Port Hedland down Geraldton to claim 2023 North West Softball Championship in Wickham

Port Hedland has won the the Northwest Softball Championships, which were held in Wickham this year for the the first time in 47 years. The Rozie Jones Memorial Oval served as the battleground for an intense display of softball talent, featuring teams from across the region. The championship was ultimately claimed by Port Hedland, who secured the Marie Marland Shield with a 6-5 victory over Geraldton. The tournament was not short on drama and excitement in other matches. In the first round, Tom Price emerged triumphant over Karratha 8-3, while Geraldton exhibited their prowess with a 5-2 win against the Vikings. Port Hedland dominated Dampier, clinching an impressive 18-2 victory. Round two continued to deliver thrilling encounters, with Wickham defeating the Vikings 9-4, Karratha overpowering Dampier with a 15-4 score, and Geraldton making a statement by defeating Port Hedland 13-1. The action intensified in the third round, as Tom Price secured a 10-3 victory over Dampier, Port Hedland maintained their winning ways with a 9-2 win against Wickham, and Karratha triumphed over Geraldton 10-4. In round four Port Hedland demolished the Vikings 12-0. Geraldton continued their strong performance by defeating Tom Price 15-5, and Karratha sealed a convincing 15-4 win against Wickham. In the final standings, both Port Hedland and Geraldton claimed the top spot with five wins and one loss each. Karratha was third with four wins and two losses, while Tom Price were fourth with an identical record. Wickham occupied the fifth spot with two wins and four losses, while the Vikings and Dampier rounded off the standings in sixth and seventh place. The awards ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of individual players. Tamara Kuipers from Geraldton was recognised as Fairest and Best, while the runner-up title was split between three players — Denise Cobbo from Wickham, Toni McMahon from Port Hedland and Haylee Coker from Geraldton. Shelley Glasson from Port Hedland was named Best in the Grand Final, while Nikita Whitby, also from Port Hedland, secured the Best Batting Average title. Nikita further showcased her talent by claiming the Most Runs Batted In (RBIs) award, while Haylee Coker from Geraldton was acknowledged for the Most Home Runs. Rebecca MacNeall from Karratha won the Most Stolen Bases award, and Emily Lockyer from the Vikings took out the Most Catches award. In recognition of their significant contributions to the sport, Steve Gunter was named North West Life Member, and the prestigious North West Hall of Fame award was presented to Tracey Blanket.