Geraldton triumph at country week to claim fifth A-section Country Cricket Championships title

Geraldton claimed a fifth A-section Country Cricket Championships title at the WACA Ground on Friday.

Geraldton earned the kings of country week title after emerging victorious against last year’s champions Albany following an unbeaten run in the tournament.

Adding intrigue to the match was that it was a face-off between brothers, with Geraldton’s all-round star Zane Marwick coming up against his brother, Albany captain Coen Marwick.

The star of the grand final and winner of the John Rutherford Medal was Geraldton’s Darcy Ingle who scored a crucial 70 off 132 balls.

He went in at 3-44 and more wickets fell at 50, 66 and 87 to leave Geraldton hoping that at least 120 could somehow be reached off an excellent attack.

WACA ground staff had a challenging week given the heatwave that smothered the Perth region. The wicket that the country week final was played on was used for a national second 11 fixture, which saw WA victorious by 100-odd runs.

Given the heavy workload the wicket played as a traditional WACA wicket would — cut down to 6mm of grass for the country week final — it produced great pace and bounce, which made for a good true surface for 50-over cricket. The outfield proved lighting fast, providing great value for shots all over the ground.

Geraldton won the toss and chose to bat. First out was Jeremy Bedford, leg before to the third ball of the innings to Hayden Davies (2-36) followed by Zane Marwick, caught behind by Devon Jefferis of Ben Southern.

Adam Goacher drove Coen Marwick firmly, but his shot was parried up and the rebound landed in the bowler’s hands.

Jay O’Brien (17) batted well until bowled by Joe Stanley (5-30) who also had Geraldton captain Ringo McKenna easily stumped. Jupp hoicked a six in his brief stay but was bowled by Ryan Davies.

Ingle needed someone resolute at the other end and Callum Marquis fit the bill. He only made 11 but survived for 49 balls and helped Ingle add 39 before trapped in front by Hayden Davies.

Time was short so Austin Breen (20 off 19 balls) had to play strokes and he did so in a busy innings in which he put on 46 with Ingle.

The innings ended for 181 with Ingle last to fall, a reward for Stanley who also took five wickets in last year’s final against Eastern Goldfields.

Albany’s chase started badly with key bat Lincoln Joy brilliantly caught by O’Brien, scurrying to his left from mid-off to pouch a skied drive.

Ryan Valli (19) and Stanley (37) put on 45 but Zane Marwick (4-28) had Valli leg before.

Marwick also removed Seb Stanton, easily held by Marquis, rapped Stanley on the pads and bowled Harry Grigson to reduce Albany to 5-84.

Coen Marwick (28) fought hard but was skillfully caught and bowled by McKenna (2-30) who also had Jed Schwarzback caught by keeper Bedford diving to his right to make it 7-116.

The end was nigh with Jefferis caught by Bedford off Jupp (1-28 off 10 overs) while Zak Williamson (2-6) ended the game.

“We are a young side but stuck together, met the challenges and came away with the win,” McKenna said at the presentations.

Zane Marwick won the Barry Shepherd Medal as the carnival’s best player.