Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket: Local cricketers get back into the swing of it as local league returns

The Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket season is finally back after a lengthy hiatus and a challenging country week run for our local cricketers, as they turn their attention to the final few rounds. The men’s action starts on Friday night in the Young Motors T20 competition between Chapman Valley-Northampton and Sportsmans, who will also clash again on Saturday in 50-over cricket, both at Wonthella. Perhaps the most absorbing is the T20 as CVN has fared poorly in 50-over cricket (one-and-a-half wins in eight games), however they are more evenly matched in T20, as both sides are two-from-two in their previous matches. Another win to CVN would likely give CVN a berth in the T20 final on March 6, while wins in both games would mean hope of making the league’s finals as well. Sportsmans lead the competition after having won their past eight games, recording only one loss to Wanderers back in round two. The other 50-over game is at the Rec with second-placed Towns against third-placed Wanderers. Only half a win separated these two sides, and a win to Wanderers would see them jump Towns to claim second spot. Bluff Point has another week off, and will return next weekend on double duty against Wanderers in T20, and Towns in one-day cricket. The Women’s Young Motors T20s return with Towns and Wanderers to meet under Wonthella’s lights on Saturday night. Wanderers saw off the first part of the season with a huge win over second-placed Sporties, distancing themselves from their ladder rivals. Towns, on the other hand, sunk to the bottom of the ladder after a heartbreaking loss to CVN. Although Wanderers have been the benchmark, Towns has a bright young squad with plenty of potential and lots to prove following the Christmas break. The weekend’s action concludes at Nabawa Oval on Sunday as CVN hosts Sportsmans in the afternoon. The hosts will take confidence from their pre-Christmas win against Towns into their match, while Sporties will be keen to bounce back and regain some momentum after a disappointing loss to Wanderers before the break. In the men’s B-grade, Dongara and Kalbarri will meet on Saturday afternoon, as will CVN and Sportsmans, and Wanderers and Towns. APPROACHING MILESTONES MEN’S A-GRADE: Justin Clarkson (Wan) 10 runs for 500 career runs Kade Gillingham (Wan): 46 runs for 2000 runs Darcy Giltrow (Twn): 43 runs for 1000 runs Adam Goacher (CVN): 98 runs for 500 runs Zane Marwick (Wan): One wicket for 50 wickets Dan Welsh (Spo): One wicket for 400 career wickets Zak Williamson (Spo): 10 wickets for 100 career wickets WOMEN’S: Chelsea Bidwell (Wan): One wicket for 25 wickets Olivia Bidwell (Wan): 23 runs to be first to 2000 runs Indiana Burns (Twn): One inns for 25 inns Stacey McCartney (Spo): 29 runs for 250 runs Jess Wake (Spo): 33 runs for 500 runs