Some of Geraldton’s finest selected to represent the State at Australian Country Cricket Championships

Three Geraldton cricketers are in WA teams at the Australian Country Cricket Championships which kicks off on Friday. They are Ringo McKenna, who is in the men’s side, and Ashlyn Thompson and Lauren Newman who have been chosen for the women’s team. In addition, Shayne Bidwell is the men’s assistant coach and his daughter Chelsea is their trainer. The eight-day event, centred this year in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, is hugely prestigious. The men’s competition began in 1984-85 and the women’s event started in 2015-16. A mix of 50-over and T20 games are fixtured for six men’s sides, while six women’s teams play T20s. McKenna, a talented left-arm fast bowler, was also in the team last year when it was held in Newcastle, NSW. He took five wickets in seven games and WA Country finished fifth. “The experience was awesome and a great challenge and my aim is just to do my best and whatever I can to help the team be successful.” McKenna said. “I don’t think I’ve peaked as a cricketer, there are always ways to improve and I am still a long way off the standard of some of my peers.” McKenna’s record at Country Week, which starts on January 19 and he is available for, couldn’t be ignored by WA Country selectors. He has 60 wickets at 16.21 in 50 games and 187 runs at 10.38. Thompson, also a pace bowler, has played 19 Women’s Country Week games for Geraldton and taken 16 wickets at 17.56. Newman, a batter, has also featured in 19 Women’s Country Week games for an impressive 435 runs at 31.07 with a highest of 106.