Geraldton water polo junior grand finals: Serpents and Rats win girls and boys championship deciders

There were high stakes and tense games all round as Geraldton junior water polo players battled it out in grand finals over the weekend.

In the junior girls game, Serpents dominated a very plucky Demons side, securing a convincing 11-4 win.

Bianca Brennan stood out for the winners, receiving the best in pool award and scoring crucial goals towards the end of the game.

Serpents played cohesively, and with seven goals combined, Emma Marks and Kalani Catto displayed skills beyond their years.

Demons had their moments to shine, with Gaia Stelle and Ella Ebsary showcasing composure and level-headedness in the face of Serpents’ relentless forward plays.

Rusty Crickmay stood out for the Demons side, contributing three goals and facilitating plays to keep them in the game until the dying moments.

In the boys division, B52’s overcame Demons on Friday afternoon to earn the right to play the minor premiers, Rats, in the final on Saturday morning. The grand final was closely contested, with Rats scoring an early goal, answered within seconds by B52’s.

Brodi Lamond played a stellar game for B52’s, earning the best in the pool award and scoring four of his team’s goals. Bohdi Smith and Alex Travasso each scored two for Rats, with the entire team contributing towards Rats’ effective forward play.

The game continued with back-and-forth action, with neither side managing to gain significant momentum.

B52’s were awarded five penalties throughout the game, while the majority of Rats’ goals came from open play. Rats looked to take it in the final quarter, but a goal from Taj Teakle for the B52’s tied up the game.

With both teams at six goals each at the final siren, the boys went to penalties. The Rats and B52’s goalkeepers performed exceptionally, but ultimately, the composure and athletic skills of Spencer Oliver secured victory for the Rats.

Miles Crawford’s successful final penalty shot sealed the triumph for the Rats.