The final round of the opening half of the season saw us take on the might of Goodwood on their home deck. After a very warm day the humidity was high with overcast conditions that would prove challenging early.
After kicking things off we took advantage of some early looseness from Goodwood’s starter and after back to back walks, Prokopec singled home Handy and we had an early lead. Smith scored on a fielder’s choice and we had a 2 run lead after the top of the first. Goodwood responded quickly scoring 3 -- 2 out runs and after the first we were down by one.
Top of the second 3 walks and a single combined to score two more to retake the lead. Defensively Smith locked in on the mound and got two quick outs but with the humidity high we went to Prokopec with 2 out and 2 on and after loading the bases got a key pop up to Kenney at third to keep them scoreless and we went back to hit with a one run lead.
A strong top of the third with five straight reaching with one out – 3 singles and 2 walks mixed in, and we were into their bullpen. When the inning was all said and done we scored the five maximum to take that important buffer.
Bottom of the third and Goodwood’s first three hitters all reached but Prokopec shut down the threat and we still had the lead heading into the fourth. Four of our first five reached base with three scoring before the game ended early in unusual circumstances. Was a strong effort top to bottom in challenging conditions, Smith and Prokopec continue to form a strong 1-2 punch that are starting to hit their straps. Offensively we were aggressive racking up 8 hits and taking our walks when required, keeping the pressure and runners on all day. Jo Kenney had a great day with 2 hits and was strong defensively.
Time for the mid season break – the ladies have earnt it and we’ll be back on deck for round 8 on the 11th of January against Kensington. Merry Christmas all!
A warm Friday evening greeted our Division 2 ladies as they stepped out on to the diamond to face Henley and Grange. Em Parker delivered the goods, supplying an esky and watermelon to make the heat more bearable.
Parker delivered the goods again, stepping up to the pitchers plate. A bit of a different line-up had some girls trying out new positions and some wonderful fill ins giving us a 2 man bench. Parker got the game off to a good start, limiting the Rams to only 3 home in the first innings.
Then came the Tigers turn to bat, and oh boy did we come out to play. Every player remembered to pack their battin’ arms and their Weetabix that morning. The Rams were a player short, leaving two in the outfield and a gentle(wo)man’s agreement was come to that no Tigers player would take more than two bases on a hit to the outfield. While that was never necessary, the Tigers did make use of finding the gaps in the infield. Our girls brought home 5 in the first innings to secure a precarious lead.
Heading into the fourth inning and the Tigers still only lead by 2. Each team managing to bring in the maximum runs. Lucy Mitton stepped out in her pitching debut for the Tigers and transitioned into the role with incredible skill. Adele Munro-Chambers did a commendable job tackling first base, locking it down and taking some incredible catches from across the diamond.
Fantastic teamwork between Mitton and April Grava as the pitcher/catcher, a killer foul ball catch from Fiona Crabb just off third base, and plenty of encouragement from each other and Division 2 lifted our game to ensure the Rams walked back to the dugout with no runs.
The final innings came and with the victory in the bag, the Tigers go out for their final bat intending to have some fun. And have fun they did, bringing in another five for a final score of 20-13. A fantastic game to add to the undefeated repertoire of Division 2, showing that the girls have the determination needed to push through a lull and ensure the victory.
