Geraldton’s June Softball carnival makes a successful return for 2022 after two-year hiatus

Geraldton’s 2022 June softball carnival was a home run, as 52 teams from across the State descended on the city last weekend. The event — played over two days at the Utakarra Ballpark and Towns Football Oval — is a showcase for local and statewide softball talent. The annual June Carnival hosted by the Geraldton Softball Association attracts associations from as far north as Karratha all the way down south to Bunbury. GSA’s registrar and June Carnival co-ordinator, Bethany Dawson, said she was thrilled with the turnout this year. “This is a carnival just for our ladies, I think that’s what makes it so unique. There are a lot of carnivals around WA for men but not many for ladies on a social and fun aspect of play,” she said. This year marked the return of the popular carnival, which had been cancelled in the past two years due to COVID. After 12 weeks of preparation from local clubs and the GSA board, the carnival featured 216 games over two days, with roughly 800 players, spectators, volunteers, umpires, and organisers. The GSA was well represented with local teams the Midwest Marlins, Rams, Pi’s, Batavia Blaze and Martians all playing over the long weekend. Local cricket legend Janelle Phillips said the carnival was as much, if not more, about the social aspect as it was about playing the game. “There is so much laughter around the grounds, it’s played in a competitive yet super friendly spirit,” she said. “It is just a great time to get away with the girls. Travelling teams literally book their accommodation for next year’s June long weekend as they’re checking out.” Wanneroo softball club registrar Brooke Johnson said she understood just how special the event was for WA women. “Apart from the masters games there are not many opportunities in WA where such a large group can come together with one thing in common . . . their love of the game,” she said. “The June carnival is an entire long weekend of not only softball but a chance to have some fun, let your hair down and play with a mixed skill level of like minded people.” The competition finished on Sunday afternoon with four grand finals from each of the “colour” divisions. The Base Invaders, Demons, Suzy’s Rookies, Bad Attitude and Rockingham Juniors all took honours in their coloured divisions. Final results: GOLD Winners: Base Invaders 9 Runners-up: Zodiacs 1 MVP: Kristen Brown TEAL Winners: Suzy Rookies 12 Runners-up: SDSA SWANS 0 MVP: Isabelle French CORAL Winners: Demons 7 Runners-up: SFANS 5 MVP: Jo Tester SILVER Winners: Muppets 14 Runners-up: Jaguars Black 8 MVP: Shannon Burnden PINK Winners: Bad Attitude 9 Runners-up: Josh’s Angels 8 MVP: Melanie White PURPLE Winners: Rockingham Juniors 8 Runners-up: Western Spirit Black 2 MVP: Laycee Hallion

Geraldton’s June Softball carnival makes a successful return for 2022 after two-year hiatus

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