Geraldton cricket round 5 preview: Bluff Point will be chasing their first win against Wanderers

After making last season’s Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League grand final, Bluff Point are at a crossroad this season. The Pointers are 0-3 and while one loss was by a run to Chapman Valley-Northampton, the others were conclusive defeats to Towns and Sportsmans. This weekend they and Wanderers have double duty with the Young Motors T20 at Wonthella on Friday, November 10 and a 50-over fixture at Muir Park on Saturday. “I would say it’s probably a make-or-break weekend,” Bluff Point captain Jay O’Brien conceded. “Losing Aaron Thomas from the team this season, and with Carl Shilling out for most games with work and an injury to Jayden Pinto means our batting depth has been tested. “Our bowlers are doing their job but our batters are just not performing. “The competition is stronger this year and we haven’t lifted compared to last season but we’re in good spirits and aware making the finals is our challenge.” Peter Maxwell and Callum Joss have made 50s, but in 29 other innings the average is a paltry 6.28. Wanderers are improved with the addition of Zane Marwick, the full-time availability of Damien King and bowlers who take wickets, concede few runs or both. Saturday’s other game is at the Rec where Towns meet CVN. Towns has a 3-1 record with Jeremy Bedford making runs, Jai Russell steady under pressure and all-rounder Ringo McKenna in form. CVN had last weekend’s bye and a 1-3 record is unimpressive but that one-run win over Bluff Point will boost confidence. CVN will hope Jack Mickle fires again with the ball, with Mitch Marsh and Zak Williamson continuing to bowl well. But their batting has been poor and much depends on Nigel Routledge batting long. In Young Motors Women’s Cricket League action, a round of 30-over games on turf starts at 1pm on Sunday. CVN face Wanderers at Mazzuchelli Oval with Wanderers favoured though CVN have improved thanks in large part to Kylie Bremner’s all-round efforts. For Wanderers, one to watch is Olivia Bidwell who last week made her 10th 50, a number no-one else nears. Sportsmans and Towns play at Muir Park, and Sportsmans should prevail especially if spinner Jo Walker finds turn while Towns, yet to win, rely heavily on Dirranie Kirby. Men’s B-Grade: Sports v Dongara at Wonthella; Wand v BP at GBSC1; CVN v Towns at Mazzuchelli.