Tight result in Batavia League Pennant finals
Geraldton Blue have taken out the Batavia League Men’s pennant flag for 2018/19 in a gripping two shot win over cross town rivals Wonthella Green. Geraldton’s top skip Shane Giudice-Nairn and his rink of Brooks, Criddle and Chester were best performed all season and again proved the difference in the final with a 23-16 win over Gary Preston which combined with the 21-16 win by Joe Criddle’s rink was enough to off set a strong 25-15 win by Wonthella’s Tony O’Brien.
In Division 2 Wonthella were able to take revenge over Geraldton as their Wonthella Gold side scored a close 44-41 win over Gerladton Gold. Kim North with his team of Craig, Wedgewood and McCall doing as they liked in a big 31-13 win which carried the day for Wonthella.
However perhaps the highlight of the year was the resurgence of Mullewa as a force in the Batavia League. Mullewa officially ended the Batavia Bowling Leagues longest finals drought (31 years) following the last round victory against Geraldton Blue of the 2019 pennant season to storm into third position and contention at the completion of the seasons home and away fixtures.
1988 was the last time the Saints participated in finals action with the club claiming the first and only flag in their long history.
The Saints victorious team included the likes of David Armstrong, who went on to represent WA along with then club captain Trevor Harkin, Malcolm Krolic, Gary McCormack and Paddy Barden sharing the skippers positions with long time local legends Ray Bone, Ken Keeffe, Jim Crudeli, Malcolm Steele and Sam Perrotina.
The 2019 side sees Lloyd Morgan, Craig Walker and Vince Knight holding the key skippers spots during the 2018/19 standout season. State junior Aiden McAuliffe continues his consistent season with John Peet and Nino Messina solid in the lead role. The seconds include much quality with life member and club legend Murray Watt arguable the best along with Kevin Jones, both having skipped on occasions this season so the form line is strong, add Steve Aarts and the side is more than capable. The talent continues with WAFL and GNFL legends John Sims and Mick Thompson joining the talented Paul Johnson in the pivotal third position.
The dedicated Saints train every Thursday at the Geraldton Bowling Club with a regular turnout of 15 plus attending.
Unfortunately the Saints went out in Round 1 of the finals with a narrow loss to Wonthella Green must the club must be commended for there outstanding season and it wont be any surprise to see them figure again next year.
Thank you to those who supplied photos and information for this story.
