Blaze set to strike

The Geraldton Softball Association are set to clash with the Western Blaze Men’s State side tomorrow at Utakarra ball park, a massive coup for the association.

The State softball team will play a Geraldton softball representative team in a back-to-back encounter that is sure to open some eyes to the game of softball.

The Blaze side features current Australian and world champion player Aaron Cockman, who is no stranger to Geraldton and is looking forward to returning and competing against Geraldton’s local talent.

The game will also feature hitter Jay Rakich, who is looking to cement his position in the Australian squad.

Brendon O’Byrne will also be one to watch after recently returning from America where he played more than 90 games in 12 weeks.

Western Blaze coach and under-19 Australian men’s coach Gary Butler is looking forward to his first visit with the team to Geraldton and sees the opportunity for the team to bond and embed their culture regionally.

“The trip to Geraldton allows me personally to check out the talented male athletes in Geraldton who can challenge themselves against our team,” Butler said.

“The players are looking forward to running the clinics on Saturday morning to pass on their knowledge and experience and show why this game is so fun to play. Hopefully, this will be the beginning of an annual event.”

Softball WA’s new chief executive Dean Burton will be joining the team and is excited to work with the Geraldton Softball Association to help promote the sport.

“This visit will enable me to meet people face-to-face and create some key links which we hope will set the foundation to implement some future strategies that will boost softball’s profile, provide a pathway for talented athletes in the region, and grow overall participation which will assist in growing the sport into the future,” Burton said.

“We hope this visit will be one of many into the future where we can continue to develop not only the players, but also the volunteers and officials which enable softball to be played.”

The Geraldton softball representative side will be led by experienced coach Mark Adams, who is no stranger to playing the game at elite level.

“We have selected a quality side that is a combination of very experienced players and some young up-and-coming talent. We won’t be overawed but we will respect the talent of our opposition and give it our all.

“I encourage everyone to come and have a look at how the game can be played.”

The first game starts at 5.30pm under lights, with a home run derby interval before the second game starts at 7.30pm.

The event is free and members of the public are invited to attend.

Please bring a chair. Bar and canteen facilities will be available.

Please be aware if you park on the home-run fence off Utakarra Road that balls will be batted in that direction.

If you park there, please turn off your headlights and be aware of fence-clearing homeruns.