Concordes White and Concordes United go head-to-head in the Mount Gambier Softball League grand final at Blue Lake Sports Park this Saturday to decide who has final bragging rights at the club for 2022.
It will a historic moment with the “Concordethon” being the first decider between two sister sides in the Mount Gambier Softball League.
The two teams have been evenly matched all season, with each team recording two victories each in the head-to-head clashes.
United however has looked almost untouchable since the mid-season acquisition of Montanna and Mackenzie Millard and will certainly go into the match as the favourites.
They prevailed in a tight contest in the first qualifying final, with the difference being a deeper batting line up and the fielding magic of Mackenzie Millard in the outfield who pulled in at least four catches that probably no one else in the league would have managed.
Dana Jones will likely take the mound for United, after a consistent season in which her work rate with both the bat and ball will certainly put her in contention for league trophies.
Concordes United coach Hannah Taylor also has the luxury of Montanna Millard as a backup should the White bats get on top of Jones, which could prove vital in a seven-innings match.
Leonie McCallum and Bec Von Duve have been solid as rocks on the infield corners for United all year.
When combined with Sarah Thomson at short, Codie Jackway at second and Taylor behind the plate, it is an impressive infield to contend with.
But White also boasts an impressive fielding line up, with the likes of Rachel Bagshaw at short stop, Maddy Sutherland at third and Maddy Bowd prowling at second.
Alli Kreplins and Billie Jones will share the pitching duties as they have all year, with the right-left combination providing effective last week in their tight win against Warriors Blue.
The outfield for White also includes the experienced trio of Jo Hopgood, Kate Altschwager and Linda Dodds, with Brandi Miller also in the mix as a utility player.
Sam Brown will lead the side behind the plate and provide a vast amount of experience and calm for her team.
This was evidenced by a crucial out in the semi which ultimately changed the course of the game in her team’s favour.
Batting will be key – and whoever does it better will likely walk away with the premiership.
White needs to keep the ball on the ground and away from Millard at centrefield, plus improve its conversion of runners in scoring position if they are to upset United.
United does not need to change much from their winning formula of two weeks ago, but will need to manage their nerves and stay loose against a White side that has nothing to lose.
For Concordes president Jo Hopgood, it is a win-win situation regardless of the outcome.
“It was an incredible feeling to win last week and get both our sides into the grand final,” she said.
“We have worked incredibly hard over the past five years on improving the culture, coaching and people-first focus of our club and after so many years of being the big improver itis finally our chance to claim that elusive premiership.”
Indeed, for many players it will be their first taste of premiership glory regardless of the victor, so a red-hot contest is guaranteed for all those that come to spectate.
League presentations will follow the 2pm game from 5pm at the club rooms.
