Pilbara teams make waves at WA Country Water Polo Championships

Teams from Karratha and Port Hedland went head-to-head with the State’s greatest players for the WA Country Water Polo Championships in Busselton across February 28-March 2.

The Karratha women’s side started strongly with a focus on defence in round one against Peel, winning 7-4.

The Hedland women’s team weren’t so lucky, with Busselton beating them 11-7 in round one.

Day two saw both Pilbara women’s teams clash, with Karratha keeping up their strong defence against Hedland throughout the match, winning 7-9.

“Karratha’s Caitlin McCarthy was confident in attack, scoring three goals against Peel and another four against Hedland,” Karratha Water Polo Association media liaison Meredith Bailey said.

“Lara Zimmerman joined the squad on day two, scoring a collective nine goals on the day and helping solidify the attack.”

On day two, the Karratha men’s side had a strong start against Busselton in a 15-5 win, with Matthew Hankin scoring four goals.

Performing exceptionally, the Karratha men’s side won every game and secured their spot in the finals early.

“The grand final against Geraldton on Sunday was intense, with the final buzzer sounding at 12-12, going into penalty shootouts,” Ms Bailey said.

“It all came down to the final seconds where Geraldton’s goalie Jack Dechamp was too good for our boys, taking the win 12-15.

“Tim Bailey provided some drama for the weekend, receiving a head knock during play in the game against Bunbury on Saturday, resulting in three stitches and medical advice to no longer play in the competition.

“He ended up jumping in during the grand final, and scored three goals for his team, much to the delight of the crowd.”

The championships gave players a chance to push for selection in the WA Country side ahead of the national Country Water Polo Championships, played under the eye of national-level officials and referees.

From the Karratha men’s side, Alex Gunnell and Matt Hankin were recognised throughout the tournament as top players, receiving a place in the All Stars team.

Caitlin McCarthy and Caitlyn Marshall from the Karratha women’s team also secured All Stars team spots.