Country week cricket: Geraldton A-grade side pick up big win over West Pilbara to keep finals hopes alive

A big win over West Pilbara has kept Geraldton A-grade side in the finals race, while the B-grade team suffered another loss in round two of country week cricket. The A-grade side suffered a round one loss to Bunbury by 35 runs on Sunday, but they responded on Monday with a 119-run win. West Pilbara won the toss and elected to bat, and the Geraldton bowlers kept them contained throughout the match, only giving up 88 runs. Mitchell Thompson (3-16) and Kodi Giltrow (3-16) both had solid performances, and were backed up by Ringo McKenna (2-24) off 12 overs. Geraldton responded a total of 207. Jeremy Bedford (49) and Darcy Ingle (38no) top scored in the win, with at least four of their batters getting to the 30 run mark - a major improvement from their round one loss. The second side, in B-grade, suffered a 156 run blowout to Great Southern at Illuka Sports Ground. Great Southern batted first after winning the toss, and while Geraldton had a strong opening and finish with their bowling, it was halfway through that they were blown open, letting up 75 and 60 runs to Great Southern’s Liam Want and Lewis Barritt. Clint Yeates (5-69) off 17 overs was Geraldton’s most successful bowler. Geraldton suffered early blows as their opening batsmen were both bowled for ducks and they couldn’t find much success after. Aaron McAuliffe (32) and Clint Yeates (29) top scored for Geraldton. Round three will take place on Wednesday, when Geraldton A-grade takes on Upper Great Southern, with the winner through to the finals.Their B-grade side will play South Midlands, but look unlikely to make the finals.