Towns lead Geraldton men’s A-grade cricket at festive break with Wanderers in charge in women’s

Towns sit atop the men’s A-grade ladder in the Geraldton cricket competition at the festive break with a perfect record, while Wanderers are in control in the women’s competition.

Men’s clubs have played 11 rounds of the long form and three T20 games.

Towns have enjoyed a stunning season so far, winning all their matches.

Wanderers are second best in each, with seven wins in the long form and two wins in T20.

Results throughout the season highlight some of the reasons.

Gun bowler Ringo McKenna wrote himself into the league’s record books this month when he took after he took 8-12 against Bluff Point.

According to historian and cricket reporter Victor Tanti, it was the best since bowlers’ overs were limited in 1995-96, and the best ever for Towns, beating Ian Criddle’s 8-22 in 1969-70.

Callum Marquist has also shone.

Towns look a great shout to defend their flag in a two-horse race with Wanderers. Wanderers lead in B-grade.

It hasn’t all been about Towns.

Among other highlights, Bluff Point’s Aaron Thomas hit one of the greatest centuries in local cricket history when his side faced Sportsmans this month.

He hit his first ball for six, took 16 off stalwart Clint Yeates’ next over, and made 50 in 22 balls and 100 in 44.

Sportsmans’ team ran to congratulate him as he ended with 117 off 57 balls, 12 fours and nine sixes, out to Dan Welsh (3-34).

Chapman Valley-Northampton sit fourth but had an unexpected foray into the top three this month, amassing 7-252 thanks to Jack Dawson’s maiden century to beat Bluff Point.

Towns players dominate the men’s cricketer of the year standings.

Jai Russell leads clubmates Brady Collins and Sam Crouch. Kodi Giltrow is fifth.

Bluff Point’s Jay O’Brien, in fourth, is the only top-five player from another club.

In B-grade, Towns’ Jack Collins is top.

In the women’s competition, Wanderers have a solid lead.

Sisters Olivia and Charli Bidwell have been immense for the team in yellow. Mum Leanne Bidwell is a ring-in when needed.

Abby Green and Meg Spalding have also stood out among a star-studded squad. Sportsmans are their likely grand final opponents but were smashed by 64 runs when they met in November.

A-grade resumes on February 4 and B-grade on February 5. Women’s games are back on February 6.