Geraldton softball league round 16 wrap: Suiside continue dominant form in competition

With only three rounds remaining in the Geraldton Softball Association’s season, teams continued their push for finals positions in round 16 last weekend.

On Saturday in men’s division one, Suiside further cemented their dominance, defeating Martians 16-0. Nine safe hits and nine walks allowed them to cruise to victory, while Martians struggled at the plate with only two safe hits.

Cooper Jefferies was a standout for Suiside with a triple and three strikeouts from three batters, while Martians’ Kyle Watts managed a triple and a catch.

The other division one men’s match saw Batavia Blaze in superb form, edging out Rams 9-7. Blaze now have a realistic chance of moving up the ladder before the end of the season.

On Friday night under the floodlights, in the division one women’s competition, Rams secured the minor premiership with a solid 8-5 win over Pi’s Panthers. Stacey Derschow was solid on the pitcher’s mound for the winners.

On Saturday afternoon, Midwest Marlins kept themselves in contention for second place with a 6-2 win over Martians, in a game that remained close for six innings.

Marlins doubled their runs in the seventh inning to put the game out of reach. Ava Gould was instrumental with a triple, three strikeouts, four assists, and a catch, while Taryn Purcell added a double and a single.

In the other games played on Saturday afternoon and night, in men’s division two, Suiside continued their dominance with a 12-6 win over Gunduwa.

Batavia Blaze benefited from a forfeit against Martians Red, while Martians Black secured a narrow 4-3 victory over Rams White. The game was a defensive battle, with both teams only managing two safe hits each.

Rams Blue took an important 15-13 win over Midwest Marlins in another high-scoring match.

Division two women’s match-ups saw some big wins as Suiside continued their commanding form, defeating Rams White 35-0. Midwest Marlins also put up strong performances, winning 32-5 over Martians and 25-15 over Rams Blue.

Pi’s Panthers played a double-header, claiming convincing victories over Martians (22-15) and Rams Blue (25-5). In their match against Martians, Pi’s had 20 safe hits to Martians’ eight, with Leanne Criddle leading the way with four singles and a double.

As the season nears its end, Suiside continue to set the benchmark in both men’s divisions, already locking in the minor premierships. The fight for second place remains intense, with Martians and Rams in division one and Martians Red and Rams Blue in division two all still in the hunt.

In women’s division one, Rams have secured top spot, while Pi’s Panthers and Midwest Marlins are in battle for second. The division two women’s competition sees Suiside leading, but with Marlins still within striking distance, and Gunduwa and Pi’s Panthers vying for third after impressive performances.

Now, with just two rounds left before finals, every game is crucial for teams aiming to secure their best possible position on the ladder.

All teams will have a rest for the Labour Day long weekend, with the season picking up again in early March.