Mount Gambier Softball League action resumes this Saturday, with players hoping for the best in uncertain times with six rounds to go until finals start in March.
After the first nine games it is Concordes White out on top with six wins and three losses.
Concordes White hopes to defend its ladder lead in its first game back where they will take on the fourth placed Warriors Blue, who are only a game and a half back in what is proving to be a tight race.
Concordes have easily accounted for Warriors Blue in both previous meetings but will be without pitcher Alli Kreplins and gun fielder Rachel Bagshaw, so will be looking for the ever-reliable League Best and Fairest from 2021 Billie Jones to pitch them to victory.
Maddie Bowd has been a revelation for White with both bat and ball, and Maddy Sutherland has been on fire in recent weeks with her rocket arm from third.
Veteran playing coach Jo Hopgood will hope they are all on target so she does not have to stretch much after the Christmas break at first base.
Warriors Blue will look to players like Ange Queale, Leyna Bruggemann and Mel Chuck to pick up where they left off last season, so it is bound to be a close contest.
Second placed Wanderers are only a game behind Concordes White, and will look to catch them this weekend against fifth placed Demons, whom they defeated convincingly in a catch up match just before the Christmas break.
Wanderers are improving every week under the guidance of new coach Nat Anderson, particularly the younger brigade in Lily Clifford-Finch, Charlie Kaigg and Maddelyn Stevens.
Demons have struggled for a consistent nine in the first half of the year, but undoubtedly have the quality to make a run for the top 4 before finals, and with the likes of Cody Manning, Bella Morale, Jordi Gower and Sarah Neiuwenhuizen in the line up no one is counting them out.
In the 3pm game Concordes United (third) take on Warriors White (sixth) in what should be an entertaining match.
United are a definite contender this year and have been white hot and almost impossible to stop with the bat of late.
Their main aim for the second half of the season is to find the consistency of a top side, as their best is a formidable outfit for any opposition.
Coach Hannah Taylor has kept the team settled in stable positions for most of the season and it is paying off, with the understanding between infielders particularly a highlight, especially Bec Von Duve on first who has been a revelation in that position.
Leonie McCallum continues to impress at third and with the bat, and Dana Jones is having her best year yet on the mound.
Sarah Polderman and Justine Koop will hope to slow down the bats of United however, and if anyone can smother a batting side in the field it is these two, with their athletic ability and sensational ground coverage.
Sister act Erin and Clare Chaplin will look to continue their good form for Warriors as well.
