Teams step up as Geraldton softball heads into finals season

Round 15 of the Geraldton Softball Association’s season didn’t disappoint, with plenty of teams with a lot to play for. Friday night in the A-grade women, Martians took on a firing Pi’s outfit. Martians, who needed to win to be a certainty in the finals, came out strongly, scoring two runs in the first inning, but that was where it stopped, as Pi’s piled on 17 runs and offensively looked unstoppable. Jodi Vanderwal with a double was extremely solid with the stick for Martians, along with Alanna Anderson. Kate Forsyth was her side’s best but they lost 17-2 in the end. In the next game, between Rams and Marlins, the equation was simple - Rams had to win by two to make finals. Marlins had other ideas as Taryn Purcell dominated in the middle, striking out several hitters. As well as some strong hitting, Rams made numerous errors and cost themselves dearly, with six runs scored within two digs. The end margin was 10-0 and Rams finished an up-and-down season on the bottom. Martians watching on would have been happy with the result, as it set them up to play Marlins in an elimination final. Pi’s they take on minor premiers Suiside in the qualifying final for a ticket to the A grade grand final. The men’s A grade was just as exciting, with only a game separating all four teams. A Rams side missing Dean Pascoe had travelling pitcher Tim Bolton in the middle, and he pitched extremely well. Rams took control and the lead with a tight 2-1 final result, with Dylan Percy best for Suiside. That result meant Rams took the minor premiership, and look the goods at the moment. In the final A men’s game, Martians weren’t able to finish any higher than third but wanted momentum heading into finals. Tane Brott hit a long ball and continues to dominate with the bat, taking three from four as well as throwing a two-hit, 12 strikeout game on the mound. Jack Pirone also stood out with the bat. Suiside Black tied the game late due to some fielding errors to go into a tie break. Needing to win to get second spot and a double chance, Black couldn’t score in the eighth, going down 5-4 and setting up an elimination final against Martians. Rams take on Suiside Green and a chance to go straight into the big dance. In the B grade men Suiside Green defeated Rams White 18-5 to go through to finals without losing a game. White go to the plate for qualifying finals against Batavia Blaze. Marlins had a big win against Martians Red and come up against them again next week in the elimination plate final. Martians Black defeated Rams Blue with a forfeit, due to Blue being unable to field a side for the first time all year. Suiside Black defeated Batavia Blaze 19-2 and now play in the cup final elimination. In Women’s B, Martians Red beat Suiside 11-9 while Pis Black beat Rams 19-1 and Marlins beat Martians Black 23-2.