FLIPPERS have earned a place in the Bathurst Water Polo grand final in their debut year.

In Tuesday night’s final, Flippers went up against regular grand finalists Pirates.

Flippers came away 5-3 winners in a tight encounter.

Mark Evans and Shawn Neoh scored one each for Flippers in the opening period while an own goal from the Flippers keeper put Pirates on the score board.

Flippers were leading 3-2 at half-time before Andrew Morcom made it 3-all going into the final period.

The last quarter was a tight battle with the keepers from both sides forced to make some reaching saves.

Stu Fenn edged Flippers in front with a goal which caught Pirates keeper Murray Cheers by surprise.

Mark Evans scored his third of the night to give Flippers the win.

Martin Healy, Andrew Gray and Nathan Pearce showed they weren’t afraid to play a physical game for Pirates and Lesley Hooper and Sophie Dunn were not to be underestimated.

Flippers captain Tristan Zobel led from the front and keeper Sam Rix was also strong.

Flippers will take on two-time defending champions Flames in next week’s grand final.

The two sides have not met this season after Flippers forfeited their regular season match.

The grand final will be played at the Bathurst Aquatic Centre from 6.20pm.

n FLIPPERS 5 (Mark Evans 3, Stu Fenn, Shawn Neoh) def PIRATES 3 (Andrew Morcom, Sophie Dunn, Nathan Pearce).