Concordes United leap frogged sister side Concordes White and moved into top spot heading into the upcoming final round of the 2021/22 Mount Gambier Softball League after victory in a cracking contest which had the look and feel of a finals match up on Saturday.

Unlike some other lopsided results, this match remained tight over five innings, showing that both sides can play sustained high-level softball in what was a great fielding display by both sides.

Alli Kreplins started on the mound for White, and got out of the first innings without any damage thanks to a great catch at right field to Linda Doods, who actually took three terrific grabs for the day and zinged an out from right to first as well.

White led off with a run after Kreplins reached on an error, and was then also scored on an error, but from then on in United were almost flawless in the field.

In the third innings United finally got some reward for the pressure they were putting on the white field, and a smoked line drive down the third base line to Dana Jones for a double.

This play plus safe hits to Codie Jackway and Hannah Taylor saw United plate two runs and take the lead.

White was making good contact but batted without much luck, finding the fielders, especially Jackway who was a star on second base, knocking down everything that came her way.

United tacked on an insurance run in the fifth and White needed two runs to steal it at the death, but some great outfielding by Mackenzie Millard to catch both hits that came her way at centre closed out the game in what was a well-deserved victory for United.

Both sides will meet again in a fortnight’s time for a qualifying final, to see which team advances straight through to a Grand Final berth.

Wanderers jumped out of the gates leaving Warriors White smarting by scoring 10 runs in the first inning.

A double to Fiona Finch started the fun, then singles to Leanne Little, Maddelyn Stevens, Belinda Bonney, Jo Hart and Em Hart built the momentum with Finch recording another hit amongst the run fest.

Wanderers certainly kept the Warriors field busy, but were held scoreless in the second, much to the relief of Warriors pitcher Erin Chaplin who snagged one of her team’s five hits for the day to right field in the first.

Wanderers just applied too much pressure to the young Warriors side, adding a further five runs in the third with Finch recording her third hit of the day to then be scored after a couple of key clangers by the more experienced Warriors campaigners.

Wanderers Jo Hart singled to Elly Hogben at centre, scoring Rej Smith who was solid as a rock with her pitching, also getting on base three times.

Warriors could not get their bats going in unison, scattering their hits via speedster Justine Koop, Clare Chaplin, Bec White and one of the most improved players in the competition, Kelly Anderson.

Wanderers managed to keep their finals race alive, holding onto fourth place and will be preparing to face fifth-placed Demons next week in the last minor round game.

If Demons were to dominate the scoring and register the win, it could upset Wanderers’ finals aspirations after their fast start to the season.

Demons took on Warriors Blue and leadoff hitter Abbey Meinck got on base care of a single to short stop, then stole second before being scored by textbook team play in the top of the first – right side ground ball by Vic Radley then a ripping double to Jordy Gower.

Cody Manning was then pitched to carefully but ended up scoring on some Warriors Blue shambles in the field.

Time was called for Blues to recover from their frazzled start to then strike out Sarah Niewenhuizen and get a ground out from the dangerous hitter Steph Chant.

Some in the crowd may have noticed smoke coming from the ears of Blues pitcher Leyna Bruggemann, but thankfully her cantankerous jets were cooled by a nine-run first innings.

Jarvo Queale has redefined how defensive teams play left field when she is at the plate, however it was to no avail as she put another two safe hits to her tally including a sizzling double nearly taking the hand off of Demons third base Kez Feast.

Smiling assassin Melissa Chuck showed why she is batting as the clean-up hitter for Blues, lining a shot to Radley at centre for two RBIs.

Demons second base Sofie Morale showed great composure in the field, getting an out to stem the bleeding in the second dig.

Blues Bec White continues to keep working hard on the timing of her swing, stroking three safe shots to right and bolting around the bases in preparation for finals pressure.

Daena Wombwell appeared to relax batting down the line up, showing poise with two lovely hits and a disciplined walk nearly undone, becoming flustered by a dropped infield fly.

Ever the team players Kelly Doyle, Clare Chaplin and the saintly Jasmine Disselbach, made solid contact in the batter’s box and were behind Bruggemann with every pitch.

The veteran took to adopting several swings in frustration but found the gaps with three doubles and three RBIs.

Justine Koop was the crowd favourite with her own cheer squad having a safe hit and putting immense pressure on the Demons field, scoring three times and three RBIs of her own.

The win puts Warriors Blue safely into the finals and they will hope to improve on their previous two floggings at the hands of Concordes White when they meet next week for their final minor round game.