The Mount Gambier Softball League swung back into action on Saturday with round 1 of the 2022/23 season.
The first game back saw last year’s premiers Concordes United take on Warriors in a 17-4 defeat for United.
It was a fantastic start for United, with players coming out firing straight out of the gate.
Bec Von Duve took a great catch at second early on and this set the tone in the field for United.
Their batting also picked up where they left off last season, amassing a huge 13 safe hits, led by coach Hannah Taylor who started off her RBIs tally with some big hitting.
Warriors did their best to penetrate with the bat, but the Concordes fielding was too strong with another beautiful catch at short stop from Maddie Bowd holding them at bay.
Again, pitching was to be admired from United, with Dana Jones striking out and being quick to stop the ball and getting the outs at first.
Warriors however played up to their reputation for never giving up, and executed a great double play, but despite their efforts could not meet the challenge for the day.
Mel Chuck and Clare Chaplin led from the front with safe hits for Warriors.
Maddie Bowd was the star with four safe hits for Concordes, followed closely by Bec Von Duve with three.
Game two of the season had the Wanderers all decked out in their new uniforms up against Demons for 5-3 Wanderers win.
It was a tightly contested game throughout with a finals like atmosphere, and was a pitcher dominated affair.
Some solid defensive work from both clubs were the highlights of the day with Wanderers executing a perfect double play to save a run at home plate in what would be a match defining moment.
Whilst both teams’ bats were a little cold in their first encounters for the season, both line ups started to light it up later in the game but to no avail.
Rej Smith for Wanderers did the job on the mound while allowing only five hits throughout five innings pitched.
Defensively the Wanderers were fairly sound, proving to be the difference between the two teams, which was highlighted by an outstanding catch by Charli Kaigg at left field.
With very few errors, Wanderers were able to keep Demons at bay for most of the game with some outstanding work at first base from Kim Key.
Billie Jones threw seven strikeouts and collected a double of her own in a strong performance for her new club and playing coach Kezia Feast also hit well for the Demons.
It was a solid performance from all, however the Demons just could not convert enough opportunities to gain the lead at any point as Wanderers led from start to finish, prevailing 5-3 to open up their account for the 2022/23 season.
