Geraldton softball season round 2 preview: Men’s division one teams return after U-23 State tournament

Men’s division one teams return to action in the Geraldton softball season this weekend, featuring a grand final rematch, following the under-23 State tournament.

With returning players, high-stakes rematches, and teams eager to prove themselves, round two is shaping up to be a thrilling weekend.

Last week in the under-23 tournament, the Geraldton squad narrowly missed out on the title, falling in a hard-fought final.

In the first men’s division one match on Friday night, Batavia Blaze will take on Martians. The Blaze men are keen to build on the momentum from last year’s season of growth, and will be eager to start strong.

The second men’s fixture is a repeat of last season’s thrilling grand final, as Rams face a strong Suiside.

Suiside will be hoping for the return of Jy Thurstan, fresh from his grand final appearance with the Stingers in Indonesia.

While Rams will be buoyed by last year’s grand final victory, they know Suiside’s depth and strength will require them to bring their best game.

In women’s division one action, reigning premiers Marlins will take on Pi’s Panthers. After a close round one loss by a final-innings run against Suiside, the Panthers will be hungry for their first win of the season.

Suiside, who opened their campaign with a victory, will look to make it two from two as they face the Martians, whose struggle to field a full team last round left them searching for a morale-boosting performance.

The men’s division two will feature newly formed Pi’s Panthers taking on Martians Black, while Rams Blue will clash with Suiside.

Marlins will face Batavia Blaze, with Martians Red going up against Gunduwa on Saturday afternoon.

In the women’s second division, Suiside will battle Pi’s, Rams will face Gunduwa, and Blaze will go up against Martians in Saturday’s afternoon games.