Geraldton seniors dominate first round of country week as veteran brings up milestone

Geraldton’s cricketers opened this year’s country week in grand style on Sunday in Perth. The top side, contesting A-section, beat Busselton-Margaret River at Gil Fraser Reserve by 79 runs. A personal milestone was recorded by Clint Yeates, who was the first to play 100 games for Geraldton in an equally remarkable 20th country week campaign. Jai Russell, on debut as captain, won the toss and batted. He opened and made a bright 22 putting on 34 with Nigel Routledge (21), who showed a fluency that’s mostly deserted him in club games this season. Jay O’Brien (23), Jack Dawson (26), Kade Gillingham (29) and Ben O’Brien (16) built on that foundation as Geraldton finished at 9-187. Russell would have liked 200 but he asked his team to ensure all 60 overs were used and was satisfied with that. Tom Keeffe (3-42) bowled well though captain Ben Paine (5-40) was the standout with his brand of pacey but clever spin. Geraldton’s attack then dismissed BMR for 108. Ringo McKenna took only one wicket but loved the bouncy pitch while Tom Forsyth (2-25) bowled a commendable line. Ben O’Brien (3-25) and Yeates (3-18) did the rest. Geraldton’s Seconds, entered in C-section, recorded an 84-run win over Avon at Des Penman Reserve. To the amusement of all, Graeme Barndon in his 12th game as captain lost the toss for the 12th time. Avon, who were a man short, chose to bat. They tallied a mere 94 with only Steve Gollan (27) and James Adams (21) making headway. Jarrod Jupp (2-24), Justin Clarkson (2-17), Dan Welsh (2-34) and Zayne Gray (3-2) shared the spoils. Geraldton scored 5-178 in the reply but Avon did well to have half the side out before the target was breached. No batter dominated but there were plenty of contributors in Simon Evans 19, Darcy Ingle 28, Kurt Crudeli 25, Jupp 30, Marsh 22 and Ethan Johnson 23. Luke Button (3-14) was the best of the bowlers. Today is a rest day but games were played yesterday with the Ones playing Esperance while the Twos clashed with Eastern Goldfields. The final round of qualifiers will be played tomorrow and then hopefully both sides play finals on the next two days.