Two Geraldton sides prepare for battle in country week cricket competition in Bunbury

Two Geraldton women’s cricket teams begin their country week campaigns in Bunbury from Saturday, hoping to add another chapter to the previous success they have experienced in the competition.

Geraldton won the first two country week titles, played at home, and was runne- up in 2023 in Bunbury.

The first team led by Jo Walker, plays in A-grade against two Bunbury teams, one from Peel and one called Southern Scorpions (mostly from Albany).

Walker is pleased with her side even with Charli Bidwell and Tia Hatch unavailable.

“For most of us it will be our fourth country week so we’re comfortable as a team and hopefully can spur each other on and get the best out of everyone,” Walker said.

“Meg Spalding, Olivia Bidwell, Belinda Burrows and Lauren Newman are in form while Abby Green saved us many times last year.

“Ashlyn Thompson and Sam Biddiscombe can bowl unplayable line and length, Kasey Maynard, Ruth Vorster and Stacey Jerrard slot in anywhere and Sarah Prickett is a calm presence behind the stumps.

“Hard to judge but Scorpions are well led, I’ve heard Peel will be stronger and Bunbury won last year so are now the hunted which has its own pressure.”

Last year, Amanda Gundry was a surprise choice as captain of the seconds who are in B-Grade but did so well it’s no surprise she has been reappointed.

B-grade also features two Bunbury teams and sides from West Pilbara and Peel.

“We’ve got a well-balanced side with experienced players mixed with younger players,” Gundry said.

“The carnival will provide an ideal forum for our youth to showcase their skills and we’ll be focusing on gaining experience against different players and doing our best.”

Local men’s Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League A-grade cricket continues this weekend with the last qualifying round.

The minor premier advances directly to the grand final so there’s plenty riding on the two games.

Towns should beat CVN at the Rec while Wanderers should topple Bluff Point at Muir Park, but both Towns and Wanderers want to win big to garner enough points to claim that grand final berth.

B-grade: Spo v Don (GBSC3); Wan v BP (GBSC1); CVN v Twn (Maz).

COUNTRY WEEK TEAMS

A-grade: Jo Walker (c), Sam Biddiscombe, Olivia Bidwell, Belinda Burrows, Abby Green, Stacey Jerrard, Kasey Maynard, Lauren Newman, Sarah Prickett, Meg Spalding, Ashlyn Thompson, Ruth Vorster. Coach: Brad Mailer; Mgr: Kim Mailer; Scorer: Craig Sherrah.

B-grade: Amanda Gundry (c), Chelsea Bidwell, Casey Bremner, Kylie Bremner, Indiana Burns, Jess Cocker, Kiara Hutchinson, Isabelle MacPherson, Ruby MacPherson, Chloe Phillips, Tarni Screaigh, Nat Wheatley, Jess Wilson. Coach: Shayne Bidwell; Mgr: Leanne Bidwell; Scorer: Axis Hutchinson.