Geraldton softball round four wrap: Martians dominate reigning champs Rams in huge victory

The Geraldton softball season’s round four saw the Martians men’s division one team make a powerful comeback, overwhelming last year’s champions Rams with a commanding 17-0 victory.

Rams, missing several key players including Dean Pascoe, Shane Clark, Paul Valenti, Leon Chapman and Fletcher Harrison, struggled to keep up. Tane Brott’s return to Martians was pivotal, securing eight strikeouts from the pitcher’s mound and sending a massive hit over the fence.

Murphy Reid also impressed with two enormous hits, both clearing the centre fence and underscoring the Martians’ offensive strength.

Suiside’s men maintained their undefeated streak with a 7-0 win over Batavia Blaze, delivering solid performances in fielding and batting.

Suiside were helped by Cooper Jefferies, Jy Thurstun, Kael Corlett and Levi Jefferies coming into the side.

Pitcher Cooper Jefferies started and finished well, striking out seven batters for the game and only allowing one safe hit. Stand-in coach Dylan Percy praised his team’s performance early in the season.

“Overall, everyone did their part batting, with Kael, Liam and Jack Connell being standouts with the bat, whilst Cooper drew two walks,” he said.

“The boys were pretty happy with their performance and are looking to keep our winning form going into next week’s game against Rams.”

Rams division one women fared much better in their game against Martians, coming away with an 8-1 victory. They delivered a well-rounded team performance, driven by Stacey Derschow’s excellent pitching, while Kate Harrison, Kristi March and Erin Dawson were outstanding in batting and fielding.

Martians pitcher Tamara Kuipers had a strong showing with three instinctive catches that slowed Rams down mid-game, while Chloe Leggett contributed with a well-positioned catch and a single.

Marlins’ women continued their undefeated streak, downing Suiside 12-5. Taryn Purcell put Marlins on the scoreboard early with a well-executed run, and her sister Zoe added three more in the fifth inning, hitting a double to keep the momentum going.

Coach Les Purcell praised his team’s effort, noting their “powerful batting and ability to hit into gaps.”

In men’s division two, Batavia Blaze dominated Martians Black with a 21-1 victory, led by Eli Etherton’s five strikeouts.

Jack Etherton also shone with a home run, a double and a single.

Pi’s Panthers showed improvement despite their 18-8 loss to Gunduwa, as David Sutton’s team began to find their rhythm in their first season.

Marlins also showed a lot of early promise, despite a 16-5 defeat to Suiside.

Marlins were unlucky to see a four-run lead slip away after the third inning. Suiside took over the lead thanks to hits from Linc Scott and Levi Jefferies.

Women’s division two match-ups saw Martians take down Rams White 24-8, capitalising on Rams’ pitching challenges, which included 17 walks and several fielding errors.

Blaze and Panthers engaged in a thrilling 18-18 game, with the Panthers welcoming softball veteran legend Janelle Phillips back to the field. Phillips put in a solid performance both at bat and in the field, much to the delight of fans.

Marlins’ division two women continued their winning form, defeating Gunduwa 21-8, while Suiside wrapped up their strong round with a 20-10 win over Rams Blue.