Geraldton softball round 3: Blaze post first win of season, Suiside cruise to victory in men’s division 1

Blaze sealed their first victory of the season while Suiside proved unstoppable in men’s division one softball over the weekend. Round three of the Geraldton Softball Association season delivered highlights, big hits, dominant displays from both established and emerging stars and a few mercy-rule finishes across two days of competition. Blaze found form with an emphatic 11-0 win over Rams, with Josh Thompson setting the tone early with a three-run home run, while the Etherton brothers — Jack and Eli — once again proved their class. Jack Etherton was superb on the mound, allowing just one runner to reach first base, while Eli Etherton smashed a two-run homer and caught faultlessly behind the plate. Jarrod Nassisa and Adam Gilcrest also starred, keeping the Blaze momentum rolling throughout. In the other fixture, Suiside dismantled Martians 18–0 with an all-round team performance. Cooper Jefferies, Jy Prosser, Liam Meharry, and Murray Connell were standouts, with Meharry sending a huge home run clear over the cars on the hill to the delight of the crowd. In women’s division one, Midwest Marlins extended their unbeaten run with a 14–5 win over Martians. Taryn Purcell was outstanding, driving in four runs and hitting two doubles, while Sophie Purcell and Ava Gould were equally damaging with the bat. Martians battled hard, with Tamara Kuipers and Chloe Leggett producing strong performances, Kuipers collecting two hits and two RBIs in a solid individual effort. The other division one game saw Rams overpower Suiside 17–4 in one of their most complete performances of the season. Stevie Usher and Kate Harrison led from the front, both batting superbly, while Kristie March and Erin Dawson were consistent all day. Suiside’s Maddison Jefferies fought hard, producing a number of smart plays and showing determination throughout. In women’s division two, Blaze made it three wins in a row, beating Suiside 16–11 in a high-scoring contest. The young pitching and catching duo of Mikayla Finch and Summer Palmer again proved a winning combination, keeping their composure under pressure as Suiside rallied late. Rams Blue also continued their strong form, recording a 14–7 victory over Martians thanks to an excellent batting display from Narissa Valenti, who finished with four safe hits including a double. Martians’ Melonie Olijnyk stood out with sharp defensive work and solid batting. Rams White maintained their momentum with a 19–12 win over Marlins, turning around an early deficit in style, while Gunduwa impressed with a 16–8 victory over Pi’s Panthers, their best team performance of the season so far. Men’s division two saw Suiside continued to shine, defeating Blaze 15–3, with their depth and consistency across the field proving too strong for the short-handed Blaze side. Gunduwa were also in fine touch, beating Pi’s Panthers 23–10, Pi’s still searching for their first elusive win. While Rams Blue took down Martians 10–3 in a fun and competitive matchup played in great spirits. Rams’ Leon Chapman and Tristan Reed led the charge, while Martians’ Bryceon Xuereb and Ethan Rankin impressed in the field. Rounding out the round, Rams White were clinical in their 16–1 win over Marlins, highlighted by two massive home runs from Ethan Gibson and another strong pitching performance from Fletcher Harrison.