Geraldton water polo round 5 wrap: Action-packed round full of close finishes across all grades

Round five of the Geraldton water polo season delivered intense action and some surprising results across all grades on the weekend.

In men’s A-grade on Saturday, league leaders B52’s faced their main rivals, Demons, in an exciting 7-7 draw. B52’s surged ahead with a four-goal lead by the second quarter, led by stand-out performances from Callum Sojan, Leo Prout and Corey Smith.

But Demons fought back, with Zacc Cross, Joel Cross and Ben Saunders securing a comeback that made for a thrilling finish.

Rats claimed a solid 9-5 win over the composite country week team, with Ollie Green scoring four goals and keeping his team in control.

The A-grade women’s matches on Saturday saw Demons dominate Rats with an 8-4 win. Zoe Sellars led the charge, and sisters Abbie and Sian Macdonald contributed three goals between them.

B52’s also secured a decisive 10-4 victory over the composite team, with Evie Prout starring and Abbie Hagan adding two goals. Looking ahead to round six, B52’s will face Rats in the men’s top division, while the women’s fixtures will see last year’s finalists Demons and B52’s clash again.

In men’s B-grade, B52’s defeated Relics with a commanding 13-1 win, powered by young talents Callum Sojan, Jimmy Horsman, and Leo Prout. Relics’ single goal came from veteran Phil Martin.

Meanwhile, the Rats edged out Demons 6-4, with notable contributions from Bohdi Smith and Oliver Green. Next round’s matchups in B-grade men’s will see Rats take on B52s and Relics face Demons, with first place on the line.

Women’s B-grade saw Rats claim a 7-5 victory over Demons. Bella Wheeldon shone in goal with critical saves, while Marika Hall provided experience for the Demons.

B52’s overcame a two-goal deficit to defeat Serpents 8-3, with a late push from Abbie Hagan, Opal Prout, and Julia Gourley proving too strong for the Serpents.

Round six has Serpents facing Rats, while Demons play B52’s on Saturday.

Demons narrowly beat Rats 11-9 in men’s C-grade, led by Kasen Bunter’s three goals and assists.

For women’s C-grade, Rats Orange defeated Rats Black, with Esta Penberthy scoring five goals. Demons Black and Serpents Blue ended in a 3-3 draw, thanks to Kalani Catto’s efforts for Serpents, while Demons Yellow defeated B52’s 7-2 with Steph Cremin’s leadership guiding her team.

Next round in C-grade sees Demons men take on B52’s and B52’s women face Rats Orange on Friday, with Serpents Green meeting Demons Black on Saturday.