Geraldton unveil strong country week sqaud as they aim for three in a row

While the regular season has only just come to an end there is still one more challenge left to conquer for the stars of Geraldton women’s cricket as they begin their country week defence on Friday. After hosting the past two editions, Geraldton will now have to defend their title away from home in Bunbury from March 3-6. Players were presented with their kits at the official team announcement during the innings break of Friday night’s T20 grand final. A big change for this year is having a dedicated B-section which Geraldton are favourites to win given the two Geraldton sides played off for the grand final against each other last year. Jo Walker is again captain of the top side after her fine leadership last season with Olivia Bidwell serving as her deputy. “I’m super proud to be named as captain again, Geraldton has a very talented group of cricketers and it’s an honour to lead them for a third time,” Walker said. “I think everyone has improved but I really believe we are still the team to beat we have the squad to cover most areas.” Unsurprisingly Wanderers have the most players in the side with Bidwell joined by teammates Meg Spalding, Abby Green, Ashlyn Thompson and Sam Biddiscombe. Belinda Burrows, Ruth Vorster and Tia Hatch all make the jump to the top side. The seconds will be led by Amanda Gundry with Kylie Bremner and Charli Bidwell as vice-captains. “I’m just really looking forward to having some fun and developing our women’s cricketers,” Gundry said. “We have an amazing team we showed that last year when we challenged the A-side and should be an enjoyable weekend.” The A-side will take on Bunbury Blue in its opening clash on Friday morning while the B-grade side will take on West Pilbara in its opening fixture. FULL SQUADS A-section: Jo Walker (c), Olivia Bidwell (vc), Sarah Prickett, Meg Spalding, Kate Clarkson, Abby Green, Ashlyn Thompson, Tia Hatch, Belinda Burrows, Ruth Vorster, Lauren Newman, Sam Biddiscombe. Coach: Brad Mailer. B-section: Amanda Gundry (c), Kylie Bremner (vc), Charli Bidwell (vc), Kasey Maynard, Tarni Screaigh, Nat Wheatley, Kiara Hutchinson, Lucy Gallop, Chelsea Bidwell, Leanne Bidwell, Casey Bremner, Jess Da Silva. Coach: Shayne Bidwell.