2024-25 Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League review: Team reviews heading into second half of season

With the 2024-25 Geraldton Bendigo Bank Cricket League in recess, it’s time to review where each team stands and how their fortunes could fare in the second half of the season. BLUFF POINT Inconsistent. To make the top three must dislodge Sportsmans who have two more wins. Jay O’Brien (229 runs at 39.85) is easily their best bat with Mitch McAuliffe (162 runs at 20.25) next. Both James Morrison and McAuliffe have 16 wkts at 16.06 and 17.06 respectively while Matt Russell (11 at 10.45) and O’Brien (9 at 9.33) are impactful. Prediction: Fourth CHAPMAN VALLEY-NORTHAMPTON No wins in 10 games. Only Nigel Routledge (197 runs at 21.88) and Adam Goacher (147 at 14.70) have topped 100 runs. Taj Satie and Matt Alabanis have a 50 in three and two games respectively so can improve. Bowling lacks penetration aside from Brad Boyer (18 wkts at 17.27) and Lachlan Teakle (9 at 19) further waned by the loss of Zak Williamson to Sportsmans. Prediction: Wooden spoon SPORTSMANS Should make the finals but only one win in five games against the top two. Clint Yeates (176 runs at 58.66), Jarrod Jupp (196 at 32.66) and Ryan Dixon (126 at 25.20) head their batting and ideally Glenn Wishart will play more and Riley Barham will find form. Jupp (24 wkts at 9) has been amazing while Gus Spalding, Matt Greenlees and Xavier Bochat have 14, 11 and 10 wkts respectively. Williamson is a great addition. Prediction: Promising youth and quality seniors but unlikely to reach the grand final WANDERERS Lost top spot to Towns despite Zane Marwick (407 runs at 50.87, 20 wkts at 9.15 and 10 catches) who is the comp’s best cricketer. Others to bat well include Damien King (173 runs at 34.60), Shayne Bidwell (160 at 22.85) and Ian Oglesby (130 at 16.25). Kade Gillingham is due. With the ball, King (10 wkts at 17.40) and Justin Clarkson (9 at 20.55) are solid and Digby Williams and Austyn Moulds are up and comers. Prediction: Runners-up but they have Marwick so… TOWNS On a seven-game winning streak with Ringo McKenna (245 runs at 40.83, 20 wkts at 9.55 and seven catches) their inspiration. Jai Russell (274 runs at 68.50), Jeremy Bedford (200 at 50), Sam Crouch (214 at 26.75) have also shone and Jay Comben, when available, is handy. Others to impress with the ball include Josh DeLacy (19 wkts at 13.52), Crouch (15 at 13.80 including a 6-10). Seth Farmer, Kodi Giltrow (also a good bat), Tom Forsyth, Austin Breen and Travis Morgan mean bowling options. Prediction: Premiers. Team of contributors not stars but it works