Geraldton softball round 7: Suiside men set the standard while women’s competitions are far more open

The Geraldton softball season is entering an important marker in the year, particularly in the men’s divisions with Suiside setting the standard. Consistency, teamwork and grit have carried both their division 1 and 2 sides to unbeaten records after six rounds. In men’s division 1, the Bulldogs have been the complete package, with Cooper and Blade Jefferies striking the ball sweetly, Liam Meharry has continued to set the tone on the mound and Jy Prosser has been the quiet achiever who turns up every week ready to do the hard yards. Their form has made life tough for the chasing pack but Blaze have kept themselves well within reach. The batting of Jack and Eli Etherton has been one of the highlights of the season so far — reliable, sharp and entertaining in that old-fashioned way where hard work does the talking. Rams and Martians continue to show glimpses of what they can do, with Dean Pascoe steady at the plate for Rams and Kynan Leggett a reliable presence for Martians. In round seven this weekend, Blaze face a double-header against Martians and Rams on Saturday — a chance to either close the gap on Suiside or fall back into the pack. Suiside open the Saturday fixtures with their match against Rams and will expect to keep their winning run alive. The men’s division 2 picture follows a similar pattern with Suiside unbeaten. Rams Blue and Blaze remain the closest challengers but last week’s 21-2 result against the ladder leaders will not fill Rams Blue with confidence. The round brings a lively derby between Rams White and Rams Blue on Friday night, always a match that brings a bit of pride and plenty of banter. Pi’s Panthers and Marlins meet in a battle of the bottom sides, both searching for rhythm and a much-needed win. Marlins then back up against Martians, while Martians also meet Blaze as part of their two-game stretch. Suiside finish their day against Gunduwa. In women’s divisions 1 and 2, the state of play is far more open. Marlins lead the top flight but Rams and Pi’s Panthers are still well within striking distance. In division 2 it is Blaze and Suiside setting the pace with Marlins and Rams White close enough to matter. Marlins continue to be powered by familiar names with the Purcell and Gould families always in the mix. Taryn Purcell’s pitching is once again proving to be the steady hand the ladder leaders rely on, while Ava and Miley Gould look to return to their last seasons solid form. Rams hold their own with Kate Harrison providing spark and energy, while Pi’s look to dependable pitcher Nat Wisewould to keep them competitive. Division 1 match-ups have the the ladder leaders sitting out with a bye, which leaves Rams and Panthers to go head-to-head on Friday before Martians meet Suiside on Saturday afternoon. In division 2, Suiside open the round against Gunduwa on Thursday night followed immediately by Martians and Blaze. Rams White and Rams Blue meet again for their derby on Saturday before Pi’s and Marlins bring things to a close.