Firstly congratulations to our sister team with their exciting walk off victory over Gawler – well done all. We played the Indians from Goodwood on Friday and it was an entertaining and competitive match right to the end.
With a number of our starting line up caught up in the crunch that inevitably occurs with 6pm starts on a work week night we had an understandably slow start to the match that had us playing catch up from the first pitch. Bianca Smith on the mound was fantastic again going three strong innings but with a couple of opportunities missed in the first inning seeing us chase 5 early we knew we would be in for one hell of a challenge.
We responded well in the bottom of the first getting runners on base but were ultimately able to score just the two – the highlight being safe hits to Jenna Handy, Gemma Cassidy and Natalie Ziersch. Jenna scoring from second on a passed ball set the tone for some quality base running throughout the game and Gemma scoring on Nat’s infield single rounded out our scoring. The Goodwood pitchers threw a high percentage of strikes and made us earn everything all night.
In the second we had a strong inning surrendering only the 3 runs with some improved defense behind Bianca. Jacqui Dunn then led off the second with a fantastic quality at bat – fouling off a number of very tough two strike pitches before eventually reaching on a walk. Momentum swung back our way with a five run inning of our own and we were tied after 2.
We started of the top of the third strongly getting a couple of early outs but ultimately some good hitting from the opposition saw them post their second 5 run inning of the game and we were unable to respond on the scorebook despite some hard hit balls in our half of the inning that went straight to our opposition.
A classic example of how hard it is to score regularly against an opposition that plays consistent strong defence. Very proud of the ladies in how they have responded to the increased competition of the last two weeks – the final result isn’t everything but we are building into a resilient team that still ensures we enjoy baseball regardless of the result.
Jenny Dunn was again a strong contributor with the bat and Gemma Cassidy had a strong all round game with two hits to go with her work behind the dish.
We are at home again Friday night against Onkaparinga – with both teams using the CUBS moniker I’m sure there will be some good natured emphasis on winning this head to head match up.
Don’t forget on Friday December 8th we have our official women’s uniform launch with our newly designed uniforms ready to be unveiled on the pitch for the first time. We’ll be playing Kensington at home with our sister team playing Onkaparinga also at home – this also represents the mid season break point for the Women’s League so we will be having a night of celebration afterwards. Come on down – all details are available on our website and Facebook page
After a disappointing game in the previous week the tiger ladies looked for redemption as they came up against the Gawler Rangers who were fresh of a win against the CUBS. The rangers took the early lead in the first innings going up a quick 5 runs but the ladies held their heads up and fought on through we managed to get 2 home with some patient batting in the box With parker scoring our first run of the night closely followed by Emma Young who scored on a wild pitch. On the base path, we were aggressive as always stealing bases at will. During the 2nd inning we turned up the heat in the field Heidi chipped in with a catch as well as parker striking out the last 2 batters to restrict them to only 2 runs. Once again it was our patience in the box that helped us to convert while batting in the 2nd inning. Michelle Smith was quick on the base path stealing a couple of bases that helped jump start the team. Throughout the night the composure of the ladies was phenomenal, not once did they drop their heads even when the rangers were up, there sheer determination was what kept them in the game all night.
To start the 3rd inning Michelle took a blinder of a catch in left field, Sarah Wright came in to close for the last inning picking up 2 strike outs on her way to restricting the rangers to 1 run, this was a pivotal moment in the game as it only allowed the rangers to go up 2 runs. The bottom of the 3rd we found ourselves 2 runs down, but where determined to finish strong Cheryl lead us of and after a solid effort behind the plate she wasn’t done. Picking up a base hit to start us of and collecting a stolen base. The ladies must be getting sick of me saying this put it was our patience in the box which helped us get the win, the team waited all night for the right pitch and if it wasn’t there then they just took the walk. With 2 outs and a runner on 2nd Alex Meldrum stepped up to the plate to drive in the winning run for the team.
Throughout the game the team stayed calm and collected, when times got tough they dug in their cleats and fought back, I am very proud as a coach they have all come a long way from where they began the only way from here now is up. Also, a big thank you for all who turned up to support our ladies in both games it is really appreciated. Another big game next week against Goodwood come on down have a drink and watch a fantastic game of baseball.
