Geraldton softball season round 14 action: Blaze claim victory of round as sweltering weather disrupts

Despite the scorching temperatures causing disruptions in the majority of games, round 14 of the Geraldton softball season saw plenty of action and some surprising outcomes.

In women’s division one, Rams returned to the winners’ circle with a 9-2 victory over Marlins. The Rams maintained an electric pace that Marlins struggled to match, thanks to superb performances from Stacey Derschow, Erin Dawson and Hayley Coker.

While Marlins displayed strong batting and good fielding moments, particularly with solid pitching from Taryn Purcell, Rams simply overwhelmed them with sheer pace and determination.

Rams coach Deon Harrison remained animated throughout the game and after the final innings he praised his players.

“The girls were switched on from the start,” he said. “I knew we would find our form again. Taryn Purcell is a quality pitcher, but the girls stuck to our game plan. Currently, our short game (bunting) is as effective as our longer game. I’m looking forward to next week’s challenge against Suiside.”

Martians secured a victory against Pi’s Panthers, with a score of 8-3. The game was tied at 3-3 until the bottom of the sixth inning when Martians secured a few safe hits and scored five runs.

Tamara Kuipers shone for Martians with three strikeouts, two catches and multiple assists. Pi’s Panthers performed admirably, with Selina Kiddle once again in fine form, scoring two singles and proving more than capable in the field.

Suiside continued their winning streak in the men’s division one competition with a solid team performance, defeating Rams 3-0.

Cooper Jefferies once again showcased his value on the pitcher’s mound, taking over from his dad Kane for the final innings and getting five impressive strike outs.

Returning players Kane and Levi Jefferies, alongside Daniel Leach, added value to the winning side.

Coach Dylan Percy was understandably proud of the team. “(Our) defence was as solid as ever and I couldn’t fault them with Liam Meharry, Kane Jefferies and Cooper Jefferies all standing out. The boys were disciplined in the batters’ box drawing walks and putting pressure on to score three runs from them,” he said.

Blaze claimed the victory of the round with a 9-5 morale-boosting win against Martians. Sean Thompson was exceptional on the pitcher’s mound for Blaze, giving up only four walks from more than 30 batters.

Josh Thompson also excelled as a catcher, with his communication with Sean Thompson on the pitcher’s mound proving invaluable.

Despite the defeat, Martians had their own moments of glory, with Kurt Mead hitting a rocket over the back fence for a home run, and Mead also impressing from the pitcher’s mound.

In division two games played earlier in the week, Blaze men dominated Marlins 17-2, while Suiside women continued their fine form with a 21-5 triumph over Pi’s Panthers.

Because of the heat, all Saturday afternoon games were cancelled, with each side given one point each.