Tunbridge scores seven as B52’s go through in Geraldton water polo semi, Serpents stun premiers Demons

B52’s player Kurt Tunbridge hammered home nearly half of the goals in a comprehensive semifinal win to take his side through to the Geraldton Water Polo Association final on Saturday.

Serpents knocked over reigning premiers Demons in the women’s top division in a stunning upset.

Tunbridge scored seven goals in an 11-4 win against Rats to set up a repeat of last year’s final.

The association’s Julia Gourley said it was hard to keep a lid on Tunbridge.

“It was a very good game, there was a lot of pressuring,” Gourley said.

“Kurt was just unstoppable. He was really good at centre forward, he’s just a player you can’t leave unmanned because he can shoot from anywhere.”

Jack Deschamp stood up strong in goal.

Mick Rock scored two goals and Jed Robertson got the other two.

Darcy Wiffen scored two for Rats while Callum Teakle and Sam Coaker got the others.

Gourley said Rats had come a long way over the past few seasons and would keep developing.

Serpents put an unexpected end to Demons’ season in the women’s A-grade, winning 9-7.

“It was a huge upset,” Gourley said.

“Serpents just played a really good, consistent game and (Serpents’) Coraleigh Abrams was just stellar. She got quite a few goals from outside five metres, she was left unguarded and she’s a very strong player from outside.”

Gourley said the game might have gone to extra time but Demons had an equaliser chalked off when trailing by a goal after an infringement, and a penalty to Serpents sealed the result.

“Had that not happened it’s highly possible it would have gone to extra time,” Gourley said.

Abrams was the player of the match.

B52’s beat Demons 9-8 in the men’s B-grade, while in the women’s B-grade Serpents beat Rats 13-10.

In men’s C-grade, Demons Yellow beat clubmates Demons Black 7-5.

In women’s C-grade, B52’s beat Rats 6-3 and Demons Black beat Serpents 10-2.

The association gave out its season awards on Saturday.

Country Week captain Emma Smith was fairest and best in the women’s A-grade ahead of Abbie McDonald.

Kobi Toomath was the top scorer with 32 goals, despite leaving part way through the season to play professional water polo in Adelaide.

In the men’s A-grade, Corey Smith was fairest and best, with Ben Vittino the runner-up.

Smith was the top scorer with 24 goals.

Jack Cocking was awarded best B-grade player and top scorer, with 33 goals. Michelle Prout was fairest and best in women’s B-grade, while Hailee Horsman top scored with 32 goals.

Ronnie Toomath was appointed a life member of the association.