Karratha Marlins dominate Port Hedland in the Pilbara Champions

North West water polo teams made a splash at South Hedland Aquatic Centre last weekend for the annual Pilbara Champions competition between fierce rivals Hedland and Karratha. It was a disappointing day for Hedland, with the Karratha squad dominating the pool in the women’s and men’s matches by a convincing margin. The women were the first to dive head first into play with the Karratha Marlins, trumping the Hedland Crocs by four points. A strike from Sarah Stinton in the first quarter proved from the outset that the away team had what it took to sink the locals. Things heated up in the second quarter, with Hedland’s Allira Solin-Russell and Jasmin Kilmartin scoring one goal each. But they were matched by Karratha, who stole three goals in the same quarter, the score settling at 2-4 at half-time. Things remained tight in the third quarter before two goals from Karratha’s Caitlyn Reed in the fourth saw the Marlins edge to a confident victory, 9-4. The disappointment followed Hedland into the men’s competition, with Karratha belting the home side by 12 points. Byron Newbold smashed three goals in the first quarter, bolstered by points from Mark Field and Luke Neywert. Karratha’s David Rigby matched his performance in the second quarter, with two goals alongside Thomas McKinnon and Luke Neywert’s goals. Daniel Lacey committed three fouls in the match and faced disqualification. Kai Mitchell scored the Crocs’ only goal in the final moments of the fourth quarter. The final score was a 13-1 win to the Karratha Marlins. Karratha combined with Hedland teams during their weekly round of Friday night games at South Hedland Aquatic Centre. In the women’s tournament, the Vipers defeated the Aztecs, 7-2, while the Orcas sunk the Piranhas, 7-2. Meanwhile in the men’s tournament, the Dragons defeated champions Black Stars, 3-2. The Black Stars, who took on the double header, also lost to the White Pointers, 5-3.