Country week cricket: Geraldton earn spot in finals after winning last two games but fall to Albany in semis

Geraldton’s A-grade side managed to qualify for the 2024 cricket country week finals but fell to Albany in the semifinals.

The first finals match was played on Thursday at Charles Veryard Reserve, where Geraldton won the toss and elected to bat.

Geraldton made only 105 with Henry Anderson (44 not out) carrying the brunt of the workload.

Albany responded with 2-107 in just 24.5 overs.

Geraldton play the loser between Eastern Goldfields and Bunbury for third place on Friday.

On Monday, Geraldton beat West Pilbara at Justin Langer Oval (Abbett Park) by 19 runs.

West Pilbara made only 88 after Mitch Thompson (3-16) reduced them to 4-26, with Ringo McKenna (2-24) and Kodi Giltrow (3-16) in support.

Jeremy Bedford made two catches and a stumping and Clayton Bruce-Cherry held three catches, including an overhead grab off a miscued drive.

Geraldton made 8-207, with Bedford (49) denied a 50 by Tony Brokate (5-60). More runs came from Bruce-Cherry (34 off 26 balls), Kade Gillingham (32), Darcy Ingle (38 not out) and McKenna (20).

Geraldton defeated Upper Great Southern by 113 at College Park on Wednesday. Geraldton’s 6-242 was based on a 138-run second-wicket stand by Bedford (78) and Jay O’Brien (67).

Geraldton was 1-106 at lunch and then belted 136 in the remaining 20 overs as Bruce-Cherry (32 off 21 balls), Henry Anderson (30 not out) and McKenna (15) cut loose.

UGS replied with 129, with runs from Ben Sherry (40) and Ben McMillan (30), but Bruce-Cherry (3-18), Thompson (2-12) and McKenna (2-14) ruled.

Bedford’s ‘keeping was again adroit, with three catches and a brilliant stumping.

Geraldton’s twos are battling for survival in B-section. They fell to Great Southern on Monday, who batted first and made 278.

Great Southern captain Liam Want (75), Lewis Barritt (60) and Flynn Cristinelli (37) prospered. Clint Yeates (5-69) enjoyed his best figures in 111 country week games.

Geraldton responded with 122. Only a stand of 58 between Yeates (29) and captain Aaron McAuliffe (32) brought reward.

The B-side did better on Wednesday against South Midlands at Britannia Reserve, although they were beaten and need a win from one of their remaining two games to stave off relegation.

Geraldton batted first and after stumbling to 3-31 and later 7-99, rallied to reach 8-201. They faced Newman on Thursday.