Geraldton softball preliminary finals review: Close games expected as teams fight to book grand final ticket

The Geraldton softball season reaches its penultimate stage on Saturday, with preliminary finals across the men’s and women’s divisions determining the last teams to book a spot in next weekend’s grand finals. In the men’s division one preliminary final, Rams will face off against Batavia Blaze in what promises to be a hard-fought contest. Rams have had an inconsistent season, hampered by player absences due to injuries and representative commitments. Their success will depend on the combination of experience and youth, with the ever-reliable Paul Valenti providing power at the plate alongside young guns Fletcher Harrison and Jake Chapman. With a season record of nine wins and eight losses, their performance on the day will be the deciding factor. Blaze, on the other hand, have enjoyed a remarkable season, making history by qualifying for their first finals appearance. They were written off by many earlier in the year but a late surge saw them edge out Martians for a finals spot. The Etherton brothers, Eli and Jack, have formed an impressive pitcher-catcher duo, while experienced siblings Josh and Sean Thompson have been crucial in clutch moments. This match is difficult to predict, but Rams’ experience may give them the edge in what is expected to be a tightly contested battle. The winner will take on a strong Suiside team in next weekend’s grand final. The women’s division one preliminary final match-up sees Pi’s Panthers take on Suiside, with both teams coming off a mixed season. Pi’s will be eager to bounce back after a loss to Rams last week cost them a direct grand final berth. The Panthers have built momentum in the latter half of the season, with veterans Natalie Wisewould and Kylie Morgan proving their consistency in key moments. Janelle Phillips has been instrumental at the plate, delivering crucial hits that have turned matches in her team’s favour. Despite finishing fourth, Suiside cannot be underestimated. Pitcher Taya Palmer is a reliable presence on the mound, while big hitters and consistent base stealers Sienna Reymond and Charli Bidwell have been game-changers when it matters. This match could go either way but Pi’s may have the edge, with Phillips likely to put some runs on the board to secure a spot in the grand final against Rams. The men’s division two preliminary final pits Blaze against Martians Red in a clash between two evenly matched sides. Blaze were unlucky to fall to Suiside in last week’s semifinal and will be counting on Eli and Jack Etherton to help them rebound. Martians Red have had a strong season of their own, with Kynan Leggett and Murphy Reid making key contributions. This game is expected to be high-scoring, but Blaze are slight favourites to advance and face Suiside in next weekend’s grand final. The women’s division two preliminary final mirrors the division one match-up, with Suiside taking on Pi’s in what should be a closely contested encounter. Both teams have had up-and-down seasons and will need to limit errors in the field to stay in the game. Marnie Barry and Sharon Orr could prove decisive for Suiside if they find form, while Pi’s will be relying on a solid team performance to see them through. This one is too close to call, but Suiside may have just enough to edge out a victory and book a grand final showdown with Marlins. With a place in the grand final on the line, all teams will be leaving everything on the field in what promises to be an action-packed Saturday of softball.