Hallgarth is a hat trick hero in Geraldton water polo as association gears up to defend Country Week titles

Rats player Mica Hallgarth tucked away a handy hat-trick to give her team the win on Friday as the Geraldton Water Polo Association played round 13 matches, while preparations for Country Week continued. Rats’ Rachel Trusso scored two goals, and Sophia and Milly Kalajzich got one each, as Rats won their women’s B-grade game against Serpents 7-2. In other results from Friday, Demons beat B52s 13-8 in men’s B-grade. B52s’ Ray Pead, and Demons’ Rory Miragliotta and Finn Dethlefsen, each scored three. In results from Saturday, Demons are top of the ladder after beating B52s in men’s A-grade by the narrowest of margins, 10-9. In women’s A-grade, B52s are top after they beat Demons 2-10. Geraldton men’s Country Week coach Russell McKinnon said his squad had been picked for the tournament, which will run in Karratha from March 4-6. He said several players from last year’s competition — where Geraldton did the men’s and women’s double — would not be returning, but a solid squad had come together. “I’ve had 19 guys put their hand up for the team, so we’re taking 14, and it shouldn’t lower our strength at all,” he said. “We’ve got some young guys in . “I think we’ve got the team to do it again this year, with our depth, our fitness and our swimming strength, and the fact we’re probably training more than anyone else and playing better, strong local competition.” McKinnon said there was cover in each position, allowing players to switch and power through the tournament, which will be seven matches in two days. “Seven matches in 48 hours it’s pretty tough,” he said. Demons play the Country Week composite side in men’s A-grade this Saturday, while Rats play B52s. Serpents play Demons in the women’s A-grade and Rats play B52s.