Geraldton softball resumes: Panthers stun in big win over top side to kickstart second half of season

A resurgent Pi’s Panthers took down ladder leaders Marlins in the game of the round in women’s division one as the second half of the Geraldton softball season kicked off.

David Sutton’s Panthers won by a convincing 11-4 on Saturday, with Natalie Wisewould pitching superbly for the winners, and Selina Kiddle solid in the catcher’s role.

Pi’s presented a solid team effort with Sally Denton, Shannon Drew and Kylie Morgan all in top form.

In the other women’s division one game, Suiside narrowly defeated Martians 8-7. Suiside led comfortably until the bottom of the sixth, where a late surge by Martians, fuelled by fielding errors and walks, brought them close.

Tayah Palmer’s four strikeouts and Charli Bidwell’s two singles were highlights for Suiside, while Martians’ Tamara Kuipers and Beth Watson made notable contributions.

The upcoming round will see Rams playing a double-header against Marlins and Pi’s Panthers, with Marlins also taking on Suiside.

Men’s division one on Saturday saw the Rams resume their season in impressive style, defeating Batavia Blaze 11-4.

Despite a closely contested first six innings, the Rams pulled away with strong hitting from Marshall Harrison, leading to an all-around solid team performance.

In the other division one match-up, Suiside edged out Martians in a nail-biting finish, winning 5-4. Martians managed eight safe hits but committed four errors, compared to Suiside’s near-perfect game with just one error.

Liam Meharry’s home run and pitching excellence were pivotal for Suiside, while Ashley Walker stood out for Martians with a solid pitching effort.

Next weekend, Suiside will face Blaze, and Martians will seek redemption against an in-form Rams side.

In men’s division two, Rams White triumphed over Pi’s with a 12-6 victory, driven by Ethan Gould’s strong performance. However, Rams Blue fell to Martians Red, losing 15-10 in a spirited game where Martians capitalised on early opportunities.

Zade Colley and Mason Coffey were instrumental for Martians Red, while Tristan Reed and Kayde Parke made significant contributions for Rams Blue.

Suiside beat Blaze 8-3, and Gunduwa took down Marlins 11-6 in the other games.

Next round, Suiside will meet Marlins, Rams White and Blue will battle in their derby game, Martians Black will face Blaze, and Gunduwa will compete against Pi’s Panthers.

In women’s division two, Gunduwa and Suiside overwhelmed Martians in their double-header.

In the first game, Gunduwa capitalised on Martians’ pitching struggles, winning 17-4, with stand-out performances from Shaleah Narkle and Dainica Papertalk for the victors.

The second game saw Suiside dominate Martians with a 29-6 victory, showcasing a comprehensive team effort. Martians’ Renae Ullrich and Rebecca Armstrong provided some resistance.

Blaze lost to Suiside in their other double-header game, Suiside winning 13-8. Panthers narrowly beat Gunduwa 11-10, Rams White took derby bragging rights over Rams Blue, winning 15-13, and Marlins beat Pi’s in convincing style, winning 13-2.

In Round 12, Rams Blue will go against Blaze, Panthers will face Martians, Suiside will take on Marlins, and Gunduwa will challenge Rams White