Concordes White put in a clinical display against an undermanned Wanderers in the Mount Gambier Softball League top of the table battle.
Wanderers started positively after Fiona Finch drew a walk and then scored on a fielder’s choice play to open their account in the first.
With a couple of players out due to COVID, Wanderers were looking to club legend and all-round player favourite Rej Smith to pitch them to victory, however the Concordes batters had other ideas.
They were able to score four in the first, thanks to two RBI’s from hit machine Billie Jones and one each to Rachel Bagshaw and Sam Brown.
Alli Kreplins then retired Wanderers three up three down in the second and Concordes replied with a further four runs, taking advantage of a few fielding errors and a beautifully timed hit to centre field by Kate Altschwager.
The third innings started well for Wanderers with a safe hit to right for youngster Lily-Clifford-Finch and a double to Jo Hart, but they were unable to score as Rachel Bagshaw again showed her skills and rocket arm, delivering perfect throw after perfect throw to first.
The third innings was the best of the day for Concordes, started off by Daniella Waters and Jo Hopgood reaching base.
Maddy Sutherland then stepped up to the plate and cracked a massive home run over left field’s head, much to the delight of her teammates and the crowd watching on.
Safe hits to Kreplins, Brown and Linda Dodds followed, with seven runs crossing the plate to effectively put the game beyond Wanderers reach.
Smith pitched accurately and with great heart all day for Wanderers and was well caught by young superstar Charlie Kaigg, whose glove work continues to impress.
Ultimately Concordes batting depth and error free fielding display got them the easy win, 15 runs to one.
Concordes United also picked up the points in their match against Warriors Blue, however it was a thriller that went down to the last batter in the game.
Warriors Blue jumped out of the blocks early, scoring three in the first, thanks to RBI’s from Kelly Doyle and Skylea McLean.
They then held Concordes United scoreless for the first two innings, thanks to three K2’s to pitcher Leyna Bruggemann.
Mel Chuck then cracked a double to centerfield for Warriors and was scored by McLean again, to bring it to 3-0.
The bats of Concordes finally came to life in the third innings, with six batters hitting safely for six green runs to put the pressure back on Warriors to respond.
And respond they did, taking advantage of a handful of walks and a two RBI hit by the on-fire Chuck to creep ahead again 8-6.
Three consecutive errors by Warriors saw Concordes score two and go into their last at bat level, looking for the win.
Warriors got the first two outs in quick succession and were one out away from securing the draw when Codie Jackway hit safely to left field, bringing Montanna Millard to the plate looking for her first hit of the day.
She did not disappoint, cracking a three bagger past centre field to score Jackway and snatch the win, 9-8.
The win moves them up into second spot on the ladder and puts the pressure on Warriors Blue to hold on to the fourth spot after Demons recorded a win over Warriors white in the other match of the day.
Warriors White started well scoring two runs in the first and three in the second, with both Sarah Poderman and Taylor Wilsmore having two of their three safe hits for the day.
Demons also started with an aggressive mindset against the pitching of Erin Chaplin, with Abbey Meinck and Nell Eastough both hitting doubles making it 5-5 after two.
The wheels fell off a bit for Warriors in the third as Demons went on a hitting spree, with five hits and a handful of errors leading to a 10-run innings which effectively killed off the contest.
Jordi Gower pitched brilliantly for demons, hitting her spots all day.
Sarah Polderman made a terrific 4-6-3 double play to show why she’s a league best and fairest, but it was not enough for Warriors with the final result 15-7 Demon’s way.
