Frustration as batting costs A-section Geraldton cricketers at country week, with run ending in semis

Poor batting cost Geraldton’s A-section cricketers at country week which ended last Friday.

The team began with two wins but lost the next three, including Wednesday’s game against Peel.

Geraldton had already qualified for the semi but their 109 — chasing 178 to win — was an omen.

Ringo McKenna (3-17) impressed while Josh DeLacy created two run-outs.

In brutal, breezeless heat, the over rate was an issue for captain Jai Russell but Clint Yeates raced through 15 tight overs.

Only Russell (23) and Sam Crouch (26no) made runs in the reply.

In Thursday’s semi, Bunbury, who later won their 13th flag, batted first and were held to 156 by Geraldton.

Given their powerful line-up, that was top work by McKenna (3-33) and Yeates (3-34), while Tom Forsyth trapped Bevan Bennell, a superb bat, plumb in front.

Geraldton made 100 in the chase and again only Russell (26) and Crouch (20) made headway.

That set up a T20 play-off for third against Albany on Friday.

It was lost after Albany rallied from 6-24 to post 9-130.

McKenna (4-20) took his carnival tally to 13 wickets at 7.92.

Geraldton made 9-95.

“Making the semi was par but we were disappointed to miss the final after we held Bunbury’s all-star batting to 156,” Russell said.

“McKenna was our stand-out, very dependable and I think a future leader while Crouch showed he belongs at this level with his lower-order batting.

“Jay O’Brien batted steadily while Yeates had a horror week but his slow bowling was crafty.

“Overall, our batting was deficient, we’re not exposed to enough quality bowling in our competition.

“Also, our outfields are too slow, so batsmen have to hit in the air or slog which ruins technique and means part-time bowlers get away with too much.”