A lot has changed since Gary Geise last played first grade for Wallsend in 2010-11.
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The all-rounder has made two Maitland grand finals, lived in the Northern Territory for a while and has three kids.
Now the 35-year-old is back in Newcastle and after a few matches in seconds, featuring a one-day final win and a hat-trick last start as part of a 10-wicket haul, Geise returns to the Tigers top XI as they prepare to host Hamilton-Wickham in a two-day fixture.
“It’s been a while,” Geise admits.
The former NSW under-19 representative said Wallsend captain Nathan Price and unavailable Jake Montgomery, who Geise replaces in the line-up, were the most familiar faces at his family club.
Geise and his father Greg, who played eight Sheffield Shield games for NSW in the 1980s, won a Newcastle district premiership together for the Tigers in 2006-07.
Outside a brief cameo for Wallsend lower grades at the end of last summer, Geise’s most recent outing had been a man-of-the-match performance with Maitland side Norths in the 2012-13 decider.
“My first game since I left there [Maitland] was late last year in thirds,” he said.
“I’ve played every game I can this year, only missed one because of injury. I’m not quite moving as well as I used to, but it’s been good playing again.”
Wallsend are coming off a 112-run loss while visiting opponents Hamwicks jumped into second spot on the NDCA competition ladder courtesy of an outright victory.
In other round eight encounters starting on Saturday, the Major brothers, Jonty and Jesse, will face off at No.1 Sportsground with City hosting Belmont.
Jonty has taken over the captaincy at City this summer while Jesse lines up up for Belmont in what will be his second game this campaign.
At Harker Oval and Andrew Benbow, 17, is set for his maiden appearance with title holders Wests at home to Toronto. Brad Aldous (calf) is out injured for the Rosellas.
Waratah are away to Charlestown at Kahibah Oval, Cardiff welcome Stockton to Cardiff No.1 and unbeaten leaders University meet Merewether, minus experienced campaigner Tim O’Neill, at the Callaghan campus.
