Geraldton softball season: Teams primed for action as elimination finals begin

The Geraldton softball season heads to the elimination round this weekend, with teams fighting for a direct route to the grand finals.

The division one men still have one final round to play before heading to the knockout stage next week, with Suiside taking on Martians and Blaze going against Rams on Saturday afternoon.

The results of the round will not change final ladder positions but all teams will be looking to finish the regular season off strong before heading into the final stages of the competition.

In women’s division one, Rams go against Marlins in the qualifying final and Suiside take on Martians in the elimination round.

Rams have had a great season but have faltered in a couple of recent games, however their wins against Marlins and Suiside will give them confidence going up against a resurgent Marlins side.

Les Purcell’s Marlins have had a mixed season so far but have had back-to-back wins against Pi’s and Martians, which will give them some confidence heading into the crucial match against the ladder leaders.

Suiside versus Martians in the elimination final could go either way, with both sides having hot and cold spells throughout the season.

Martians will rely on the rounded skills of key players Pam Micke, Tamara Kuipers and Belinda Basell, while Suiside have strength in depth and can challenge any side on a good day. Charli Bidwell, Susan Mundy and Sharna Hansen have proven themselves to be essential to the team over the regular season.

In men’s division two finals, high-flying Suiside will go against Blaze in the qualifying game while Rams take on Martians Black in the elimination final.

It would be hard to see Suiside losing to anyone given their current form, but Blaze have pushed them all the way through the season.

Suiside are coming off the back of a huge win over Marlins in the last round, with runs coming from across the team.

Rams versus Martians Black is another game that could go either way and will depend on who turns out for the teams. Rams have the ladder advantage, but Martians have had a recent patch of good form and may steal the win to face the loser of the qualifying final.

Teams in the division two women’s competition still have a round to play, with Pi’s Panthers taking on Marlins and Suiside going against Martians.