Softball season returns as defending champs kick off seasons with doubleheaders

After the largest and most successful June carnival in the region’s history, Geraldton Softball Association players step up to the plate for the first pitch of the 2022-23 season this weekend. Defending champions Suiside begin their season with a doubleheader against the Martians and the Rams. Women’s A grade champions Midwest Marlins also kick off this weekend with a doubleheader against the Martians and Rams. The ballpark has undergone some upgrades in recent weeks, with lights being the latest improvements, and games for round one have had their timings altered to accommodate for the works. All teams are ready and raring to go, with some coaches having big ambitions for the season. Martians softball club were optimistic about the upcoming season. “Our hope this season is a double premiership from our two Division 1 teams. We have been close enough to accomplish that target but keep on falling short right at the end,” a club statement said. “Martians’ division 1 ladies team last won a premiership in the 2016-17 season, so they are more than ready to reach that pinnacle again. “Our division 1 men team, on the other hand, have never had a premiership since their inaugural season in 2013-14 so they are chomping at the bit to get their first hold of the winners’ cup.” Coach Gareth Coker said the Martians’ division 1 men “look the strongest that they have ever been”. Geraldton Softball Associations’ chairperson Denise Bell (Belle) said she was looking forward to another successful season. “We have re-affiliated with Softball WA and look towards working alongside and with them to enhance our association through umpiring assessment clinics and scoring clinics,” she said. “Our talented junior players will now have more ability to attend State training tryouts without having to affiliate with Perth-based clubs and we will be able to host State sides to have games against our best from time to time without repercussions. “Our new lighting upgrade will also help and bring us into the LED limelight.” Full fixtures for round one: Div1 men Martians vs Suiside - Saturday 1pm Suiside vs Rams - Saturday 3pm Div1 Women Martians vs Pi’s - Sunday noon Midwest Marlins vs Martians - Sunday 2pm Midwest Marlins vs Rams - Sunday 4pm Div2 Men Batavia Blaze vs Rams White - Saturday 1pm Martians Black vs Martians Red - Saturday 3pm Midwest Marlins vs Rams Blue - Sunday noon Div2 Women Midwest Marlins vs Pi’s - Saturday 1pm Martians Black vs Martians Red - Saturday 1pm Batavia Blaze vs Rams - Saturday 3pm Pi’s vs Martians Black - Saturday 3pm