demons Dix stood strong and goals from Smith and Hailee Hagan secured the B52’s the narrow victory.

Smith’s outstanding performance earned her the best in the pool award.

In the women’s B-grade decider the Demons claimed victory, defeating the B52’s 9-3. Although the B52’s took an early lead from Evie Prout, the Demons quickly bounced back with goals from Mirika Hall and Maggie Spiers giving them a 3-1 lead going into the second period.

The Demons continued to apply pressure throughout the game, with Billie Marshall, Kelsey Mitchell and Saskia Newman contributing to their impressive score line.

Despite efforts from the B52’s to push forward, Mikayla Cremin, the best in pool award winner, excelled in the Demons’ goal, thwarting attacks from Prout, Abbie Hagan and other B52’s players.

The game concluded with one final goal from Hall, with the final 9-3 score line not fully reflecting the B52’s talent in the pool and showcasing Cremin’s excellent performance in the Demons’ goal.

In the women’s C-grade grand final, Demons Black emerged victorious in an exciting penalty shootout following a 6-6 draw with the B52’s. The B52’s seemed in control in the first period, with goals from Zoe Harrington, Bella Teakle and Opal Prout, putting them in a 3-0 lead going into the second quarter.

Although the B52’s led 6-3, a surge from the Demons in the final quarter, with goals from Airlee Smith, Sabre Oswald and Ella De San Miguel, tied the score at 6-6. The Demons held their nerve in the shootout, securing victory after four shots on goal.

Opal Prout earned the best in pool award for the B52’s due to her superb attacking play throughout the game, continuing the proud dynasty of the Prout family in the pool.

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