Vittino scores four as Demons win Geraldton men’s water polo minor premiership, B52’s soar to women’s flag

B52’s wrapped up the minor premiership in A-grade women’s water polo as the Geraldton Water Polo Association played its last round of fixtures on the weekend, while Demons took the the minor flag in the men’s.

Demons cruised to an eight-goal win in the first match of the day on Saturday, beating Rats 14-6, before B52’s dispatched Serpents 9-1.

Ben Vittino was the hero for Demons, scoring four goals and staking a claim for a starting spot at Country Week.

Jack Cocking got a hat-trick and did his chances of selection no harm.

Emma Smith celebrated her selection as women’s Country Week captain with four goals for B52’s, while Ellie Pead, her teammate for the country tournament, got three.

B52’s also won the boys’ division, while Rats came first in the girls’.

The semifinals this Saturday will be the Geraldton City in Colour Mental Health Round.

“It is all about raising awareness of mental health and to just get people checking in on mates to make sure they are ok,” the association said.

“Mental health isn’t talked about enough in our community, especially not enough within the sporting communities.

“With such a vast range of members within our association, we can try and raise the awareness and hopefully path the way or help people get the help they need.”

The association has selected the full Country Week teams.

Emma Smith will lead the women’s side and Zacc Cross will be men’s captain.

Women’s team: Isla Mulligan, Indi Smith, Emma Smith, Ellie Pead, Abbey Benham, Amy Johnson, Aimee Hagan, Zoe Rowcroft, Keshi McCagh, Evie Prout, Michelle Proud, Maddie Pead. Coach — Ronnie Toomath. Manager — Michelle Prout.

Men’s team: Jack Deschamp, Kurt Tunbridge (vice captain), Corey Smith (vice captain), Nick Pead, Drew Tunbridge, Jack Cocking, Tood Houwen, Kye McVee, Ben Vittino, Kal Smith, Lachy Toomath, Darcy Wiffen, Zacc Cross, Daniel Prout. Coach — Russell McKinnon. Manager — Anouska Barnes.